What are artificial intelligence images?

AI images refer to visual content created by AI systems, which use complex algorithms and neural networks to generate images based on textual prompts. These tools have rapidly gained popularity in fields such as digital marketing, graphic design, and content creation due to their ability to produce high-quality, often creative, visuals with minimal input from users.

AI image generators work by processing text-based descriptions, known as prompts, and transforming them into detailed visuals. This is done through advanced models that understand and interpret the relationships between words, styles, and visual elements. These models are typically trained on massive datasets of images and text, allowing the AI to “learn” how to create accurate, contextually relevant images.

For example, tools like MidJourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion have revolutionized the way visuals are created by enabling users to generate anything from realistic photographs to abstract artwork. MidJourney, for instance, excels at creating surreal and artistic images, making it ideal for conceptual art and storytelling.

On the other hand, DALL-E is celebrated for its ability to generate photorealistic AI images from detailed prompts.

AI-generated images are used across various industries. In marketing, they are helpful for creating engaging social media content, website visuals, and product photography. In art and design, they allow creators to quickly prototype ideas, develop unique art styles, or experiment with new concepts without the need for extensive manual labor.

As the tools for generating AI images evolve, they continue to become more accessible, allowing even those with no design experience to produce high-quality visuals. However, to maximize the potential of these tools, users must learn how to craft effective prompts, as the quality of the AI output is highly dependent on the input it receives.

Top AI images generators and how to use them

Artificial intelligence has brought about a wave of innovation in image creation, with several AI-powered tools allowing users to generate images from text-based prompts. Below are the leading AI image generators, each offering unique features and use cases.

Artificial intelligence image generators continue to evolve in 2024, providing a variety of tools for designers, marketers, and artists. Here’s an updated list of the most popular AI image generators, along with their pros, cons, and instructions on how to use them.

MidJourney

MidJourney is renowned for generating artistic and conceptual AI images. It’s a favorite among artists and creators for its surreal and creative outputs.

👍 Pros:

• High-quality, imaginative image generation.
• A strong community on Discord for support and inspiration.
• Customizable prompts that yield unique, creative outputs.

😡 Cons:

• Requires Discord, which can be tricky for new users.
• Limited free images; subscription needed after 25 images.
• Not ideal for photorealistic imagery.

How to use MidJourney

1. Join the MidJourney Discord server.
2. Use the /imagine command, followed by your prompt.
3. Explore variations or upscale images as needed.

DALL-E 3

DALL-E 3, from OpenAI, is a powerful tool for creating detailed, realistic AI images from text prompts. It’s widely used for both artistic and commercial purposes.

👍 Pros:

• High-quality photorealistic image generation.
• Integrated with ChatGPT, easy for beginners.
• Ability to edit and refine generated AI images with tools like in-painting.

😡 Cons:

• Available only with OpenAI’s paid plan.
• Can produce inconsistent results for abstract concepts.

How to use DALL-E

1. Access it via OpenAI or ChatGPT Plus.
2. Enter a detailed prompt to generate AI images.
3. Modify the image with brush tools if needed.

Stable Diffusion

Stable Diffusion is an open-source AI image generator, making it highly customizable for users with technical skills. It’s commonly used for everything from professional photography to artwork.

👍 Pros:

• Open-source and customizable.
• Suitable for both artistic and photorealistic AI images.
• Community-driven, with plenty of plugins and add-ons.

😡 Cons:

• Requires technical skills to run locally or on cloud services.
• Outputs can vary based on configuration.

How to use Stable Diffusion

1. Download or access it via DreamStudio.
2. Input detailed prompts, adjusting parameters as needed.
3. Customize the output with various in-painting or out-painting features.

Adobe Firefly

Adobe Firefly is built into Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite and is designed for professionals seeking advanced editing and image generation tools.

👍 Pros:

• Seamless integration with Adobe tools like Photoshop.
• Ethical image sourcing (trained on copyright-free AI images).
• Advanced editing tools like generative fill and text effects.

😡 Cons:

• Limited free credits; paid plan needed for heavy use.
• Watermarked outputs in the free plan.

How to use Adobe Firefly

1. Log into Adobe Firefly or Creative Cloud.
2. Use the text-to-image tool or other AI features.
3. Edit and refine the generated AI images in Photoshop or Illustrator.

Freepik AI Image Generator

Freepik, known for its extensive library of graphics, has introduced an AI-powered image generator. It is perfect for designers seeking quick, royalty-free images to enhance their projects.

👍 Pros:

• Vast library of templates and images that can be used in combination with AI-generated content.
• AI images are royalty-free, making them ideal for commercial use.
• User-friendly interface with a wide variety of image styles.

😡 Cons:

• Limited customization compared to tools like MidJourney or Stable Diffusion.
• Free tier offers limited access; some features are reserved for premium users.

How to use Freepik AI Image Generator

1. Access Freepik AI through the Freepik website.
2. Enter a text prompt to generate an image.
3. Browse additional Freepik assets to complement your AI-generated visuals.
4. Download and integrate the AI images into your projects as needed.

How to create effective AI image prompts

Creating remarkable AI-generated images is not just about selecting the right tool—it’s also about crafting the perfect prompts. AI image generators rely heavily on how well you describe the image you want to create, and learning the art of prompt engineering is essential for obtaining high-quality results.

Below are key strategies for creating effective AI image prompts.

Tips for crafting great prompts

The quality of an AI-generated image largely depends on how specific and detailed your prompt is. Here are some crucial tips for generating the best results:

• Include a noun, verb, and adjective: start with a solid foundation by ensuring your prompt contains at least one noun, verb, and adjective.

This provides the AI with a clear subject, action, and description. For example, a prompt like “A serene forest with tall trees and a glowing moon” is much more likely to result in a detailed, visually engaging image than something generic like “a forest” .

• Use multiple adjectives: Describing the image in more detail by using several adjectives improves the accuracy of the output. For instance, saying “A majestic lion with a golden mane, lying under the warm African sun, in a photorealistic style” will generate a more compelling result than using fewer descriptors .

• Set a specific style or art form: If you want the image to mimic a specific artistic style or design format, include terms like “in the style of Impressionism” or “minimalist design” in your prompt, This helps the AI generate images that align with particular visual aesthetics.

• Provide context and background details: The more context you give the AI, the better it will understand the environment or atmosphere you’re aiming for. Adding phrases like “a city skyline at dusk, with lights reflecting on wet streets” gives the AI more direction on the setting and mood.

• Specify quality and resolution: If your goal is to use the AI-generated image for professional purposes, specify the quality. You can add words like “high-resolution”, “4K”, or “8K” to ensure the AI generates images with the desired clarity and detail.

Common prompt mistakes to avoid

Even the best AI images generators can produce subpar results when users make common mistakes in their prompts. Here’s how to avoid such issues:

• Vague or incomplete descriptions: Using a vague prompt like “a sunset” gives the AI little information to work with, leading to a generic result. Always add more detail—describe the colors, setting, and atmosphere to guide the AI properly.

• Ignoring style or quality settings: Failing to specify artistic styles or quality can result in an output that doesn’t meet your expectations. For example, leaving out “photorealistic” when it’s important to you could lead to an overly stylized image that isn’t suitable for your needs.

• Overcomplicating prompts: While details are important, overloading your prompt with too many elements can confuse the AI. Stick to essential details and clear descriptions, but don’t overwhelm the system by requesting too many unrelated objects or styles in a single image.

Best practices for AI image generation

Generating AI images can be a straightforward process, but to ensure you’re producing the highest quality visuals that fit your specific needs, there are a few best practices to keep in mind. These practices can help improve the results, prevent common mistakes, and maximize the potential of the tools you’re using.

Understand the limitations of each tool

Each AI image generator has its strengths and limitations, and understanding these will help you choose the right tool for the job.

• MidJourney: Ideal for artistic and surrealistic AI images, but not suited for detailed photorealism.

• DALL-E: Excellent for photorealistic images, though abstract prompts can produce mixed results.

• Stable Diffusion: Highly customizable but requires technical knowledge for optimal use.

• Adobe Firefly: Perfect for professionals already using Adobe’s ecosystem, but limited by credits and watermarks in the free plan.

Tip: Before starting a project, consider the end use of your image—whether it’s for social media, product photography, or artistic work—and select the tool accordingly.

Craft effective and detailed prompts

One of the most crucial elements in generating high-quality AI images is the prompt you provide. As we discussed earlier, good prompts include detailed descriptions with nouns, adjectives, and style specifications. Here are a few advanced tips for prompt crafting:

• Be clear but creative: Don’t shy away from creative combinations of words, but make sure the prompt is clear and descriptive. For example, “A cyberpunk city with glowing neon signs and flying cars at night” will yield better results than simply “A city at night”.

• Iterate on prompts: Don’t hesitate to tweak and regenerate images until you get the desired outcome. Most tools allow multiple iterations based on the same prompt with minor adjustments.

Tip: Use different styles (e.g., photorealism, Impressionism) or art techniques (e.g., high contrast, soft lighting) to get more diverse results.

Post-processing for AI-generated images

Even the best AI-generated images can benefit from post-processing to refine the final look, especially for professional use cases. Here are some ways to elevate your AI images:

• Use photo editing tools: AI-generated images often need touch-ups. Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or Fotor allow you to adjust color, sharpness, and other visual elements.

• Add finishing touches: Adding shadows, retouching small elements, or refining textures can greatly improve the final quality, especially for product images or marketing visuals.

Tip: Use editing software to correct common AI-generated mistakes, such as unnatural lighting or odd proportions, to bring your images closer to your vision.

Ethical considerations when using AI images

As AI-generated images become more popular, ethical concerns around their use have emerged. Here are some key considerations:

• Copyright issues: Be mindful of how the AI tool you are using sources its data. Tools like Adobe Firefly emphasize ethical training, relying on copyright-free images. However, this may not be true for all platforms.

• Misinformation: AI images  can be highly realistic, raising concerns about the potential for misinformation or manipulation. Always use AI-generated content responsibly, particularly in contexts like news, politics, or sensitive industries.

Tip: Check the terms of service and ethical guidelines of the AI tools you use to ensure your content complies with copyright laws and ethical standards.