The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically transformed many industries and one of the most exciting advancements has been in the field of image generation. AI-powered image generators have become invaluable tools for artists, designers, marketers and creators, offering endless possibilities for generating visuals from scratch, enhancing creativity and saving time. Whether you’re looking to create photorealistic images, artistic illustrations or unique design concepts, AI image generators can help you bring your ideas to life.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 Best Image Generating AI Tools, diving deep into their features, pros and cons, pricing models and how to use them effectively.
5 Best Image Generating AI Tools
1. DALL·E 2
DALL·E 2, developed by OpenAI, is a groundbreaking AI model designed to generate high-quality images from textual descriptions. Building on the success of its predecessor, DALL·E, this version excels in producing more detailed, vibrant and creative visuals. It’s particularly known for its ability to generate unique, surreal images, making it a popular choice among artists and content creators.
Features of DALL·E 2
- Text-to-Image Generation: Users can input a simple text description, and DALL·E 2 will create a corresponding image.
- High-Resolution Output: Unlike many AI generators, DALL·E 2 produces high-resolution, clear images.
- Diverse Style Options: It can generate images in a wide variety of styles, from photorealism to abstract art.
- Inpainting and Editing: DALL·E 2 allows users to modify parts of the generated image, making it easier to refine specific areas.
- Zero-Shot Learning: It can understand novel combinations of words and create new images without requiring additional training data.
Pros
- Versatility in Styles: It’s capable of producing images in many different styles, from cartoonish designs to realistic photos.
- High Quality: The image output is often very detailed and high-resolution.
- Creative Potential: It encourages creative exploration by generating surreal and abstract combinations.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple, intuitive controls allow users to quickly input text and generate images.
Cons
- Text Misinterpretation: At times, DALL·E 2 may misunderstand complex or nuanced prompts, leading to unexpected results.
- No Full Customization: While you can guide the process with text, full control over specific elements in the image is limited.
- Limited Access: As of now, the tool is not available to everyone and requires sign-up approval or specific permissions for use.
Pricing of DALL·E 2
DALL·E 2 offers a tiered pricing system, with a free trial providing a certain number of generations and subsequent usage requiring payment based on credits consumed.
How to Use of DALL·E 2 ?
- Create an Account: Sign up for an OpenAI account and request access to DALL·E 2.
- Input Text Prompt: After accessing the tool, type a descriptive phrase, such as “a cat sitting on a moonlit beach.”
- Generate Image: Hit the generate button, and DALL·E 2 will create a series of images based on the input.
- Refine or Edit: You can further refine the image or edit specific parts using the inpainting tool.
- Download: Once satisfied, you can download the high-resolution image for use.
2. MidJourney
MidJourney is a cutting-edge AI tool that focuses on producing artistic, dream-like images from text prompts. MidJourney has gained a loyal following among digital artists and creators looking for something more experimental and visually unique. Its ability to generate visually stunning and surrealistic images has quickly set it apart from other AI models in the image generation space.
Features of MidJourney
- Creative Freedom: MidJourney is designed for producing high-concept, often ethereal and abstract images.
- Community-Centered: It operates through Discord, allowing users to share and discuss their creations.
- Quick Generation: Images are created swiftly, with previews typically available in under a minute.
- Wide Range of Artistic Styles: The AI can mimic a variety of artistic styles, from modern digital art to classical painting.
Pros
- Ideal for Artists: The surreal and visually complex images MidJourney produces make it perfect for digital artists.
- Easy Collaboration: The community aspect of Discord allows users to learn from each other and improve their creations.
- Fast Processing: It generates results quickly, with previews appearing in seconds.
Cons
- Requires Discord Access: MidJourney only operates via Discord, which might be a barrier for some users.
- Less Control Over Detail: While excellent at generating broad artistic ideas, it offers less precision for fine-tuning details compared to other tools.
- Style-Limited: The focus on artistic, non-photorealistic styles may not be ideal for users seeking highly realistic images.
Pricing of MidJourney
MidJourney offers different pricing tiers:
- Free Tier: Limited use with watermarked images.
- Basic Plan: $10 per month, allowing for limited generation.
- Standard Plan: $30 per month for unlimited personal use.
How to Use MidJourney?
- Join the Discord Server: Sign up for a Discord account and join the MidJourney Discord server.
- Enter a Command: Type
/imaginefollowed by your image description in any text channel. - View Results: After a short wait, MidJourney will return a series of image previews based on your description.
- Upscale or Generate Variations: Choose the image you like and either upscale it or generate variations.
- Download the Final Image: Once upscaled, you can download the final, higher-resolution version.
3. Artbreeder
Artbreeder is a unique AI-driven platform that allows users to create images through collaborative “breeding” of various images. Originally focused on generating human faces, Artbreeder has since expanded to allow the creation of landscapes, buildings and even abstract art. Its genetic metaphor lets users combine features of different images to evolve new ones, making it a fascinating tool for experimentation.
Features of Artbreeder
- Collaborative Creation: Artbreeder allows users to combine (or “breed”) multiple images to create new ones.
- Parameter Controls: Users can tweak image traits such as age, gender and color to fine-tune the final output.
- Diverse Categories: From faces to landscapes, it covers a wide range of image generation possibilities.
- Community Interaction: Users can share their creations with others and collaborate on evolving images.
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Its slider-based interface makes it easy for anyone to experiment with generating images.
- Collaborative Environment: The ability to work with other users’ creations is a unique feature.
- Wide Range of Image Types: It supports the creation of faces, portraits, landscapes and more.
Cons
- Limited Control Over Specifics: While you can tweak general traits, getting precise control over the final image can be challenging.
- Lower Resolution: Compared to other tools, Artbreeder’s images are often of lower resolution.
- Requires Internet: Constant internet connection is required to interact with the tool effectively.
Pricing of Artbreeder
Artbreeder is available in both free and paid versions:
- Free Tier: Limited features and fewer image generations per month.
- Paid Subscription: $8.99 per month for more generation capacity, higher-resolution downloads and private image creation.
How to Use Artbreeder?
- Create an Account: Sign up on Artbreeder’s website.
- Select a Category: Choose what type of image you want to create, such as portraits, landscapes or buildings.
- Breed Images: Combine images by selecting and adjusting traits using sliders.
- Refine the Image: Use sliders to adjust parameters like gender, age or color.
- Download or Share: Once satisfied, download your image or share it with the Artbreeder community.
4. Deep Dream Generator
Deep Dream Generator is an AI-based tool that turns ordinary images into dream-like, surrealistic visuals. Developed by Google, it uses neural networks to transform images into highly stylized pieces of art, often resembling abstract, hallucinatory works.
Features of Deep Dream Generator
- Dream-Like Style Transfer: Transforms ordinary images into abstract, surreal art.
- Style Customization: Users can apply various artistic styles to their images.
- Pre-Trained Models: Built on top of neural networks that were initially trained for image recognition tasks.
- Community Interaction: Users can browse through other creations and gain inspiration.
Pros
- Unique Artistic Output: Creates highly stylized and imaginative results.
- Easy to Use: Upload an image, apply a style, and generate a new artistic version.
- Free to Use: Offers free generation with limited customization.
Cons
- Limited Control: You can’t control every detail of the transformation.
- Less Suitable for Realism: Not ideal for photorealistic images.
- Limited Free Access: Free usage comes with restrictions, such as lower-resolution outputs.
Pricing of Deep Dream Generator
- Free Plan: Limited image generations with restricted resolution and style choices.
- Advanced Plan: $19 per month for more style options and high-resolution outputs.
How to Use Deep Dream Generator?
- Create an Account: Sign up for a free account on Deep Dream Generator’s website.
- Upload an Image: Choose an image from your computer or use one from the platform’s gallery.
- Select a Dream Style: Pick from a range of pre-set styles, or upload your own style reference.
- Generate Image: Click to apply the style and wait for the output.
- Download or Share: Download the final image or share it on the platform’s gallery.
5. Runway ML
Runway ML is a multi-functional AI platform that includes a powerful text-to-image generation tool, along with a range of other creative AI features for video, audio and even 3D models. Geared toward creatives and designers, Runway ML provides extensive options for integrating AI into various creative workflows.
Features of Runway ML
- Multimedia Integration: Beyond images, it supports video and audio processing.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Allows for real-time editing and adjustments in collaborative environments.
- Pre-Trained Models: Includes a range of pre-trained AI models for quick and easy usage.
- Custom Model Training: Advanced users can train their own models for specific creative projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive Creative Suite: Offers much more than just image generation, covering other media types like video and audio.
- User-Friendly: Intuitive interface designed for creators with minimal AI expertise.
- Collaborative Tools: Supports team collaboration in real-time.
Cons
- Steeper Learning Curve: Some features, especially model training, require advanced knowledge.
- Expensive for Premium Features: Full access to all models and features can be costly.
- High System Requirements: Running some models requires a powerful computer or cloud resources.
Pricing of Runway ML
- Free Tier: Limited access to models and features.
- Pro Plan: Starts at $15 per month for additional storage, priority access and more advanced features.
How to Use Runway ML?
- Sign Up for Runway ML: Create an account on the Runway ML website.
- Choose a Tool: Select the text-to-image generator from the list of creative tools.
- Enter a Prompt: Input a text description of the image you want to create.
- Generate the Image: After a short processing time, Runway ML will produce an image based on your prompt.
- Edit or Download: You can make real-time adjustments to the generated image or download it for your project.
Conclusion
AI-powered image generation tools have evolved into incredibly powerful resources for artists, designers and creators across industries. Whether you’re looking for high-quality photorealistic images, artistic renderings or surreal abstract art, there’s a tool to suit your needs. Each platform comes with its own strengths and weaknesses, so understanding the right tool for your specific project is key.
In summary
- DALL·E 2 shines in versatility and high-quality, realistic image generation.
- MidJourney excels in producing artistic, dream-like visuals.
- Artbreeder offers a collaborative platform for evolving images through genetic “breeding”.
- Deep Dream Generator provides a surreal twist, transforming images into dream-like art.
- Runway ML is a versatile creative suite with advanced AI tools for more than just image generation.
With a range of options and price points, these tools are opening up new possibilities in creative fields, democratizing the process of art and design. As AI continues to evolve, these tools will only become more sophisticated, offering even more ways to unleash your creativity.
Also Read –
Best AI Tools for Content Creation in 2024