The luminescence properties of Bi3+ in 177 inorganic compounds are reviewed and rationalized based on two simple and easy-to-use models. These models are applicable to any kind of compound whose crystal structure is known. The calculation of the nephelauxetic function, he, involved in one of the models is described step-by-step for an easy implementation in a home-made calculator or machine-learning algorithm. Finally, a criterion based on the experimental value of the Stokes shift is introduced to help in fixing the origin of the Bi3+-related emission.