Sora Cheat Sheet
A quick reference for OpenAI's Sora video generator: how to prompt a shot, the controls (aspect ratio, duration, remix, storyboard), and tips for better clips.
Ways to create
| Feature | Description | Example / tip |
|---|---|---|
| Describe a shot and Sora generates the clip. | 'aerial shot of waves at sunrise' | |
| Animate a still image for more control over the starting frame. | Upload a photo, prompt the motion | |
| Change part of an existing clip while keeping the rest. | 'make it snow in this scene' | |
| Lay out shots on a timeline to direct a longer sequence. | Set beats: wide, then close-up |
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Controls
| Feature | Description | Example / tip |
|---|---|---|
| Set the frame shape for where the video will live. | 9:16 for Reels, 16:9 for YouTube | |
| Choose the clip length; shorter clips are more reliable. | Start with a few seconds | |
| Higher resolution looks better but costs more and takes longer. | Draft low, finalize high | |
| Name the camera move for more cinematic results. | 'slow dolly in, shallow focus' |
Writing a good prompt
| Feature | Description | Example / tip |
|---|---|---|
| Describe a single shot, not a whole story. | 'a candle flickering in a dark room' | |
| Say who or what, what they do, and where. | 'a fox trots through a snowy forest' | |
| Light and look drive the mood. | 'golden hour, film grain' |
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a good Sora prompt?
Describe one clear shot rather than a whole story: name the subject, the action, the setting, the lighting and the camera move. Short, concrete prompts like 'slow push-in on a candle in a dark room, film grain' work far better than long paragraphs.
What's the difference between text-to-video and image-to-video?
Text-to-video builds a clip from a description alone, which is fast but less predictable. Image-to-video animates a still you provide, giving you much more control because the first frame is locked in.
How long can Sora videos be?
Sora generates short clips, and shorter durations are the most reliable. For longer sequences, use the storyboard to direct several shots and stitch the moments together.
Is Sora free?
Sora is available through OpenAI's paid subscriptions, with the amount and quality of generations depending on the plan.
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