Silent Image

Utility Action Economy

Level & School
1st-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S, M (a bit of fleece)
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You create the image of an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon that is no larger than a 15-foot Cube. The image appears at a spot within range and lasts for the duration. The image is purely visual; it isn't accompanied by sound, smell, or other sensory effects.

As a Magic action, you can cause the image to move to any spot within range. As the image changes location, you can alter its appearance so that its movements appear natural for the image. For example, if you create an image of a creature and move it, you can alter the image so that it appears to be walking.

Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, since things can pass through it. A creature that takes a Study action to examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the creature can see through the image.

Level & School
1st-level illusion
Casting Time
Action
Range
60 feet
Components
V, S, M (a bit of fleece)
Duration
Concentration, 10 minutes
Classes
Bard, Sorcerer, Wizard

You create the image of an object, a creature, or some other visible phenomenon that is no larger than a 15-foot cube. The image appears at a spot within range and lasts for the duration. The image is purely visual; it isn't accompanied by sound, smell, or other sensory effects.

You can use your action to cause the image to move to any spot within range. As the image changes location, you can alter its appearance so that its movements appear natural for the image. For example, if you create an image of a creature and move it, you can alter the image so that it appears to be walking.

Physical interaction with the image reveals it to be an illusion, because things can pass through it. A creature that uses its action to examine the image can determine that it is an illusion with a successful Intelligence (Investigation) check against your spell save DC. If a creature discerns the illusion for what it is, the creature can see through the image.

Silent Image 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version specifies "up to 10 minutes" duration, and changes the action to "Magic action" instead of "action." It also states "no larger than a 15-foot Cube" and allows a creature to take a "Study" action to examine the image, replacing the 2014 "use its action" wording.

Spells similar to Silent Image

  • Minor Illusion, Illusion cantrip

    It's the cantrip counterpart that also creates simple sensory illusions and is used for the same tricksy, visual deception tactics.

  • Major Image, 3rd-level illusion

    A larger, higher‑level version that creates movable, convincing images for extended scenes and similar battlefield or social misdirection.

  • Programmed Illusion, 6th-level illusion

    This spell creates prearranged visual (and sometimes sensory) illusions that function like set‑piece Silent Image effects but with longer duration and automation.

  • Disguise Self, 1st-level illusion

    While focused on personal appearance, it shares Silent Image's use of illusion magic for deception and social or stealth scenarios.

  • Dancing Lights, Illusion cantrip

    A simple illusion cantrip that produces controllable visible phenomena used for diversion, signaling, or creating ambience like Silent Image does on a small scale.