diff --git a/qemu-img.texi b/qemu-img.texi
index 9cee2eaa6e0570a58d1db42386bd9f2bf96348f6..482c21b39573e950ce479154a10472c2d46831b7 100644
--- a/qemu-img.texi
+++ b/qemu-img.texi
@@ -4,6 +4,16 @@ usage: qemu-img command [command options]
 @c man end
 @end example
 
+@c man begin DESCRIPTION
+qemu-img allows you to create, convert and modify images offline. It can handle
+all image formats supported by QEMU.
+
+@b{Warning:} Never use qemu-img to modify images in use by a running virtual
+machine or any other process; this may destroy the image. Also, be aware that
+querying an image that is being modified by another process may encounter
+inconsistent state.
+@c man end
+
 @c man begin OPTIONS
 
 The following commands are supported: