What Is the Best AI Image Generator?

If you love creating but don’t always have the required skills, you no longer have to rely on your artistic abilities for the best image generation. These image generators use AI to create a range of images in an instant, from drawings and photos to charts and diagrams. Learn more about different AI image generators below. 

Understanding AI image generators

When you need images for professional or personal use, AI can generate any image you have in mind as long as you can describe it well. AI image generators match your descriptions, or prompts, to learned objects and patterns in a similar way to pattern recognition performed by the human brain. 

How AI image generators work

Image generators work by way of generative AI, a subfield of AI that uses large datasets to train computer models through a process called deep learning. The models then use what they’ve learned to generate new and original content based on provided prompts. AI matches your prompt to known objects and patterns to create images, so the more descriptive your input, the more accurate the visual result. 

What is the best AI image generator? Key features to look for

Before you learn about AI generator brands, it’s important to understand some key features to look for. When researching image generators, make sure to check for:

• Accuracy: Look for models that produce images that closely match your prompts.

• Clarification: Make sure image generators allow you to fine-tune your creations with clarifying prompts. 

• Editing: Choose image generators that offer plenty of editing options and tools.

• Quality: Look for generators that create high-resolution images for superior quality.

• Response speed: Choose products with image generation speeds under two minutes, or for very fast service, under 30 seconds.

3 popular AI image generators

To get an idea of what an image generator can do, it helps to know about popular brands and how to use AI for image generation in each. Three popular AI image generators include:

1. Adobe Firefly 

Depending on your budget and needs, Adobe Firefly has a free and a paid option based on credits: You get 25 credits per month at no cost and 100 per month for $4.99. Benefits of Adobe Firefly include its integration with other Adobe applications and its improved photorealism and creative details. Some challenges of this application include occasional issues with text-to-image performance and the appearance of a watermark on all free images.

How to use Adobe Firefly: To begin creating on Adobe Firefly, input your prompt and click the generate tab to receive images. If you need to revise your images, you can use a more specific prompt or utilize the tool panel to make changes in color, tone, lighting, and more. For even more editing, access generative fill. This feature allows you to brush over a particular section of an image and make changes to it through your prompt. From the generative fill feature, you can download your image with the click of a button. 

2. Dall-E 3

Created by OpenAI, Dall-E 3 offers a variety of benefits, including an easy-to-use format and an ability to understand long and detailed descriptions. It comes as part of a monthly ChatGPT Plus subscription, and it offers self-editing and AI-editing features. Some challenges with using Dall-E 3 include its $20 per month cost, slightly less-than-realistic looking photos, and a slower image generation process than some other competitors. 

How to use Dall-E 3: Once you’ve logged into ChatGPT, click on GPT-4o, which is the current model. Input a prompt starting with “Create an image,” and use modifiers to make your prompt specific. Examples might include:

• Subject modifiers like “small, timid dog” or “dark street”

• Style modifiers like “charcoal drawing” or “Arts and Crafts aesthetic”

• Genre modifiers like “apocalyptic” or “medieval”

• Mood modifiers like “silly,” “frightening,” or “serene”

If needed, make further changes to your image through your prompt and click the regenerate icon, or click the thumbs-down icon to refine your image by providing responses to questions. You can also use the select tool to brush over a section of your image and explain how you want it changed. When you’re finished, you can save your image or download it by clicking the down-arrow icon.

3. Midjourney

Accessed through Discord—a community platform for voice, video, and text chats—Midjourney offers vivid, fun images and a knowledgeable user community. Although some people may not favor the pay-only user options available at Midjourney, others appreciate the creative advice and tips that come from the Discord community. 

How to use Midjourney: Before you begin using Midjourney, you need to open an account on Discord, choose a paid Midjourney plan, and then join the server and the Midjourney channel. 

To create images, you’ll type a prompt into the “imagine” bar found at the top of most pages on the website. Your images will appear in the “create” tab, and you can use the variations button to make changes. You can use existing images for reference. Midjourney also allows you to work with other users to create images. You can save, download, and manage your images through the “archive” tab. 

Additional top AI image generators 

To find the best AI image generator for your project, you may want to explore more options. Additional popular brands include:

• Leonardo: Offers free and paid plans

• Magic Media from Canva: Offers free and paid plans

• NightCafe: Offers free and paid plans

• StarryAI: Offers free and paid plans

Tips for choosing the best AI image generator

Choosing between AI image generators is no different than shopping for other products. To find the best AI image generator for your project, consider these common-sense tips:

• Determine what you need an image generator for.

• Check to see how easy it is to use and how well it works.

• Find out if it has options for user control and customization.

• Consider the costs associated with use.

Develop your AI image generation skills and more on Coursera 

Finding the best AI image generator can help boost your creativity levels at home or on the job. 

To learn more about AI concepts and applications and build varied generative AI skills, consider taking an online course like the AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization, offered on Coursera by the experts at IBM. In addition to developing a solid foundation in AI, you’ll learn how to create effective prompts and how to use AI to build your own chatbot.