The right AI image generator will be able to create the picture you need in the moment, whether it be photorealistic or full-on abstract art. Oh yeah, and ideally, it won’t cost you a dime.
Unfortunately, everyone’s favorite AI chatbot, ChatGPT, does not allow you to create images for free. However, there are plenty of other free AI image generators out there from reputable tech firms and random websites alike, so you can find a platform that provides you with all the functionality you need to get the right shot.
In this guide, you’ll learn about some of the best AI image generators on the market, as well as see what the interface looks like and what kind images these platforms churn out.
ImageFX by Google
If you have a Gmail account, you can gain access to ImageFX by Google in a few simple clicks. Just login, accept some terms and conditions, and you’ll have access to a high-powered AI image generator from Google. The images are quite impressive, and the generator sticks to the AI prompt, at least for most of the generated images.
Even better, you get a few extra tools to make your images that much better. ImageFX by Google gives you suggested adjectives to improve the image and gives other noun suggestions based on your initial prompt. There’s even the classic “I’m feeling lucky” button from Google Search, which will generate a random prompt followed by the accompanying generated image.
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Click on the image to see the prompt that generated it.
Image Creator from Microsoft Designer
Given Microsoft’s dominance of the AI market over the last few years thanks to its partnership with OpenAI, the company obviously has its own free AI image generator, and it operates similar to Google’s platform. You just need a Microsoft account to get started, and you’ll be able to use this platform free of charge.
It’s worth noting that this platform can be a bit slow, and if you exceed your 15 “Boosts” per week, it can be even slower. Still, you do get some cool features like a Recent sidebar that keeps track of everything you’ve created, as well as an Explore ideastab that can show you other creations from users.
Click on the image to see the prompt that generated it.
Adobe Firefly
For creators that want a bit more granular control over what AI creates for them, Adobe Firefly is an excellent tool. You’ll be able to make more tangible edits on images, like aspect ratio, visual intensity, color, tone, lighting, and even camera angle. You can also add images to references and add words and graphics over generated content, for things like posters and other marketing materials.
Perhaps most importantly, though, is that when you download an image from Firefly, it reiterates the importance of transparency in AI, attaching meta data and other indicators in the image that it was generated by AI. Plus, we found it to be one of the best AI image generators in terms of realism, so these warnings are much needed.
Click on the image to see the prompt that generated it.
DreamStudio by stability.ai
Another rock-solid AI image generator that requires nothing more than a login to get started, DreamStudio offers a similar platform to Adobe Firefly, with plenty of customization options to get exactly what you want. In fact, you can even get variations of a generated image, changing small details but keeping the basics intact, if you find something you like that just isn’t exactly right.
On top of that, DreamStudio offers a negative prompt field, which allows you to include what you would like the image generator to avoid when responding to your other prompt. Again, this allows you to really nail down exactly what you want with this platform.
Click on the image to see the prompt that generated it.
Craiyon
Looking to get a bit more artistic with your AI image generation? We’d recommend checking out the cleverly named Craiyon platform, which allows you to choose styles from either Art, Photo, or Drawing options. These models churn out some very artistic options to give you a bit of inspiration for your work.
There are a few downsides to Craiyon, though. For one, it struggles pretty hard with photo realistic options, and clearly suffers from common AI image errors for people, hands, and other details. On top of that, the free version only offers smaller images, and it’s riddled with ads, so it’s not a very clean looking interface. Still, from an artistic standpoint, Craiyon creates some decidedly interesting portraits, landscapes, and everything in between.
Click on the image to see the prompt that generated it.
