DALL-E isn’t the only option

AI-generated art has taken the world by storm because you can now recreate any images you can imagine without being an artist or knowing how to use graphics software like Photoshop. There’s no limit to what you can make, and the best image creators use simple prompts to create photo-realistic fairies in the forest, futuristic flying cars, or anything else you can come up with. You can even create a single image and see how it looks in various styles, like anime, steampunk, etc.

Choosing the right AI image generator can be challenging because they always update the features, and new ones are constantly popping up. We’ve made a list of the best AI image generators for professionals and casual users and tried to include free and paid options, so there’s something for everyone.

1 DALL-E 3

Integrates with ChatGPT to deliver fantastic AI images

Midjourney/Saeed Wazir

DALL-E 3 is the latest iteration of the AI image creator that started it all and is also one of the most user-friendly options because of its seamless ChatGPT integration. Not only is DALL-E 3 fast and accurate thanks to using the GPT-4 engine, but it delivers an incredible level of detail when using AI-improved prompts. For those who worry about social responsibility, this image generator allows creators to opt out of its AI training if they’d prefer to keep their style to themselves.

2 Midjourney

Accurately copies most styles

Midjourney/Pocket-lint

Midjourney has become one of the most popular AI image generators because of its vivid images and ability to mimic nearly any style. It’s also user-friendly and accepts simple prompts to create fantastic images and one-click buttons for upscaling and creating different versions. Midjourney is known for being Discord-based, and the unrivaled social aspect of the community can help you find the perfect prompts in no time when you’re starting out.

3 Craiyon

User-friendly and free

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Craiyon is the perfect stepping stone into the world of AI image creators because it’s user-friendly and affordable. Using the free version is as simple as going to the website and typing a prompt in the search bar. It will then generate nine images in various styles and display a list of similar ones by other artists below as inspiration. It’s more of a fun tool than a professional app, even if you upgrade to the paid versions with faster processing times.

4 Dream by Wombo

Basic AI image generator for mobile devices

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Dream by Wombo is another fun AI image generator for most Apple and Android smartphones that offers a basic, user-friendly experience. This app makes it easy to create AI art because it takes the guesswork out of making prompts by offering Fantasy Art, Steampunk, Abstract, and other preset styles to enhance your prompts. It also allows you to easily share the images you’ve created with friends or even upload and edit existing images or photos to make new creations.

5 Stable Diffusion

Offers more prompt parameters for better accuracy

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Professionals and enthusiasts looking for an accurate AI image generator with fantastic face and text-generation skills can try Stable Diffusion. Unlike many rivals, it’s based on open-source software, meaning its code can be modified for different uses and accessible on various platforms like Dream Studio. Dream Studio is the best for making detailed pictures because it has separate input bars for style, prompts, negative prompts, and size to get the exact image you want.

6 Firefly

Integrates with Adobe products

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It makes sense to use Firefly if you’re a graphics pro in the Adobe ecosystem because you create amazing content in less time than ever. The AI generator makes it easy to add and remove elements, change backgrounds, and recolor your images. Since Firefly’s images are vector-based, they’re easily editable in Illustrator and can be fine-tuned for that professional touch. Another benefit is that images are safe for commercial use because the AI was trained on Adobe stock images from the public domain with no copyright or ethical issues to worry about.

7 Bing’s AI Image Creator

Powered by the GPT-4 engine

Midjourney/Pocket-lint

Bing’s Image Creator is another user-friendly AI image generator, not only because it’s free, but because it’s baked into Microsoft’s Bing Chat with easy access to the fitness trainer, organizer, and other useful apps. The image quality is amazing from the GPT-4 engine, although the speed can get slow if you don’t earn boosts by searching on Bing and completing puzzles and other tasks.

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FAQ

Q: Which is the best AI image generator overall?

There are many great AI image generators, but Midjourney and DALL-E 3 are probably the best overall. Meanwhile, Adobe Firefly is the best AI photo editor, and Stable Diffusion is the best AI for photo-realistic art.

Q: Can AI image generators be used for commercial purposes?

This depends on the specific generator and its licensing terms. Some, like Firefly, are explicitly safe for commercial use, while others may have restrictions or require additional licensing.

Q: AI image generation prompt tips and tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you craft prompts that will yield better images:

1. Be specific: Detail the scene, objects, colors, and mood.
2. Use descriptive language: Add adjectives and adverbs for depth.
3. Art styles or periods: Mention specific styles or historical periods.
4. Define composition: Specify the subject’s position and shot type.
5. State the ratio/size: Mention desired image dimensions or aspect ratio.
6. Mood and atmosphere: Describe the intended mood.
7. Use analogies: Reference similar styles or artists.
8. Iterate and refine: Adjust prompts based on outcomes