Artificial intelligence continues to expand at a remarkable pace. And one of the areas where AI now enjoys an incredible win is image generation.
Can you imagine creating photorealistic portraits, breathtaking landscapes, or incredible creatures all from words?
This implies that the days when you could only create images from high-end software and top-notch skills are long gone. With the interestingly high number of tools and platforms now available, the gate is now open for you to create stunning visuals with unimaginable ease.
More interestingly, anyone can hack this even without any designing and editing experience.
This article unlocks the magic of AI text-to-image generation. We’ll delve into the freemium and paid options, exploring their key features and ideal use cases.
We’ve got you covered irrespective of the level of your design skills and expertise. Get ready to embark on a journey of creative exploration and unleash your imagination!
How Do AI Image Generators Work?
AI image generators leverage powerful machine learning capabilities through artificial neural networks (ANN). The algorithms are trained on image generation using bulk data consisting of photos, 3D models, and paintings paired by detailed captions illustrating what they are.
The general steps involved in image generation include;
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- Write a Prompt: AI image generators work with texts. Therefore, the first should involve writing a good prompt. An example of a text-to-image prompt can be, “an Indian man wearing a hat and gumboots in a field of rice“.
- Understanding Your Prompt: AI does not directly convert words to pixels for every prompt you write. Instead, it will first use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret and understand the context of your prompt before converting the prompt into a numerical representation to help the software understand your concept.
- Generating the Image: The already trained set of artificial neural networks (ANNs) will work in the background to create an image. The process begins with the ANNs creating random pixels and then refining the pixels based on the AI’s understanding of your prompt. Notably, two main techniques come in handy during this process; Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Diffusion Models.
- The AI Produces an Output: After the iterative refinement process, the AI delivers your final image, hopefully matching your vision as described in the text prompt. Ideally, generating an AI image may sometimes involve multiple attempts. Whichever the case, you need highly refined prompts to come up with a good image.
Trends and Statistics on AI Image Generators
AI continues to evolve and we will undoubtedly witness significant development in the coming years. Notable trends and statistics in this fast-growing field include;
- Grand View Research put the market size for image generators at USD 301.7 million in 2022 and projects it to hit USD 1,081.2 million by 2030, signifying a 17.5% annual increase.
- Of all the AI images ever produced, Stable Diffusion boasts 80% of all images.
- DALL-E 3 remains one of the most popular contributors in the AI image generation industry with over 916 files.
Best AI Image Generators
Explore some top-notch tools for generating AI images with us.
1. DALL-E 3
One of the greatest advantages that comes with OpenAI’s tools is the consistent upgrade that they undergo, and DALL-E 3 is no exception. In just under one year, this intuitive platform has transitioned from DALL-E to DALL-E 2, and now DALL-E 3. Of course, these transitions have come with remarkable upgrades.
This advanced AI model generates images based on natural language inputs known as prompts, creating accurate pictures representative of the descriptions provided.
DALL-E 3 is integrated with ChatGPT, making it more accessible and user-friendly. The app stands out for its enhanced context understanding, advanced nuance, and detailed recognition capabilities.
Key Features of DALL-E 3
- Enhanced context understanding for precise visual representation.
- Ability to follow complex prompts accurately.
- Offers a collaborative approach to prompt refinement and image editing.
- Text-based prompts with advanced control options for fine-tuning
- Generation of photorealistic and detailed images in various artistic styles
- Inpainting and editing capabilities for existing images
Pricing Details: DALL-E 3 adoption is still gradually rolling out, and access remains limited and controlled by OpenAI.
2. Runway
Geared towards artists and designers, Runway offers a powerful platform with various AI tools for image generation, editing, and animation. Runway leverages the customizability and flexibility of Stable Diffusion.
This feature allows you to fine-tune various characteristics of the image generation process, such as detail level, style, and specific elements.
Besides, it empowers artists and designers to explore their creative vision through detailed control over generated visuals.
Key Features of Runway:
- User-friendly interface for easy image generation
- Ability to upload images for variations
- Multiple artistic styles and aspect ratios to choose from
- Community gallery for inspiration and sharing
Pricing Details: Runway offers various paid subscription plans with different functionalities and generation credits with pricing starting at around $12 per month for a basic plan.
3. Craiyon
Interestingly, there is an array of free AI image generation tools and Craiyon is one of them. Formerly known as DALL-E mini, this tool allows you to create stunning images from texts. It stands out for its stunning speed, as it can create up to 9 images in a minute.
Craiyon stands out as an entry-level image generator. Therefore, casual users, students, and budding content creators looking for a free AI image generator will find this an incredible choice.
Key Features of Craiyon
- You can specify whether you want a sketched, drawn, painted, or photorealistic output
- Its humorous results can be as amusing as inspiring
- Allows unlimited text prompts
- No need to sign up for the platform
- Offers prompt prediction features
- The upscale option allows you to create more high-quality images
- Craiyon is free and unlimited
4. DreamStudio
Another free AI text-to-image generator that you may want to consider is DreamStudio by Stability AI. This cloud-based platform leverages the Stable Diffusion technology to create appealing images.
Besides its text-to-image capabilities, the platform also comes with incredible image-to-image functionalities.
Notably, DreamStudio is a notch above your ordinary entry-level AI tool. It is best if you are looking to customize or refine your image generation activities hence ideal for art enthusiasts and professionals with an appetite for high-quality advertising, design, and media images.
Key Features of DreamStudio
- Utilizes the flexibility and customizability of Stable Diffusion
- Allows you to use negative prompts to eliminate unrequired elements
- Choose your desired aspect ratio from the provided range
- You can upload images for variations
- The platform is highly accessible
Pricing Details: Free for up to 25 credits upon sign-up. You will need to buy more credit at $10 for 1000 units.
5. Canva AI
If you have been in the design industry for a considerable amount of time, then you must already be familiar with Canva.
Interestingly, this popular design software now has an image generator, Canva AI, integrated into the platform. The AI generates images directly into the design workflow.
Notably, this seamless integration allows you to quickly and conveniently create visuals alongside other design functionalities. You can easily blend these images with various Canva features and incorporate them into your Canva designs.
If you are a graphic designer, a content creator, a social media manager, or anyone grappling with basic design needs will find it incredible.
Key Features of Canva AI
- Access to multiple AI image-generation tools from different providers
- User-friendly interface with clear instructions
- Ability to customize text prompts, choose image styles, and adjust image size
- Integration with Canvas design library for further editing and modification
- A versatile range of templates
Pricing Details: A free plan allows you to create up to 50 images monthly while the paid plans allow for higher monthly limits.
6. NightCafe Creator
Anyone looking for an AI image generator that strikes a perfect balance between an intuitive interface and artistic prowess can count on NightCafe Creator. This web-based platform allows you to transform text prompts into photorealistic images in a breeze.
NightCafe Creator stands out because it goes beyond your ordinary text-to-image generator. Instead, it fosters artistic exploration, ensuring that you have a versatile range of artistic styles to choose from.
Notable styles that will sweep you off your feet include pop art, impressionism, and pixel art. Of course, it also allows you to use the advanced controls to determine the mood and composition of your image.
Key Features of NightCafe Creator
- Has an active community with daily challenges
- Ideal for content creators, artists, and designers
- Easy to use
- Ability to choose different image sizes and aspect ratios
- Unlimited base Stable Diffusion generation
- Multiple AI algorithms, including Stable Diffusion, DALL-E 2, etc.
- Power tools such as multiple prompts and bulk creation
Pricing Details: The tool offers a free plan with limited daily credits. You can purchase extra credits at $10 for every 1000 credits.
7. Deep Dream Generator
As the name suggests, Deep Dream Generator efficiently creates dream-like visuals using algorithmic pareidolia.
This web-based AI image generator blends artificial intelligence and artistic expressions to generate psychedelic visuals from your text prompts.
Deep Dream Generator offers a unique approach to AI image generation. It is an experimental approach that comes with an API to allow seamless integration to various programming languages. Thus, you can easily use it in any programming environment.
Even more, unlike many other AI image generators striving for photorealism, Deep Dream Generator focuses on generating surreal and visually striking imagery with a distinctive dreamlike quality.
This might be appealing if you are seeking a unique and artistic approach.
Key Features of Deep Dream Generator
- Extensive customization options for the dreamlike effects
- Various artistic styles are available
- Ability to upload base images for variation
- Option to adjust image resolution and aspect ratio
Pricing Details: Free plan offers 3 credits per day with limitations on image size and resolution. Paid subscriptions start at around $9 per month and unlock unlimited generations, higher-resolution images, and additional features.
8. Dream by WOMBO
AI image generation is taking over the world. One indication of that is that you no longer need a PC or a dedicated browser to generate images from texts. Dream by WOMBO allows you to generate images from your mobile device, thanks to its intuitive mobile app.
The mobile-first approach makes it ideal for creative exploration on the go. Therefore, you can turn your ideas into visuals anytime, anywhere.
For Dream by WOMBO, convenience, and accessibility come before anything else. This is why it will treat you to an intuitive mobile app to allows you to experiment and generate images with ease, even while on the move.
Also, this software is pretty versatile and allows you to create images for various functions. You can create movie posters, poetry, and general art without paper, pencils, and paintbrushes.
Key Features of Dream by WOMBO
- Choose from a variety of art styles
- Create art from existing images by uploading photos and transforming them to what you may need
- Share artwork on social media platforms
- User-friendly interface with text prompt input
- Integration with NFT marketplaces for seamless minting
- Daily challenges and prompts for creative inspiration
Pricing Details: WOMBO Dream is available for free. You can, however, make in-app purchases to enjoy more items.
9. Starry AI
And if you are still considering a free text-to-image AI generator, Starry AI could fit the bill. This tool can efficiently convert words to photos and digital kinds of various kinds.
Starry AI is a perfect option if you are looking for uniqueness in your ideal free image generator.
Whether you are a beginner looking to explore the level of your creativity or an experienced artist seeking a convenient way to generate high-quality images from text prompts, this will be an incredible option.
Key Features of Starry AI
- Extensive collection of pre-defined artistic styles
- Granular control over various image aspects (lighting, composition, etc.)
- “Altair” and “Orion” outputs for exploring different creative directions
- Upscaling and inpainting tools for further image refinement
- A community forum for sharing artwork and inspiration
- Customize images by editing details such as colors, textures, etc.
Pricing Details: The free plan allows for 5 daily image generations with limited features and watermarks. You can subscribe to premium versions for $15 per month to unlock daily limits and enjoy higher resolutions.
10. Jasper Art
While Jasper Art may be new to you, you might have already heard of or interacted with Jasper AI. This popular AI tool is popular for churning out amazing writeups from text prompts, and we cannot say the same about its image generation version, Jasper Art.
It comes in handy for creating original, royalty-free images from text descriptions. Jasper Art stands out for its ability to generate illustrations, photorealistic images, and artwork from text prompts.
It allows you to create multiple images matching a given description. Besides, you can even load your images as a starting point and make edits as you deem appropriate.
Key Features of Jasper Art
- Integrates seamlessly with Jasper writing tools
- User-friendly interface with clear instructions
- Pre-defined templates for various visual needs
- Limited editing options for fine-tuning the generated image
- Reprint and sell generated images for personal or commercial use
- Utilize Dall-E 2 software by OpenAI and Natural Language Processing
Pricing Details: Jasper Art offers a Pro plan starting at $59 per month.
11. Midjourney
You cannot talk about the best AI image generators without mentioning Midjourney AI Tool.
This tool stands out as a frontrunner in the image generation industry for its ability to create highly stunning and artistic images.
With its advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities, Midjourney offers personalized insights, recommendations, and optimizations tailored to each user’s unique needs and preferences.
It operates on a beta version where you can access various rooms in which you can use commands to develop photorealistic images.
Key Features of Midjourney:
- Consists of multiple AI models with different styles
- You can refine the generated image using additional prompts during editing
- Allows you to enhance the resolutions of your image outputs
- You can replace image backgrounds to meet your needs
- Identify and extract objects/characters from your images
Midjourney operates on a pay-as-you-go system within their Discord server. You purchase “minutes” which are then used to generate images, with plans starting from as low as $10.
12 Getimg ai
If you are looking for a comprehensive platform that will handle all your image generation needs then you have a partner in Getimg AI. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to provide you with all the functionalities that you may need from the best image generation tool.
You can use Getimg ai to produce original images at scale or modify any existing photos. You can also use it to expand pictures beyond their known borders which is a functionality that not most AI tools can achieve.
With over 20 custom AI models, Getimg allows you to create whatever you may have in mind.
Key Features of Getimg:
- Allows text descriptions for image generation
- Features an amazing AI editor to change the visual features of your image
- The DreamBooth feature allows you to create a custom model with just 10 pictures
- Apply your preferred artistic styles to generated images
Getimg features a free plan with up to 100 credits. Paid plans begin at $12 monthly.
13. RenderNet
And if you are on a tight budget but still looking to generate high-quality images, RenderNet is an incredible option. Interestingly, this platform allows access and image creation even without using a credit card for committing your ability to make payments. Of course, not so many ai image generation tools allow that.
While it is a relatively new entrant into the AI image generation market, it stands out for its focus on character consistency. Thus, RenderNet is offers unparallel control to allow you create images with same characters appearing in different scenes.
Its FaceLock features ensures that a character can maintain its face in different poses or styles.
Key Features of RenderNet:
- Lets you upload reference images to guide the AI
- Discover and share effective prompts with the RenderNet community
- Super fast GPU integration for efficient image generation.
- Digital illustration creation capabilities.
- Enchanted creature portraits for unique and creative outputs
- Pricing Details: Render offers a freemium model.
- Freemium Models: Grant limited access with restrictions on features and generation limits.
- Subscription Plans: Provide increased functionality and higher generation limits. These options also come with additional features at a monthly or annual cost.
- Limited Access: Some advanced platforms like DALL-E 3 might have restricted access through waitlists or partnerships, with pricing structures not publicly available.
- Enhanced Creativity: Spark new ideas, explore creative avenues, and generate inspiration for visual projects.
- Increased Efficiency: Save time and effort by generating visuals quickly and easily.
- Accessibility: Enables individuals with limited artistic skills to create visually appealing content.
- Exploration of Artistic Styles: Experiment with various artistic styles and techniques without needing to master them individually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. What are AI image generators?
AI image generators are tools or programs that use AI to create images from text descriptions or prompts provided by the user. They analyze the user’s input and generate visuals that correspond to the described concept, style, and elements.
2. How much does it cost to use an AI image generator?
Pricing models vary across different platforms. Some offer:
3. What are the advantages of using AI image generators?
Notable advantages include:-
4. What Are the Ethical Implications of AI Art Generators?
AI art generators raise ethical concerns that border on copyright infringement. These tools draw inspiration from existing images across the internet, sometimes without proper attribution or licensing.
While using these tools is pretty legal, consider the ethical implications of the images you create and ensure they are appropriate for your intended audience.
Conclusion
That is all we have on the top best AI image generators for 2024. The review features a range of freemium and subscription-based options.
If you are wondering whether to go for a freemium or paid option, we advise that you try out some free versions to experiment your creativity and explore what AI generators can offer.
