Whether you like them or not, Artificial Intelligence (AI) image generators have exploded in popularity this year and the technology shows no signs of stopping.
The best AI image generator in 2024 stands out due to its ability to create high-quality images, offering a wide variety of art styles, text effects, and image editing features. Key factors include how well these generators work with complex prompts, their image quality, the diversity of image styles they can produce, and the user-friendliness of the generator app.
Key Takeaways
- Midjourney offers fantastic image quality and is great for creative, complex prompts.
- DALL·E 3 by OpenAI excels in generating high-resolution images from textual descriptions.
- Stable Diffusion is highly praised for its versatility and quality of images.
- Leonardo is a great all-round platform for generative content.
- Artbreeder allows for the creation of unique images through the combination of different art styles.
1. Midjourney
Midjourney is generally considered the best AI image tool, developed by the independent research lab Midjourney, Inc. It generates complex, relatively high-quality imagery but requires a little finessing and patience to perfect your prompt. The platform is still in open beta and is exclusively accessible through Discord.
How to Access Midjourney
To use Midjourney, you need to join the Midjourney Discord server or invite the Midjourney bot to a server you control. Once there, you can enter a prompt by typing /imagine [your desired image]. The bot will generate four variations of your prompt, which you can then download, upscale, or re-edit.
Social Experience
According to the developers, Midjourney is intended to be a “social experience.” It can be fascinating to see other users’ artwork as you wait for your image to load. This social aspect adds a unique layer to the platform, making it more than just an image generator.
Subscription Model
Currently, Midjourney does not offer a free trial due to extreme demand. Users must subscribe to create images. This has been a point of contention for some, but the quality of the generated images often justifies the cost.
Midjourney's integration with Discord makes it a unique and engaging platform for AI-generated art enthusiasts.
2. DALL·E 3
DALL·E 3 is a frontrunner in the AI-driven art generator space, building on the success of DALL·E 2, which was the first to generate viral-worthy images at scale. Accessible through ChatGPT or Microsoft Bing’s AI Copilot, DALL·E 3 offers more captivating, lifelike, and consistent images in response to user prompts. It represents OpenAI’s significant comeback in the AI art generation arena.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to use
- Included with ChatGPT Plus, so you get a lot of AI for your money
Cons
- ChatGPT controls can be hit and miss
- $20/month is pricey if you don't want GPT with it
Summary
DALL·E 3 is arguably the biggest name in AI image generators—and with good reason. Its predecessor, DALL·E 2, was the first AI-powered image generator that was good enough to create wildly interesting images and was widely available to enough people to go viral.
DALL·E 3 has brought OpenAI right back into the race, producing more interesting, more realistic, and more consistent results for any given prompt.
3. Stable Diffusion
Stable Diffusion is a versatile AI image generator that stands out for its open-source nature. Developed by Stability AI, it is available through a powerful public app called DreamStudio. If you've got the chops and want to build something awesome with AI, Stable Diffusion is the best way to do it right now.
DreamStudio offers free credits, making it a cost-effective option for users who want to explore AI image generation without a hefty investment.
Advantages of Stable Diffusion
- Open-source and free to use
- Extensive customization options
- DreamStudio offers free credits
Disadvantages of Stable Diffusion
- Slightly steeper learning curve
- Could offer more user-friendly editing functionalities
Stable Diffusion also provides an API and a service called Clipdrop, which breaks it out into a series of tools. However, it can be tricky to get the balance of the image right and word the text prompt correctly to generate your desired image. The company does provide a guide to help with this.
4. Leonardo
Leonardo is a standout platform for generative content, offering a combination of an easy-to-use UI and an incredible amount of control. You can add reference images and set how the AI should use them, control the size and layout, and even add a transparent background. This makes it a versatile tool for both beginners and advanced users.
Key Features
- Free version available
- Video mode
- Granular control over image generation
- Image upscaling
- Live image generation
- Sketch-to-image conversion
Pricing
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free Plan | 150 images |
| Paid Plans | Start at $10/month |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free version
- Video mode
- Granular control over image generation
Cons
- Complex user interface
Leonardo is at the core a very well done wrapper for a variety of Stable Diffusion models, but it takes it so much further with custom styles and fine-tuned versions of models as well as other AI image tools. It is a standout in the field.
5. Artbreeder
Artbreeder is a different kind of beast from the best AI image generators we've mentioned so far. It's based on different technology for a start, using generative adversarial network (GAN) models rather than diffusion. But its interface and what it can do are quite different too. It has two distinct tools: Artbreeder Splice and Artbreeder Collage.
Artbreeder Splice
Artbreeder Splice lets you remix – or 'gene edit' – photos, either those that are already on the site or original images of your own. Find a photo that Artbreeder likes, though, and you can make all sorts of tweaks, changing hair length and colour, facial expression, gender and age in portraits or changing the amount of vegetation, water or weather conditions in landscapes.
Artbreeder Collage
The second tool, Artbreeder Collage, is a text-to-image generator combined with a collage maker. That's as strange as it sounds, but it kind of works, and it's interesting that it doesn't depend only on text like the tools above. You draw or drag and drop shapes and images onto the canvas (which can include photos of your own, which you can upload), and then you type a text prompt.
We find it can be a lot of fun to play around with, and you can use it to create amusing transformations of selfies. Some people have found professional uses for it too.
Specifications
| Developer | Platform | Max resolution | Pricing | Free trial? | Use of images |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artbreeder | Browser-based | 2048×2048 | Free / subscriptions from $8.99 per month | Free plan with limited functions | Commercial use is permitted |
Reasons to Buy
- Simple AI image generator for 'remixing' photos
- Fun to play around with
- Professional uses possible
- Commercial use permitted
6. Deep Dream Generator
Deep Dream Generator is one of the most fascinating AI image generators available today. It leverages neural networks to create dream-like, surreal images that captivate the imagination.
Key Features
- Utilises neural networks to generate unique, dream-like images
- Offers various styles and customisation options
- Easy to use with a simple interface
How It Works
- Upload an image or use a prompt to start the generation process.
- Choose from a variety of styles to apply to your image.
- Adjust settings like the level of abstraction and detail.
- Generate and download your dream-like image.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Limited to dream-like styles |
| Highly customisable | Can be resource-intensive |
| Fast generation times | May not suit all artistic needs |
Deep Dream Generator has revolutionised the way we think about AI in art, making it accessible and exciting for everyone.
Conclusion
Deep Dream Generator stands out for its unique approach to AI-generated art. Whether you're an artist or just curious, this tool offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of creativity.
7. Runway ML
Runway ML is a versatile platform that offers a range of generative AI tools, particularly excelling in video-related applications. Its motion brush tool can be used to animate still images, making it a standout feature for those looking to bring their photos to life.
Key Features
- Green screen for changing or removing backgrounds
- Object removal
- Tool to replace sections of a video image
Pricing
| Plan | Cost |
|---|---|
| Free | $0/month |
| Subscription | From $12/month |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rapidly advancing generative AI features for moving images
- Advanced features
- Active community
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Limited credits with free plan
Runway ML is best for video applications, but it does come with a steep learning curve. However, the platform's rapidly advancing features make it a compelling choice for those willing to invest the time to learn it.
8. NightCafe
NightCafe Studio allows you to generate photos in a number of different styles and offers various preset effects, which vary from cosmic to oil painting and more. The name itself refers to The Night Café, a painting by Vincent Van Gogh. The platform uses the VQGAN+CLIP method to generate AI art.
Key Features
- Multiple styles: abstract, impressionism, expressionism, and more.
- Various preset effects: cosmic, oil painting, etc.
- User-friendly for novices.
- More algorithms and options than other generators.
Getting Started
When signing up to NightCafe, the user receives five free credits. Every day at midnight, the account will receive five more credits. To buy more, you can use PayPal, Apple Pay, Shopify, Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and American Express, with prices starting as low as $0.08 per credit.
Future Prospects
As we look forward to use in 2024, NightCafe and other AI image generators are expected to evolve, incorporating more advanced features and offering even greater flexibility and creativity in digital art generation. NightCafe is amongst the popular AI image generators to try, providing a comprehensive and powerful AI image experience.
9. Artisto
Artisto is a versatile AI image generator that has gained popularity for its ease of use and impressive results. It's particularly good for those who want an easy-to-use tool that still offers impressive results. The platform allows users to create art and images with a simple input of a quick prompt, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals.
Key Features
- Ease of Use: Artisto's intuitive interface simplifies the process of generating images, ensuring that users can easily leverage the AI generator's full potential.
- Variety of Styles: Users can pick different design styles such as realistic, expressionist, comic, abstract, fanatical, ink, and more.
- High Ratings: The app has five stars on Apple's App Store with 141.6K ratings and took the first-place spot for the best overall app in Google Play's 2022 awards.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive interface | One image per prompt |
| High-quality results | Subscription cost for full access |
| Variety of styles |
Artisto is particularly good for those who want an easy-to-use tool that still offers impressive results.
Conclusion
Artisto stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to explore AI-generated art without a steep learning curve. Its combination of ease of use, variety of styles, and high ratings make it a compelling option in the AI image generator market.
10. DeepArt
DeepArt is a fascinating AI image generator that transforms your photos into artworks inspired by famous artists. This super cool app lets you create amazing images using the power of AI. With 23 different styles to pick from, you can make your own awesome art.
Key Features
- 23 different styles to choose from
- Transforms photos into artworks
- Inspired by famous artists
User Experience
The platform’s intuitive interface simplifies the process of writing effective AI art prompts, ensuring that users can easily leverage the AI generator's full potential.
Accessibility
DeepArt offers the first 50 images on a free basis, with additional usage afforded through 25 free credits, making it accessible for users to explore different AI generators without immediate investment.
The AI image generators are trained on a diverse dataset, enabling them to understand and interpret a wide range of image prompts effectively. This powerful AI image capability ensures that each generated art piece is unique and tailored to the user's request.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to the future of digital creativity, the best AI image generators in 2024 are set to play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of visual arts, marketing, and communication. These tools have demonstrated remarkable advancements in generating high-quality, diverse, and creative images from textual descriptions. Whether you are an artist, designer, or content creator, these AI image generators offer endless possibilities to enhance your creative projects. As the technology continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest developments and understanding the unique features of each generator will be crucial in making the most of these innovative tools. The journey of AI in visual content creation is just beginning, and the potential it holds is truly exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best AI image generator?
The best AI image generator often varies depending on specific needs and preferences, but as of the latest updates, Midjourney and DALL·E 3 by OpenAI are highly praised for their versatility and the quality of images they produce. They excel in generating creative, high-resolution images from textual descriptions, making them popular choices for artists, designers, and content creators.
What makes an AI image generator stand out in 2024?
The best AI image generators in 2024 stand out due to their ability to create high-quality images, offer a wide variety of art styles, text effects, and image editing features. Key factors include how well these generators work with complex prompts, their image quality, the diversity of image styles they can produce, and the user-friendliness of the generator app.
Are AI image generators easy to use?
Most AI image generators are designed with user-friendliness in mind, but the complexity can vary. Midjourney, for instance, is slightly more complicated to use than other tools but offers fantastic image quality and is great for creative, complex prompts.
Can AI image generators create realistic images?
Yes, some AI image generators can create highly realistic images. Generators like DALL·E 3 and Midjourney are known for their ability to produce realistic and high-resolution images from textual descriptions.
How have AI image generators evolved in recent years?
AI image generators have evolved rapidly, especially since 2022. With the release of tools like DALL·E in beta and Stable Diffusion, there has been a significant increase in the availability and capabilities of these tools, making them more accessible and versatile for various creative applications.
What are the applications of AI image generators?
AI image generators have a wide range of applications, including marketing, art, communication, and content creation. They are used to create stunning visuals from text descriptions, which can be utilised in digital creativity and visual content strategies.
Are AI image generators suitable for professional use?
Yes, many AI image generators are suitable for professional use. They offer high-quality image outputs and a variety of features that cater to the needs of artists, designers, and content creators, making them valuable tools in professional settings.
What should I consider when choosing an AI image generator?
When choosing an AI image generator, consider factors such as image quality, ease of use, the variety of styles and effects offered, and how well the generator handles complex prompts. Additionally, cost and speed of the software may also be important factors depending on your specific needs.
