AI image generators are revolutionizing the creative industry, offering artists, designers, and content creators new ways to generate stunning visuals with just a few clicks. Whether you’re looking to create unique artwork, design eye-catching graphics, or experiment with abstract concepts, AI-powered tools can help you bring your ideas to life.
As a veteran marketer, I’ve also experimented with these tools since their inception. In this article, I want to share the best AI image generation programs that I recommend based on my own experimentation and usage. Let’s explore the 15 best AI image generators available today, highlighting their key features, strengths, and how they can be used to elevate your creative projects.
A Short History of AI Image Generators
Interestingly enough, the first attempts at AI image generation started way back in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the computers at that time simply didn’t have the ability to process high res pics. Only with the development of convolutional neural networks and deep learning did we set up the basis for modern image software.
The breakthrough came with Generative Adversarial Networks or GAN. The technology was developed in 2014 by Ian Goodfellow, who worked at the University of Montreal at that moment. As for the first commercial AI image program, that was DALL-E, which was introduced in 2021.
While AI image generation threatens the stock photo industry, a few of the recommended AI image generators in this list actually come from stock photo companies. This is a sign more than anything else of how mainstream this type of tool has become.
How Do AI Image Generators Work?
These programs use your textual prompts and machine learning to generate images from scratch. They interpret the meaning behind the words and turn them into images and artwork suitable for that particular query.
What Makes the Best AI Image Generator?
If you need a prompt engineer to optimize your art prompts, you’re already behind the eight ball. In my opinion, a solid generator should be fast and simple to use. They should streamline your image generation process regardless of your prior AI knowledge.
Of course, the pics should also look great. Some tools generate rather unappealing content, and you’ll have a hard time using them for your marketing campaigns. Because of that, I did my best to thoroughly test each of the entries and assess their ability to provide quality, realistic images.
The Best 15 Ai Image Creators
As you go through my list, you’ll notice that some of the hard hitters are not present. For example, I didn’t include Canva because they bought out Leonardo, who I have listed here. I also didn’t add MidJourney as they’re really hard to use. Instead, I wanted to focus on programs that are suitable for newbies and that you can implement into your marketing workflow with minimal effort.
To help you better compare these AI image creators, all of the screenshots below are from the following prompt:
A futuristic cityscape at sunset, with towering skyscrapers made of glass and steel, flying cars in the sky, and a large, luminous full moon rising over the horizon. The city is vibrant with neon lights, reflecting on the water of a nearby river, with people walking on a busy bridge in the foreground. The overall mood is energetic and awe-inspiring, blending modern architecture with sci-fi elements.
You be the judge as to which one performed the best!
1. Microsoft Designer
Although made by Microsoft, this is one of the less popular solutions for AI-generated images. The software uses DALL-E technology to create stunning images for your marketing campaigns and other purposes. I love its simplistic interface, which makes it suitable for newbie users.
As one of the advanced features, the innovative tool provides design suggestions. You can integrate it with Microsoft 365 to streamline all content creation within one and the same platform. The image tool works for just about any marketing material, including website pics, PP presentations, and social media posts.
2. Dall-E3
When we talk about generative AI images, most people think of DALL-E. The program was made by OpenAI, the same company that brought us ChatGPT. By relying on the power of artificial intelligence, this image generation tool provides some of the most creative solutions within this software category.
DALL-E 3 excels at understanding complex command prompts and providing suitable outputs. The image quality you’ll get is second to none, with many of them being extremely innovative. The program supports various art styles, and you can instruct it precisely on what type of format to produce. The image model is perfect for design companies, giving them enormous flexibility.
3. Google Gemini
Gemini is a part of Google’s modern, creative toolkit. The image generation tool is perfect for AI-generated art, and the best thing is that it integrates with various company products. For example, you can use Gemini from Gmail, Google Docs, and other popular programs.
Like other top-tier image generator tools on the market, Gemini relies on an advanced, proprietary AI algorithm. The software supports various art prompts and styles, providing excellent outputs for various commercial purposes. Its also worth mentioning that a single prompt provides several outputs, which you can share on social media and download on your device.
Further Reading: 13 Unbelievable AI Prompt Generators to Maximize Your AI Content Creation
4. Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is Adobe’s response to various art generators made by other companies. Besides producing AI-generated content from scratch, this product offers numerous other features to users. For example, you can use its generative fill to add backgrounds to your header images or generative remove to eliminate certain details.
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Adobe Firefly allows image generating within the Adobe platform. It integrates with Photoshop, Adobe Express, Lightroom, and other relevant programs, streamlining your creative processes. As such, the product excels for design teams when producing original images for their clients.
5. Freepik
Freepik is a straightforward tool meant to simplify your image generation process. When generating creative images for your brand, you can modify lots of features, including aspect ratio, color, camera and lighting position, and so on. In that sense, you can modify your initial prompts and outputs so they’re more suitable for your campaigns.
Freepik also allows you to introduce negative prompts. That way, you can eliminate certain visual styles you don’t want to see in your content. I also liked that the tool comes with an enormous library of detailed images and templates. All in all, Freepik gives you more flexibility and options than some premium image AI generators on this list.
6. Shutterstock
As one of the biggest stock photo sites in the world, it made sense for Shutterstock to introduce image generation to their offer. The platform relies on its existing stock image catalog to streamline and simplify your creative processes. Based on what I’ve seen, the program “borrows” ideas from its existing getty image library instead from the web.
Some of the key features include enhanced editing abilities and AI-driven suggestions. The software allows you to tweak the aspect ratio and change image styles before generation. This provides you with customized, photorealistic images for your brand.
Further Reading: 15 AI Image Enhancers to Improve Your Photos
7. 123RF
Despite its wonky name, 123RF gets the job done. The software combines several image models, including Stable Diffusion XL, Open Journey, Dreamshaper, and Eimis Anime. Each of them specializes in a particular visual style, making sure you can create just about anything.
Before inserting your creative prompts, you can adjust the aspect ratio, colors and lighting, style, and composition. The program can process detailed prompts, and you can even reference images as the starting point. I’ve tinkered with 123RF for quite a while and can vouch for its digital visuals as some of the best on the market.
8. Pixlr
Similar to many other tools on the list, Pixlr allows you to fine-tune your AI-generated images. It allows you to tweak setting of image so it’s more suitable for your marketing campaigns. For example, you can change styles, compositions, colors, and other factors to create nice designs. However, it doesn’t support harmful content or inappropriate content.
While the software gives you free credits off the bat, you’ll eventually have to get a subscription. The software provides four outputs for your initial prompt and allows you to perform follow-up prompts. Pixlr also has a sizable library of high-quality visuals you can use as a starting point for image generating.
9. Veed
Veed is one of the most popular photo editing programs on the web. It has dozens of features that are perfect for graphic design teams. The new iteration of software relies on generative AI for some of the more complex processes. I also love that this platform works for videos and audio, making it an all-in-one multimedia solution for your business.
It’s worth mentioning that Veed falls short of other generative AI tools on the list. It doesn’t have the same number of features, nor does it allow tweaks to your content. My other issue with the platform is that it puts watermarks on your pics, which makes it hard to actually use them for your marketing.
Further Reading: How to Make AI Videos: The Definitive Guide
10. Picsart
An interesting thing about Picsart is that it allows you to use famous artists as inspiration. The photo generator can replicate a specific style showcasing incredible details on each output. Besides that, you can also experiment with colors, moods, and other features. It also helps that pics come in 8K quality.
When creating your high-resolution images, you can tap into the Picsart gallery for inspiration. Here, you can find a bunch of stickers, elements, and objects that will enrich your photos. All of this makes Picsart a perfect solution for social media creators who want to have more leeway when experimenting with AI-generated images.
11. Fotor
Fotor is a well-known tool in marketing circles. With this software, you can create photos, flyers, brochures, business cards, and other marketing materials. They’ve only recently added generative AI feature, and it has shown a lot of promise since. With this software, users make illustrations, cartoons, 3D pics, and various other styles.
Given that the software integrates with other Fotor tools, this means you’ll have virtually limitless options at your disposal. For example, after generating perfect images, you can tap into the tool’s library to add memorable backgrounds, word art, and other elements. This gives Fotor a much more practical application compared to some other entries on the list.
12. Leonardo.Ai
Leonardo.Ai is a highly complex software for generating creative images. Among other things, the software allows you to train its models to generate even more precise content in the future. It also comes with numerous models, each one supporting a specific style.
The software comes with a massive library of templates that you can use as ideas. This library is separated into categories, allowing you to easily retrieve realistic images for your generative processes. Another thing I appreciate about Leonardo is that it can also be used for AI backgrounds and 3D modeling. So, it’s no wonder it’s popular among software creators.
13. Craiyon
Crayon, previously referred to as DALL-E Mini, is a software that generates artsy, cartoonish content. The program features a large library of templates (images of people, animals, objects, and backgrounds), which serve as inspiration. Alternatively, you can upload images from your device that will serve as the starting point.
The photo editor also supports negative prompts and generates images of various sizes. The best thing is that you can use the tool without registration, although at a limited capacity. My only issue with the program is the outputs are relatively similar and not as innovative as you might’ve thought.
Further Reading: Best 15 AI Photo Editors for Your Next Project
14. DeepAI
Users can access DeepAI straight from the browser without going through additional hoops. The program allows you to choose between several different styles. If you need to finish a project fast, you can prioritize speed. Otherwise, there’s an option to focus on quality for each piece of content.
The software only retrieves one image per prompt. If you wish, you can animate the object, remove a background, enhance the quality, zoom in, zoom out, or replace objects. With this wide range of features, you’ll easily generate stunning visuals for your marketing campaign.
15. DreamStudio (Stable Diffusion)
DreamStudio relies on Stable Diffusion as its basic model. The software is currently in the beta phase of testing, but it still provides great, high-quality images. My favorite thing about DreamStudio was all the extra AI features. For example, the tool helps you remove backgrounds, turn images into 3D models, upscale, zoom in and out, etc.
DreamStudio created stunning images during my testing, which is to be expected from any software that uses Stabel Diffusion. However, I did notice you need to provide accurate descriptions so that the program generates pics to your liking.
Further Reading: AI-Generated Content: Complete Guide to Its Pros, Cons and Best Practices
Conclusion
If you’re a graphic designer or marketer, you should seriously consider adding these programs to your toolkit. While generating images with this technology might lead to certain issues and flag you for copyright infringement, they’re still the most efficient solution on the market.
If you never used any image software, I suggest you start testing the entries on this list. These programs are perfect for newbies as they come with simplistic interfaces. So, I hope you’ll introduce some of them to your workflow in the coming weeks!
