Framing is the art and technique of composing what appears within the boundaries of the image, determining what is included in the shot, what is excluded, and how the elements within the frame are arranged in relation to one another and to the edges of the image. It is one of the most fundamental creative decisions in visual storytelling, directly shaping what the audience sees and how they interpret it.

Framing encompasses decisions about shot size, camera angle, aspect ratio, headroom, lead room, and the spatial relationships between subjects and their environment. Good framing directs the viewer's attention, establishes visual hierarchy, creates balance or intentional imbalance, and supports the emotional and narrative intent of the scene. Framing can be used to isolate subjects, show relationships between characters, reveal or conceal information, create tension through tight compositions, or provide context through generous environmental inclusion.

In AI image and video generation, framing is communicated through prompt language that describes composition, shot types, spatial relationships, and how subjects should be positioned within the frame. Clear framing instructions help models produce outputs with intentional composition rather than arbitrary or centered placements, allowing creators to direct the visual structure of generated content with precision.