AI art generators are revolutionizing the creative world!
With the cutting-edge breakthroughs in AI, you generate images with a few words and clicks that match years of photography or painting skills. All you need to get good at this, is perfecting your text prompts for the AI image generator.
Droves of marketers, creators, artists are using various AI image models for their daily projects and maximizing productivity.
Let us walk you through the best text-to-image AI art generators of 2024, their free versions, how they are turning heads and some ideas on how you can use them.
Note: To give you a look at each tool’s image quality, we will be using the following prompt:
- A macro DSLR shot of a person’s hand delicately sculpting a small, intricate clay figurine of a bird. The hand, covered in fine clay dust, carefully uses a precision modeling tool to add texture to the bird’s feathers. The image should highlight the craftsmanship, focusing on the textures of the clay and the detail in the sculptor’s hands. Ultra-realistic, with a shallow depth of field, capturing the finest details in 8K resolution.
- Microsoft Designer’s Image Creator
- Midjourney AI
- OpenAI’s DALL-E 3
- Adobe Firefly
- Dream Studio’s Stable Diffusion
- Ideogram
- Freepik AI Image Generator
- Craiyon
- Canva Magic Design AI
1. Microsoft Designer’s Image Creator
If you use Microsoft’s Edge browser or Bing search engine, chances are you have already tried this with their Copilot feature.
Microsoft Designer’s Image Creator is powered by DALL-E 3 and generates high-quality AI-generated images for free.
You simply need to input prompts into the Copilot tool and let it create stunning visuals.
Its integration with Microsoft products like Bing and Copilot, grants you easy access to create quick visuals without premium DALL-E 3 subscription.
The AI art generator tool excels in producing appealing images based on minimal text prompts. However, we feel it’s not the ideal choice for creating hyper-realistic images and intricate detailing. That said, as a free AI image generator, the quality stands out.
By offering free, high-quality AI-generated images, Microsoft Designer’s Image Creator proves itself as a go to option for someone exploring AI arts and freelancers.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Completely free | Cannot be accessed without a Microsoft account |
High-quality images powered by DALL-E 3 | Lacks advanced design capabilities for hyper-realism |
Generate images through the standalone Image Creator site, or directly within Copilot | After generating 25 images, the quality drastically falls |
Easy access through browser, mobile, and Microsoft apps | |
Four image outputs per prompt | |
Post-generation edit and style modification with Microsoft Designer |
Pricing
- Free Plan: Available to all registered Microsoft users
- Pro Plan: $20/month for priority access to GPT-4 Turbo and 100 daily boosts with Designer
2. Midjourney AI
Midjourney AI was the first AI art generator tool that truly got this segment viral.
Its advanced AI algorithms enable users to create stunning, award-winning visuals that rival professional photographs. It started with a complex Discord-based access, but later simplified the process with a standalone web app.
Midjourney is a premium category AI art generator and does not have any free plans. However, users looking for photorealistic, high-quality images will find that the subscription is worth the investment.
The newer versions handle intricate details such as human hands very well. It remains one of the favorite tools among professionals and artists.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Known for generating extremely realistic images | No free plan or trials available |
Multiple outputs per prompt | Images are public by default, making it less suitable for confidential or business-related projects |
Community-driven inspirations | Some features still require advanced prompt knowledge |
Wide variety of artistic styles |
Pricing
- Basic Plan: $10/month (generates ~200 images)
- Standard Plan: $30/month
- Pro Plan: $60/month
- Mega Plan: $120/month
- All plans provide access to commercial usage rights.
3. OpenAI’s DALL-E 3
DALL-E 3 evolved from the groundbreaking AI art generator DALL-E 2 and has proven itself to be the rightful rival to the top text to image tools.
It gained attention due to its superior ability to interpret prompts accurately, producing detailed images. It excels at producing a stylistic art variety, including digital art, illustrations. However, some users reported that occasionally, they had to provide additional prompts to get the exact image they envision.
DALL-E 3 is integrated into ChatGPT Plus plans and as mentioned before you can access it via Microsoft Bing’s Copilot. It’s an ideal option you are looking for reliable results with minimal effort.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Known for accurately interpreting complex prompts | Free users are limited to only two image generations per day |
DALL-E 3’s AI model comes inbuilt with GPT paid models and Bing Copilot | ChatGPT Plans are a bit expensive |
DALL-E 3 offers API integration | Copilot AI offers limited image generation per day |
Easy-to-use interface | |
Unlike other models, you can improve existing outputs through conversational editing | |
Available for free through Bing Image Creator |
Pricing
- Free: Available via Bing Image Creator and with limited use in ChatGPT
- ChatGPT Plus: $20/month
4. Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem. It offers a unique edge for designers and creative professionals who rely on tools like Photoshop and Illustrator.
The standout feature of Firefly AI art generator is that you can modify the output images using a suite of image editing tools available on the same dashboard.
In terms of quality, Adobe Firefly are known for their high quality, particularly when they are integrated into other images using the “Generative Fill” or “Expand” tools. Firefly excels at adding AI-generated elements to real photos or artwork.
We found Firefly produced images can sometimes lack prompt adherence and intricate detailing.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Free image creation with 25 credits | Limited number of free image generation |
Select specific areas of an image and generate new elements with a text prompt using the Generative Fill | Not the best choice for standalone text-to-image generation |
Extend the canvas of an image and add new elements while maintaining context with Generative Expand | Learning curve for advanced features |
Create intricate designs by generating text-based images | |
Automatically recolor vector artworks based on text instructions | |
Images created using Firefly are safe for commercial use | |
Seamlessly integrates with Adobe Creative Suite | |
Intuitive interface suits both beginners and professionals |
Pricing
- Free Plan: 25 free credits per month
- Paid Plans: Start at $4.99/month for 100 credits
- Photoshop plans: Photoshop paid plans come with Firefly integration, starting at $19.99/month and include 500 credits
5. Dream Studio’s Stable Diffusion
Dream Studio is built on the foundation of Stable Diffusion, one of the most popular and customizable AI art generators.
It’s an open-source tool that allows you to have full control over its use, meaning you can download the tool, fine-tune it, and even run it locally.
The user-friendly interface is ideal for users seeking extensive customization in their AI-generated art. This makes it perfect for users who want the ability to tweak different parameters such as style, composition, and negative prompts.
Dream Studio produces overall high-quality images, but you may have to invest time in refining prompts. It’s suitable for both digital art and realistic photos. However, some outputs—especially those involving human figures—can have imperfections or distortions, which happened in our case.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Dream Studio allows extensive control of various image aspects, such as dimensions, defining negative prompts etc. | Free plan offers limited number of image generation |
Stable Diffusion is open-source and can be trained and customized for specific tasks | Advanced features and customizations may require some time to grasp |
Offers a range of styles | Images involving human figures might display distortions or imperfections |
Users can specify elements to exclude from the image | Stable Diffusion is still in development and there can be server slowdowns occasionally |
Upload images from your device to generate similar images | |
Faster response time | |
Free initial credits |
Pricing
- Free Plan: 25 free credits upon signup
- Pay-per-use: $1.18/100 credits
- Additional Pricing: Purchase 1,000 credits for $10
6. Ideogram
Ideogram stands out for its accurate handling of texts within images using its advanced algorithm.
Top tier AI image generators like Midjourney, Dall-E, Firefly are frequently attributed for their distorted texts and spelling errors. With Ideogram, you can generate graphic design, logo with custom text, or any other image with accurate typography.
Apart from the accurate text generation, Ideogram’s AI generated image quality is comparable to some of the top AI texts-to-speech generators.
The tool features an intuitive web interface and various creative features such as image-to-image generation, image editing, and evolving images over time.
In our opinion, Ideogram is ideal for graphic designers and content creators who need graphics with on-screen texts such as posters, logos, or social media graphics
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Users can generate up to 20 prompts per day on the free plan | All generated images are public, which could be a drawback for users concerned about privacy |
Ideogram’s 2.0 algorithm generates readable, well-formed text within images | Free users are capped at 10 credits per day |
Modify, stylize, or evolve existing images by using them as the base for new creations | Full-resolution downloads and more advanced features are locked behind a subscription |
Tools to edit images after generation for quick adjustments and refinements | |
Similar to DALL-E 3, Ideogram excels in accurately interpreting complex prompts | |
Intuitive, easy-to-navigate web app |
Pricing
- Free Plan: Limited to 10 daily credits with basic features and standard image quality
- Paid Plan: Starts at $8/month, includes 400 monthly priority credits and full-resolution downloads
7. Freepik AI Image Generator
Freepik is known for its vast repository of stock photos and videos. They launched their own AI art generator in April, 2024 and it already turning heads.
Their AI text to image generator is one of the most versatile and efficient tools for image editing. It’s integrated within the Freepik platform, and the text-to-image-generator is powered by Flux AI.
Freepik’s AI is known for generating hyper-realistic images with intricate texture and skin tone details that rivals actual photographs. Another feature we love is its fast image generation capability.
Apart from the image generation tool, it boasts a suite of image editor tools such as generative expand, reimagination tool, sketch to image, background remover, image element editor and others.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Users can generate up to ten images for free | Human faces may sometimes be obscured or lack detail |
Natural looking image texture | After ten free images, users will need to subscribe for further access |
Styles, colors, and camera angles modification | |
Generate multiple image versions with slight prompt variations | |
Images can be downloaded in PNG, JPG, or PDF formats | |
Integration with Freepik |
Pricing
- Free Plan: Generate up to ten images with no charge
- Basic Plan: $10.99/month
- Standard Plan: $20.99/month
- Premium Plan: $30.99/month
8. Craiyon
Craiyon, formerly known as DALL-E mini, is an open-source AI image generator.
Unlike its more famous counterpart, DALL-E, Craiyon delivers simpler, less precise images, but remains a highly accessible and fun tool if you are simply exploring.
It’s easy to use, doesn’t require sign-ups, and allows unlimited free AI art generation prompts. However, don’t expect the image quality to be as detailed and realistic as the other entries in this list.
Our experience with the tool suggests its best used for practicing prompts and generating abstract and animation-like images.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Unlimited free image generation | Lower-quality images |
You can include “negative words” in the prompt | Slower rendering time |
Unlike many generators, Craiyon generates nine images per prompt | Limited customizations and styles |
Adjust and tweak the prompt as needed | The free version includes ads |
No sign-up required |
Pricing
- Free Plan: Unlimited prompts but includes advertisements.
- Supporter Plan: $5/month
- Professional Plan: $20/month
- Custom pricing available
9. Canva Magic Design AI
Canva is known for its simple, drag-and-drop graphics creation tools. They launched the Magic Design AI tool last year and have made significant improvements lately.
The AI art generator integrates into the designing tools, giving users a distinct edge. You get to create, edit, and customize AI-generated visuals effortlessly from a single platform.
It’s easy to use, even for non-designers, and offers a good balance between functionality and accessibility. The Magic Design AI images are especially useful for logos, social media posts, and marketing materials.
You can tweak the images for different styles. However, the images aren’t as realistic as MidJourney or Dall-E, when it comes to figures and complex detailing.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Integrated AI image generation | Limited credits on free plan |
Generate images and videos using the Magic Media AI tool | Less ideal for realistic images |
AI-generated images can be further edited | Dependent on Canva ecosystem |
Use the AI visuals into any ongoing design project | |
The tool is accessible with Canva’s free plan, giving users up to 50 credits per month | |
Intuitive interface that even beginners can use with ease |
Pricing
- Free Plan: 50 credits per month, each image generation costs 1 credit
- Paid Plans: 500 credits per month come with paid plans starting at $12.99/month
Other Notable AI Text-to-Image Generators
Flux.1: Flux from Black Forest Labs, The same team behind Stable Diffusion. This is a new image generation model that emerged as a strong competitor to older, established models. Flux has made a name due to its realism, high image quality, and strong prompt adherence. It is also available in PC app versions so you can download to and run for free on your computer. Try it here.
NightCafe: NightCafe is a community-based image creation model that lets you generate pictures with your choice of models, including SDXL, DALL-E 3, Google Imagen 3.0, Juggernaut etc. It supports custom training based on your own sets of images, creates Stable Video Diffusion animations, and has advanced options such as wide-screen image generation for DALL-E 3. Try it here.
Tensor.art: Tensor.art is home to a wide variety of community-trained Stable Diffusion text to image generator models. These are available for download and online image generation. It’s a good adoption for making detailed, high-resolution images. Tensor supports free, uncensored image generation, and offers a huge library of models and LoRAs. Try it here.
Leonardo AI: Leonardo is a groundbreaking AI image generator that’s already becoming a popular option among creators. It runs on multiple fine-tuned image generation models and creates stunning designs and visuals within seconds. With a responsive UI, Leonardo makes it easy for users. Try it here.
KREA: KREA is a real-time image generator with flexible image-to-image creation mode, and supports uncensored prompts. It is a really powerful model for high-resolution images, video generation and video enhancement. The generous free mode can help anyone explore the tools. Try it here.
Civitai: Civitai offers free downloads of community-trained, open-source Stable Diffusion models. But it also allows you to generate images from your own prompts. Civitai includes uncensored image generation, lets you explore a wide range of models and LoRAs, and you can get started for free. Try it here.
Meta AI: Meta (formerly Facebook) offers a free image generator that’s easy to use, generates images quickly, and produces short animations. To be honest, the image quality isn’t industry-leading but is good enough for many purposes. Try it here.
Starry AI: Starry provides a fairly powerful text to image generation platform that’s almost as good as Midjourney in many terms. You can create a few images for free but the premium model starts at $4.99/week, making it one of the expensive options. Try it here.
Mage: Mage is a versatile image generation platform with useful free functions for image generation. You can try many styles and re-style selfies or other portraits you upload. It allows advanced features such as ControlNet and IPAdapter based on Stable Diffusion for paid membership. Recent updates now censor images more often. Try it here.
Recraft AI: Recraft is a professional image generator powered by Generative AI. It is already used by over 1 million users and has generated more than 150 million graphics. You can generate high-quality images, graphics, vector art, icons, illustrations, 3D images, etc. Try it here.
How Does AI Image Generators Work?
AI image generators work through a process called “deep learning”, which allows them to learn and interpret patterns from large image datasets and transform texts into images based on what it learned.
- You Input the Text Prompt: The process starts when the image generator receives a text prompt describing the image
- Interpretation: The AI’s neural network is trained on millions of images and corresponding text descriptions that helps it learn and associate between texts and visual patterns. For example, if your prompt mentions “cat,” the AI knows what visual patterns form a cat based on its data. This library of datasets and its algorithms’ association skills are what makes each AI model distinguished. For the same prompt, Dall-E, Midjourney and Google’s Imagen will produce different images because they are trained in different image data and the algorithms work differently.
- Conversion to Numerical Data: AI doesn’t directly translate the words into pixels! Rather, it performs a complex function by converting the prompt into a numerical format to break down the description into a structured data representation from random noises.
- Image Generation via Diffusion: Next, the AI model runs a process called diffusion, where it iteratively edits the random noise. In a series of steps, it shapes the noise into the form of the desired image. Each iteration reduces the randomness and gets closer to the visual representation that aligns with your prompt.
- Refinement and Output: As the model refines the noise based on its understanding of patterns (like textures, colors, and proportions), it gradually forms an image that matches your description. In some AI art generator models, you can actually see the image taking an abstract form first and then becoming clearer over time, until the final image is presented.
- Optional Edits and Customization: Some AI image generators allow for further adjustments of the output based on follow-up prompts.
What Qualities Make a Good AI Art Generator?
- Output Quality: The most important feature of any AI image generator is the quality of the images it produces. High-resolution, hyper-realistic visuals, natural colors, and level of textures detailing should be checked at all times.
- Ease of Use: A good AI image generator should have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create images even if you have no technical experience.
- Prompt Adherence: The more accurately it interprets and follows complex prompts the better it is.
- Customization and Control: Advanced users may want a higher level of control over the image generation process. For those who want to fine-tune their images or generate unique, creative styles, the ability to customize outputs is a huge plus.
- Speed and Efficiency: Speed is another important factor, especially for professionals who need quick results.
- Pricing Structure: Some tools offer free trials or limited free use, while others come with subscription plans or pay-per-use models. Make sure which is fit for your budget. In our opinion, every tool should offer at least trial versions so we can check its capabilities before committing.
- Moderation and Ethical Considerations: AI-generated content raises questions around plagiarism, copyright infringement, and harmful content. While most image generators have content filters to prevent inappropriate or offensive images, some do not have such censoring methods and their inappropriate use has already caused legal suits being filed.
- Integration: Image editing or integration with design software is a plus. Some tools like Adobe Firefly and Canva Magic Design, are integrated into the designing suite, allowing users to move seamlessly from image generation to editing.
How to Use an AI Art Generator
Generating images with AI is pretty much straight forward. You simply give it a prompt and wait for it to generate images. If you need help, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose the Right Tool
Select an AI image generator that fits your needs. We have already discussed plenty of them and you have checked their output quality as well.
2. Write a Detailed Prompt
Your prompt is the key to the AI understanding what image to create. The more specific your instructions, the better the output. Here are a few things to consider when writing a prompt:
- Visualize the image in your mind first
- Describe what you want to see and include the detailing
- Direct what style you prefer – “photorealistic,” “oil painting,” “futuristic,” or “pixel art.” For photo-realistic images, you can mention what camera model’s image quality you wish to see in the output.
- Describe the atmosphere or emotion of the image, such as “peaceful,” “mysterious,” or “vibrant”
- If supported, specify the resolution or aspect ratio to fit your needs
Example Prompt: A photorealistic close-up of a hand holding a sunflower in a meadow, with a warm, golden sunset in the background, ultra-realistic and 8K quality.
3. Upload samples: If your tool supports it, upload a reference image to help guide the AI’s creation.
4. Experiment and Refine
After generating an image, most AI tools allow you to create variations or adjust the results with follow-up prompts. You can provide feedback on parts of the image (like fixing hands or facial expressions). Experiment with different wordings, styles, or settings.
5. Leverage Editing Tools
If supported, refine the output image further using traditional editing tools—such as adjusting lighting, adding layers, or incorporating text.
6. Practice and Perfect
It may take some practice to get good at it. Many tools offer communities, such as Midjourney’s Discord, where you can see what others are creating, their prompt writing styles and learn from their techniques.
FAQ
What is the best AI image generator overall?
The term “best” really depends on the user’s perspective. What’s best for you may not be even on our consideration list since our goals differ. Still, based on on the popular opinion, here are the widely regarded Ai image generators:
- Midjourney
- Open AI’s Dall-E
- Adobe Firefly
- Freepik
- Stable Diffusion
- Ideogram
- Craiyon
What is the best free AI image generator overall / Can I generate AI images for free?
- Microsoft Designer’s Image Creator
- Freepik
- Adobe Firefly
- Stable Diffusion
- Ideogram
- Canva
- Craiyon
What are some good open-source AI image generators?
Open-source AI image generators are great for users who prefer more control, extensive customization options and flexibility. Her are some examples:
- Dream Studio’s Stable Diffusion
- Craiyon
- Civitai
- Stability AI
- OpenJourney
- InvokeAI
- DeepAI
What are the best anime AI art generators?
If you are an anime enthusiast looking for AI-generated art, try platforms like Pixai, AnimeGenius, and Perchance Anime Generator.
What are the best DnD-style AI art generators?
- Wonder AI Art Generator
- NightCafe
- Hotpot
- Giantess AI Art Generator
- GenCraft
Is there a Reddit channel for AI-generated art?
Yes, Reddit has a thriving community for AI-generated art and you check out the community here: r/aiArt.
Which AI art generator has no restrictions?
Most AI image generators have content censoring guidelines or restrictions to prevent inappropriate use of copyrighted material or explicit content. However, some open-source tools like Stable Diffusion, Civit AI, SeaArt AI, and Tensor ART offer more freedom, especially if you run them on a local system.
Is AI art really art? Will AI art replace artists?
AI art is a fascinating new medium. But whether it qualifies as “art” is completely subjective. Many believe it’s a tool that enhances creativity, allowing anyone to create visually stunning works. However, AI lacks the emotional depth and intent behind human-created art. We believe AI arts will never replace human artists entirely, it will emerge as a strong competitor as well as inspiration.
What is the best free AI image enhancer?
There are plenty of tools that can enhance your AI-generated images. Some of the best include Let’s Enhance, Upscale by StockPhotos, and Fotor, all of which offer free plans.
How good is Google’s Gemini and Imagen?
Google’s Imagen 3 is a powerful AI image generator and now available through Google’s Gemini (previously known as Bard). It’s free to use and provides realistic, detailed images on par with DALL-E 3 and Midjourney. However, Imagen 3 is still evolving and may not match the output quality of other models just yet.
What is an AI text-to-image tool?
An AI text-to-image tool takes a text description (prompt) and uses a deep learning process to generate images that match that description. These tools are powered by advanced machine learning models trained on vast datasets of image and text pairs, so they can understand prompts and convert them into visual art.
Can I sell images made with AI? Is it legal?
If platforms allow commercial use of AI-generated images, yes. We recommend using the images for appropriate purposes only and review the terms of service of the specific AI tool you’re using.
We haven’t come up with clear laws surrounding AI-generated content usage. The U.S. Copyright Office says that AI-generated content isn’t copyright-protected and there aren’t rules to protect artists whose work has been used for AI training.
Inappropriate usage of AI generated images, videos and voices have already led to lawsuits. For example, Stability AI faced lawsuits from Getty Images for unauthorized use of their images, some Youtube channels got copyright strike due to use of celebrity voice overs generated through AI and some have been arrested for creating and distributing explicit videos of renowned persons.
While you’re less likely to get into trouble for using AI generated images in social media posts or blogs, we suggest having a strategy around your AI generated art.
Can I also generate audio and video with AI?
Yes, AI can now generate audio and video content from text prompts. Check out our other AI blogs to learn about them.
Can I use DALL-E 2 for free?
DALL-E 2 was initially free for early birds, but it now requires purchasing credits for continued use. However, you can access DALL-E 3 for free through Microsoft Designer or Bing Image Creator.
Who holds the rights to AI-generated images?
Ownership of AI-generated images varies based on the platform’s terms of service. If the platform allows commercial usage, the user retains ownership. Hence it’s essential to verify the terms of the tool to avoid any legal complications.
What is the most accurate AI image art generator?
- DALL·E 3 for an easy-to-use AI image generator.
- Midjourney for the best AI image results.
- Ideogram for accurate text.
- Stable Diffusion for customization and control of your AI images.
- FLUX.1 for a Stable Diffusion alternative.
- Adobe Firefly for integrating AI-generated images into photos.
Table of Contents
- 1. Microsoft Designer's Image Creator
- 2. Midjourney AI
- 3. OpenAI's DALL-E 3
- 4. Adobe Firefly
- 5. Dream Studio’s Stable Diffusion
- 6. Ideogram
- 7. Freepik AI Image Generator
- 8. Craiyon
- 9. Canva Magic Design AI
- Other Notable AI Text-to-Image Generators
- How Does AI Image Generators Work?
- What Qualities Make a Good AI Art Generator?
- How to Use an AI Art Generator
- FAQ