Top 8 AI image generators (2023)
The landscape of numerous industries is transforming due to the power of artificial intelligence, and image creation is one area experiencing significant disruption from these technological advancements.
There is an abundance of software that harnesses AI algorithms to convert text into captivating visuals. These AI-powered tools provide an efficient way to quickly bring your thoughts to life or materialize your ideas within seconds.
So, which is the best AI image generator out there? In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 AI image generation tools available in 2023, delving into their unique offerings.
We’ll also review the benefits of each tool, helping you choose the one that suits your needs and unleashes your creativity to the fullest.
With AI image generation at your fingertips, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can transform simple text into visually stunning graphics that capture the imagination and elevate your projects. Embrace the future of image creation and unlock a world of possibilities with these cutting-edge AI tools!
What is an AI Image Generator?
An AI image generator is a tool that can be used to create realistic visuals from text inputs. This type of tool relies on a deep learning algorithm that has been trained on millions of images and image descriptions.
They can be used for various purposes, such as brainstorming creative projects, visualizing your thoughts, exploring different concepts or scenarios, or simply having fun with AI.
AI image generators allow you to quickly create images of landscapes, creatures, objects, people, 3D models – essentially anything you can think of! They also offer the ability to modify photos by adding more text.
What sets an awesome AI image generator apart?
AI image generators have experienced a popularity surge over the last year, and for a good reason: prior to that, they were underwhelming. The underlying technology was undoubtedly cool and fascinating to researchers, but the images produced were far from amazing. Even the original DALL·E, which debuted in 2021, was more of an entertaining gimmick than a groundbreaking innovation.
Since they’re a relatively new invention, the selection of exceptional AI image creators is limited. The three industry giants—DALL·E 2, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion—made it onto this list for distinct reasons, but they’re also the only ones that genuinely fulfilled my two main criteria:
- I sought apps that generated AI images from textual prompts. While tools that require uploading numerous photos to generate AI-created portraits are enjoyable (often utilizing Stable Diffusion), they don’t match the general-purpose image generator concept I had in mind.
- I focused on AI image generators themselves, not tools built upon them. For instance, NightCafe boasts a fantastic community and app, but it merely facilitates the use of DALL·E 2 and Stable Diffusion algorithms (along with some older ones). Although worth exploring, it didn’t fit my list’s criteria.
Additionally, I evaluated each AI image creator’s user-friendliness, available controls and customization options (such as AI image upscaling), pricing model, and most crucially: the quality of the results.
Having used and written about DALL·E 2, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion for about a year, I’m well-acquainted with their inner workings, strengths, weaknesses, and peculiarities. However, it was only while crafting this article that I compared them side-by-side using identical prompts. The outcomes were captivating, and I’m thrilled to report that all three provide genuine incentives for their use.
One final note: all of these tools are technically in beta, and they’re likely to remain so for some time. Although AI image generators are becoming increasingly impressive, they still have a long way to go before consistently generating exceptional results and seamlessly integrating into commercial workflows.
Top 8 Best AI Image Generators
1. Midjourney
AI image generator Midjourney boasts numerous features and lightning-fast image synthesis, making it one of the best AI image generators in our view. Give text to Midjourney, and it takes care of the rest. It’s that simple. You can then modify your creations based on the results it proposes. Want to learn how to use it? Click here.
Many artists use Midjourney to create visuals that serve as the basis for inspiration for future works.
Midjourney is currently hosted on a Discord server. To generate images with MidJourney, you must join the server and apply the Discord bot commands to create images. It’s very easy to use, and you can get started immediately.
Among all the image generators I’ve encountered, Midjourney steals the spotlight. Its creations are not only more coherent but also boast enhanced textures, colors, and overall visual appeal. People and real-world objects appear more lifelike and authentic compared to other AI image generators—especially without excessive prompting. It’s no wonder Midjourney was the first AI image generator to triumph in an art competition.
However, there’s one notable peculiarity: Midjourney’s beta is exclusively accessible via Discord. After joining Midjourney’s Discord server or inviting its bot to one you manage, you can submit a prompt by typing /imagine [desired image]. The bot generates four variations of your prompt, which you can download, upscale, re-edit, and more.
By default, every image you create is publicly posted on Midjourney’s Discord. This fosters a cool community vibe but also means others can view your creations. While this may not bother artists, it could be a dealbreaker for business-oriented users.
If this sounds baffling, fear not! Midjourney’s help documentation is incredibly informative and guides you through getting started, as well as its advanced features like different model versions, image upscaling, blending multiple images, and using various parameters for control. Once you grasp the different options, the results are genuinely mind-blowing.
Key features
- Very easy to use
- Fast image generation
- Excellent photo quality
- Each input generates four different photos
2. Dall-E 2
DALL-E 2 is a cutting-edge AI image generator. It was produced by OpenAI, the same group that created the famous ChatGPT. It is now the most sophisticated AI image generator available on the market, capable of creating a wide array of artworks and digital drawings from text.
Dall-E 2 generates a series of images based on the text you input. It can be used to design objects, produce graphics, and imagine new business concepts. The paintbrush tool is highly effective in adding details to your image, such as shadows, reflections, colors, and textures.
Key features
- Create many photos in a short amount of time
- Excellent image quality
- Ability to modify produced photos
3. NightCafe
NightCafe is one of the most widely used AI text-to-image generators. It is said to have more options and algorithms than other generators. “Text to image” and “style transfer” are the two conversion models included.
All you have to do is type a description, and NightCafe will create a relevant image matching your description.
You can also import a photo into NightCafe, and the site will transform it into any style.
The NightCafe system is based on credits. The more credits you have, the more photos you can generate. You can earn credits by participating in community activities or making purchases.
Key features
- Very easy to use
- Quick image creation
- 5 free generations per day
- Different art forms available
- Can produce print-ready high-resolution photos
4. Dream Studio
Dream Studio is one of the most popular AI text-to-image generators, also known as Stable Diffusion. It is an open-source model that quickly transforms text suggestions into images. By combining an uploaded photo and a written description, it can also create realistic artworks.
DreamStudio offers an incredible degree of control when it comes to crafting an image with AI assistance. As you input your prompt, handy sliders let you define the final image size, the level of adherence to your provided prompt, the number of steps taken by the diffusion model, and the quantity of images generated. Moreover, you can choose the algorithm version and even input a unique seed and sampling method for reproducible outcomes (otherwise, they’ll be generated randomly). DreamStudio also supports in-painting and out-painting features, but they’re only accessible via the Chrome browser.
Dream Studio can be used to produce any type of image you can think of, including photographs, illustrations, 3D models, and logos.
Key features
- Fast AI image creation
- High-quality results
- API access to modify created images
5. Fotor
The online photo editor Fotor features an AI image generator. Simply enter your words into Fotor’s text input bar, and you’ll see them
come to life in just a few seconds. It can be used to produce any type of graphic content, including paintings, 3D and animated figures, and realistic photos.
The fact that you can export your generated image in full resolution and use Fotor’s AI image generator for free is a point we appreciate greatly.
Key features
- 10 free image creations per day
- Fast image production mode
- 9 different conversion styles available
6. Dream (by Wombo)
Dream was developed by the Canadian startup WOMBO, which operates in the field of artificial intelligence. Many people believe it is the best text-based AI image generator.
Using Dream by WOMBO is extremely similar to NightCafe. Dream by WOMBO can create an image for you as soon as you write a sentence and select an art form.
The ability to submit an image as a reference in Dream by WOMBO is a feature we appreciate. This way, you can modify your own photos.
Key features
- Very easy to use
- A wide variety of image styles
- Free and unlimited image generation
- Ability to turn your creations into NFTs
7. Craiyon
Previously known as DALL-E mini, Craiyon was created by researchers from Hugging Face and Google working together. Simply enter a brief description, and nine distinct images will be generated from your text.
Craiyon is a fantastic free AI image generator that requires no registration. Just type your chosen terms, and your AI-generated image will appear in no time!
Key features
- Easy to use
- No registration required
- Free and unlimited AI image creation
- Each text input generates nine images
8. Photosonic
Using a cutting-edge AI text-to-image model, Photosonic (by Writesonic) is a web application for AI image generation that allows you to produce realistic or creative images from any verbal description. By modifying the description and re-running the model, you can control the level of detail, diversity, and style of the generated images.
Key features
- Very easy to use
- 10 free image creations
- Commercial or personal license for each of your creations
Conclusion
There is an AI image generator for everyone, whether you are an experienced graphic designer or a casual user looking to have fun creating graphics. Finding the solution that best meets your needs is easy with all the options available. We hope this list has helped you do just that.
AI image generators are revolutionizing graphic production, allowing artists to unleash their creativity. Other sectors are also being shaken by the emergence of AI tools.
