# Generating an image

# Generating an image

A generation starts with the character's trigger word followed by a description of the scene.

## The trigger word

Each character has one trigger word. Set it in the dashboard's **Characters** tab under **Trigger:** (the same field is **Command Trigger** in the Edit Bot modal). Changes apply immediately.

The trigger is usually the character's name — `/spongebob` — but any word works, including `/create` or `/generate`.

*A generation in Telegram*

```
/spongebob running through Times Square at night time
```

> **Describe the scene, not the character**
>
> Describe only what is around it.

## Slash Required For Generation

By default the leading slash is optional: `spongebob at the beach` generates, and so does `/spongebob at the beach`.

Turn on **Slash Required For Generation** in Settings → Features (Bot Utilities) and the bot only responds to triggers that start with `/`. In `/menu` the same switch is **⌨️ Require Forward Slash**.

> **Warning**
>
> Covers generations and edits, including reply-edits, photo captions and album captions. For generations the switch is per chat. For edits it applies to the whole bot.

- [Configure your bot within Telegram](/telegram-bot/introduction)
- [Image editing](/platform/platform-start-here#image-editing)

## The first generation

#### From finished training to a verified bot

1. Wait for the dashboard to mark training complete.
2. Open a DM with the bot, or an authorized group.
3. Send the trigger word with a short prompt.
4. Check that the character is correct before opening the bot to the group.

If the character is wrong, submit a revision before launch. Monthly plans include free revision rounds; the Day Pass does not.

- [Revisions](/platform/platform-plans#revisions)

## Where the image goes

Every generated image is saved to the character's gallery site.

Turning off the **Image Captions** switch in Bot Utilities removes the caption and the **View On Website** button from delivered images.

- [The gallery site](/generation/generation-gallery)