The Rise of AI Image Generators: Transforming Creativity in the Digital Age
AI image generators have been making waves in recent years. Whether you’re browsing social media, tuning into the news, or flipping through magazines, you’ve likely noticed the omnipresence of AI-generated visuals. It’s no wonder these creations have captured our attention; the tools to craft them are surprisingly accessible and of remarkably high quality. If you’re interested in diving into this innovative world, or if you’re looking to integrate AI solutions into your business operations, the applications listed here can help you get started.
My journey with AI image generators began back in 2015 with Google’s Deep Dream. Since then, the progression of these tools has been nothing short of astonishing.
Rather than delving into the complicated debates regarding artistic value, the replacement of human artists, or copyright concerns—though these are important conversations—let’s focus on the capabilities of AI image generators. Today, these programs can produce striking images from just about any text prompt you can think of.
Spending some time experimenting with these cutting-edge applications can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to appreciate their technical sophistication. In today’s landscape, we are all exposed to the outputs of these generators, and this trend is only set to expand.
The Leading AI Image Generators
How Do AI Image Generators Work?
All AI image generators operate by taking a text prompt and rendering it into a corresponding image. This leads to a realm of fascinating possibilities. Your prompts can range from something whimsical like “an impressionist oil painting of a Canadian man riding a moose through a maple tree forest” to something ludicrous like “a photo of a donkey on the moon.”
The only real constraints you’ll encounter come from your imagination, the generator’s ability to interpret your prompt, and any safety measures that might limit the creation of inappropriate or copyrighted content. For example, prompts that refer to well-known artists may be restricted on some platforms to prevent copyright issues.
Most image generators function in a similar manner. They train a neural network on millions or billions of text-image pairs, allowing the AI to understand a variety of subjects and styles. By processing vast amounts of data, the algorithm learns to identify various objects, colors, and artistic techniques. Once trained, the AI can interpret just about any input, although crafting precise prompts can be an art in itself.
When it comes to producing the final image, the latest AI generators use a method known as diffusion. They start with random noise and gradually refine it step-by-step until it aligns with the prompt’s interpretation. This can be likened to spotting a vague cloud shape and, through adjustments, transforming it into something distinctly recognizable.
Before we get into specifics, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. While AI can produce impressively unique images, they are not likely to replace traditional photography or bespoke imagery anytime soon. Instead, they excel at generating unusual visuals. For highly customized needs, hiring a professional photographer is often the best route. Relying on an AI for a specific blog header can be more time-consuming than sourcing a simple stock photo, which, while less tailored, is likely to meet your exact needs.
What Sets the Best AI Image Generators Apart?
Our evaluations of the top AI image generators are conducted by people who have extensive experience using and analyzing software. We dedicate dozens of hours to researching and testing each application, ensuring we use them as intended and establish criteria for evaluation. Importantly, we do not accept payment for inclusion in our articles, as we prioritize maintaining the trust of our readers.
The popularity of AI image generators has skyrocketed in recent years, especially given how rudimentary earlier iterations were. Back in 2021, the first DALL·E presented an intriguing novelty, but it paled in comparison to what today’s contenders can achieve.
With the emergence of healthier competition among various models, we’re witnessing a significant enhancement in the quality of their outputs. To identify the leading AI image generators, I’ve set strict criteria for evaluation:
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I sought apps that allow for image creation from simple text prompts, rather than those that require user-uploaded images for portrait generation.
- I focused on the generators themselves rather than platforms that host them. For instance, while NightCafe offers a vibrant community and integrates multiple models, it does not qualify for its independent listing.
In addition to those factors, I also considered user-friendliness, customization options, pricing structures, and, most importantly, the quality of the generated images. Today’s best AI image generators are less likely to produce bizarre or unrealistic results.
With over a decade of experience in photography and art, along with my history of exploring text-to-image generators since their inception with DALL·E, I have familiarized myself with the merits and drawbacks of various tools. My analysis in this article was the first time several generators were side-by-side with identical prompts, and I am thrilled to report that all the entries here provide compelling reasons for use.
It’s worth noting that many of these tools remain in beta. While they continue to improve, they have yet to achieve the reliability needed for consistent commercial use. Unfortunately, beta doesn’t equate to free usage. High processing demands mean that experimenting with these tools can come at a cost.
Implementing AI Image Generation in the Workplace
If you’re intrigued by the potential of AI but unsure how to utilize it in a professional setting, consider these applications:
- Creating captivating hero images for blog posts
- Generating engaging social media content
- Crafting slide presentations and storyboards
- Producing personalized visuals for clients
A Quick Overview of the Best AI Image Generators
| Generator | Best For | Access Options | Price | Parent Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DALL·E 3 | User-friendly operation | ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise; Bing’s AI Copilot; API | 2 free images/day with free ChatGPT plan; included with ChatGPT Plus at $20/month | OpenAI |
| Midjourney | High-quality images | Discord, web app | Starting at $10/month for ~200 images/month and commercial rights | Midjourney |
| Ideogram | Accurate text generation | Web app | Limited free plan; from $8/month for full-resolution download and 400 monthly priority credits | Ideogram AI |
| Stable Diffusion | Customizability and control | Available on various platforms like NightCafe, Tensor.Art | Depends on platform | Stability AI |
| FLUX.1 | An alternative to Stable Diffusion | Available on various platforms | Depends on platform | Black Forest Labs |
| Adobe Firefly | Enhancing photos with AI-generated images | firefly.adobe.com, Photoshop, Express, and other Adobe tools | Free for 25 credits/month; from $4.99 for 100 credits/month | Adobe |
| Generative AI by Getty | Commercially safe images | iStock | From $14.99 for 100 AI generations | Getty (in collaboration with NVIDIA Picasso) |
The Easiest-to-Use AI Image Generator: DALL·E 3
DALL·E 3 stands out as one of the most user-friendly options available today. Its predecessor, DALL·E 2, was groundbreaking for creating fascinating images, yet DALL·E 3 has raised the bar, producing even more vivid and consistent visuals. You can access this tool through ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Bing AI Copilot, which makes it widely available.
DALL·E 3 is exceptionally user-friendly. You simply tell ChatGPT or Bing what you’re picturing, and within moments, you receive multiple AI-generated variations to consider. DALL·E 3’s capabilities are powered by an advanced understanding of language, which enables it to craft diverse results based on your input.
OpenAI allows free ChatGPT users to create two images per day with DALL·E 3, while Microsoft provides a more generous option without charges. However, access through ChatGPT Plus allows for unlimited usage, making it the most efficient choice.
The editing features of DALL·E 3 are versatile, allowing you to request adjustments through ChatGPT or select specific areas of an image for modification. While DALL·E can work wonders with requests, there are instances where it may take creative liberties that differ from your intent. If you need refined control, you may find more satisfaction with the other applications on this list.
DALL·E 3 Pricing
DALL·E 3 is included with ChatGPT Plus for $20/month. The API pricing is variable, starting from $0.016 per image.
Top-Tier AI Image Generator: Midjourney
Midjourney consistently provides outstanding results among the options reviewed. The images produced display improved coherence, vibrant textures, and captivating colors. Particularly, human figures and real-world objects appear incredibly lifelike and detailed.
Midjourney has now launched a web app, eliminating the need to use Discord for access, although that option remains available. Some of its advanced features are still pending on the web application, but it does offer a robust editor that allows ample creative input.
However, Midjourney comes with its quirks. By default, every generated image is publicly displayed on its Explore page, which might deter some businesses from using the platform. For artists, this community-focused design may be more advantageous.
The user documentation for Midjourney is excellent, guiding newcomers through its features effectively. The generator’s numerous parameters yield some genuinely stunning results.
Currently, free trials for Midjourney are unavailable due to high demand, but the Basic Plan starts at $10/month, providing approximately 200 images along with commercial rights.
Midjourney Pricing
The Basic Plan costs $10/month and allows for approximately 200 images with commercial usage rights.
AI Image Generator for Accurate Text: Ideogram
Most AI image generators tend to falter when it comes to accurately creating text; however, Ideogram has cracked that code. Its latest algorithm effectively incorporates text within its generated images.
Ideogram ranks among the top image generators overall as well. With an intuitive web interface and useful features like an image editor, it stands out in the market. During tests, Ideogram often produced results that rivaled even Midjourney’s outputs.
Ideogram offers a free plan, albeit with limitations. Users receive 10 credits per day with a queue for image generation, but this gives you a chance to explore its capabilities.
Ideogram Pricing
The platform has a limited free plan; professional options start at $8/month for full-resolution downloads and 400 monthly credits.
AI Image Generator for Customization: Stable Diffusion
Stable Diffusion is distinct as an open-source model that allows for extensive customization—ideal for those with technical expertise who want complete control over their projects.
Available through multiple platforms like NightCafe and Tensor.Art, users can experiment with varied styles. Remarkably, several platforms offer introductory credits, permitting users to test the service.
However, the open-source nature of Stable Diffusion has led to both a wealth of creative opportunities and some chaos surrounding its management and evolving features.
Stable Diffusion Pricing
Pricing may vary based on the platform, but numerous providers offer free credits to facilitate exploration.
Best Alternative to Stable Diffusion: FLUX.1
As the founders of Stable Diffusion migrated from Stability.ai to create Black Forest Labs, they introduced FLUX.1—a model that in tests competes effectively with Stable Diffusion.
While still emerging, FLUX.1 shows promise and may one day overshadow its predecessor as more creators optimize it for specific artistic applications.
FLUX.1 Pricing
Like Stable Diffusion, pricing varies between platforms, and many offer free credits for trials.
Best AI Image Generator for Integrating into Photos: Adobe Firefly
Adobe has leveraged its years of expertise in creative software to create Firefly, which excels at integrating AI-generated images into existing designs. Its notable features include AI-generated elements that can seamlessly blend into photos, making it a favorite among professionals.
Firefly can be used for free via the web or through Adobe Express, but the most comprehensive functionality is found within Photoshop.
Firefly’s strengths lie in its Generative Fill and Generative Expand features, which allow for contextual images to be added, matching existing elements without disrupting the overall design.
Adobe Firefly Pricing
Firefly allows for 25 free credits per month, with options starting at $4.99 for 100 monthly credits. Photoshop itself is available as part of the Creative Cloud Photography Plan for $19.99/month, including 500 generative credits.
Best AI Image Generator for Commercially Safe Images: Generative AI by Getty
When it comes to commercial use, the legal landscape surrounding AI-generated images can be complex. Getty Images offers their Generative AI tool via iStock, designed to avoid such pitfalls.
While there may be limitations in creativity compared to other apps, Generative AI adeptly creates images that meet stock photo requirements.
Getty’s tool excels in classic stock scenarios, producing outcomes that closely resemble genuine stock images. For secure commercial use free from copyright concerns, Getty’s tool is an excellent choice.
Generative AI by Getty Pricing
Available through iStock for $14.99 per 100 AI generations.
How to Use an AI Image Generator
Now that you know the leading options, you’re likely wondering how to get started. The team at Zapier offers a wealth of resources to guide you through effective usage.
Next Steps and Resources
Check out tutorials for various AI image generators from our team to familiarize yourself with their capabilities.
Once you’re well-versed, consider applying these tools beyond generating quirky images. Here are some practical applications for the workplace.
Automation with AI Image Generators
Lastly, explore the ways you can connect your AI image generators with other applications to streamline workflows, enhancing efficiency in your tasks.
Google Gemini and Imagen
It’s worth noting the absence of Google’s Imagen text-to-image generator from this list. Although it recently launched, my evaluations indicate that it does not yet match the quality of DALL·E 3.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
With AI-generated images becoming mainstream, there are critical discussions to be had about their ethical usage. Current laws around these images are ambiguous, having implications both for creators and users.
As we’ve seen with ongoing lawsuits involving major firms, using AI-generated images could pose risks—especially when aimed at commercial use. It’s prudent to tread carefully and assess the potential biases within AI-generated content.
The Future of AI Image Generators
As technology rapidly evolves, more powerful models are emerging with each update. If this upward trajectory continues, AI image generators could fundamentally reshape how we create and interact with visual media.
This article was initially published in March 2023 and has since been updated for relevance and clarity as of October 2024.