Apple’s Image Wand, part of Apple Intelligence, is a creative new tool built into the Notes app that can transform rough sketches or surrounding text into fully generated AI illustrations. Whether you’re brainstorming, taking notes for class, or just doodling for fun, it’s an easy way to add visuals without searching for images online. Here’s how it works.
Note: Genmoji is built into iOS 18.2 and available on devices compatible with Apple Intelligence – including the iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPads with an M1 chip or higher.
Spruce up your sketches
If you like to sketch, Image Wand can refine your rough drawings into polished AI-generated images. Open Notes and start a new note or open an existing one. Tap the pen icon in the toolbar and sketch a simple shape or object. Once you have your rough drawing, tap the Image Wand tool (a wand with a rainbow tip) and circle your sketch.
A text box will appear, asking you to describe what you’ve drawn. You don’t have to be too detailed – simple phrases work just fine. After a few seconds, Image Wand will generate a set of images based on your drawing and description. You can swipe through the different variations and choose one that fits your vision by tapping Done. If something feels off, tweak the description and try again.
Once you’re happy with the image, you can place it anywhere in your note. If you need a different aesthetic, tap the + button to switch between Sketch, Illustration, and Animation styles.
Creating images from text
Image Wand can also create illustrations based on what’s written in your notes. If you’re jotting down ideas and want a visual to go with them, tap the Image Wand tool and circle an empty space near your text. The AI will analyze the surrounding words and attempt to generate an image that fits the context.
For example, if you’ve written notes on photosynthesis, circling a blank area nearby will prompt Image Wand to generate a simple diagram of the process. If the image isn’t quite right, you can modify the auto-generated description criteria to get a better result.
You can also generate an image directly from a specific block of text. Simply tap the Image Wand, highlight a block of text, and choose Create Image.
Editing and refining
Once you’ve added an image, you can adjust it just like any other object in Notes. Tap and drag to reposition it, pinch to resize, or use the Remove Background option if you want a cleaner look. If the image needs changes, tap it and select Recreate to modify the description or swap out elements.
One final thing to note is that unlike Image Playground and Genmoji, Image Wand won’t generate people. This feature is purely designed to create diagrams and pictures to accompany your notes. As ever, you’ll also butt up against the system’s limitations if you try to generate questionable content of any kind.
So experiment, have fun, and don’t expect miracles. Your notes will be looking better in no time!