What Is the Best AI Image Generator?

Key takeaways

Some of the top AI image generators include Adobe Firefly, Dall-E 3, and Midjourney.

• AI image generators use generative AI to match your descriptions, or prompts, to learned objects and patterns, similar to how the human brain performs pattern recognition.

• When choosing an AI model for image generation, consider its accuracy, editing options, fine-tuning capabilities, image quality, and response speed.

• You can decide between image generator models by considering what you’ll need the image generator for, its ease of use, options for user control and customization, and costs.

Discover more about different AI image generators, including how they work and tips for choosing one. If you’re ready to start learning more about AI, enroll in IBM’s AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization. You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience with using large language models, generative AI, prompt engineering, and more in as little as four weeks. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

Understanding AI image generators

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

How AI image generators work

Image generators work through generative AI, a subfield of AI that uses large data sets to train computer models through deep learning. The models then use what they’ve learned to generate original content based on the 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.

Read more: How to Describe a Design to AI Art Generators

What are the top AI image generators? Key features to look for

Before you learn about specific AI generator tools, it’s helpful to understand some key features to look for. When exploring image generators, make sure to check for:

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

• Clarification: Ensure the 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 of superior quality.

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

What is the best AI image generator? 3 popular options

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

1. Adobe Firefly

Adobe Firefly offers free and paid options, with access determined by a monthly subscription. Choose the one that best fits your budget and needs. You'll get a set number of credits per month at no cost and 2,000 per month for $9.99 [1]. The benefits of Adobe Firefly include its integration with other Adobe applications, 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, use a more specific prompt or the tool panel to change 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 various benefits, including an easy-to-use format and the ability to understand long and detailed descriptions. It is part of a monthly ChatGPT Plus subscription and offers self-editing and AI-editing features. Some drawbacks of Dall-E 3 include its $20 monthly fee for faster image creation and processing capabilities, which are limited on the free tier [2], slightly less-than-realistic-looking photos, and a slower image generation process than competitors.

How to use Dall-E 3: Once logged into ChatGPT, click GPT-5.5, the latest 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, you can make further changes to your image by clicking the "Regenerate" icon in your prompt or clicking the "thumbs-down" icon to refine your image by responding 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 may not favor the pay-only user options available at Midjourney, others appreciate the creative advice and tips shared within the Discord community.

How to use Midjourney: Before using Midjourney, create an account on Discord, choose a paid Midjourney plan, and join the server and the Midjourney channel.

To create images, type a prompt using the /imagine command in the message bar at the bottom of the Discord channel. The generated images will appear directly in the channel, and you can click the variation buttons to explore different versions. You can also reference existing images in your prompts. Midjourney supports collaboration with other users, and you can manage your creations through the Archive tab on the Midjourney website.

Additional top AI image generators 

You may want to explore more options to find your project's best AI image generator. Some generators offering free and paid plans include Leonardo, Magic Media, NightCafe, and StarryAI.

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.

Strengthen your skill set with guided learning tools 

Explore career paths, assess your skills, and connect with resume guidance while browsing our Career Resources Hub. Or if you want to learn more about using generative AI, check out these free resources:

• Read our Career Chat issue: 3 GenAI Prompting Methods Worth Trying

• Hear from an expert: AI Creativity Unleashed: Expert Insights from Vanderbilt’s Dr. Jules White

• Watch on YouTube: Generative AI: The Future of Creative Work (Beginner's Guide)

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