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The ability to generate images from text prompts has rapidly advanced thanks to AI and machine learning. New free online tools now allow anyone to turn descriptive text into photorealistic images in seconds. Whether you want to visualize concepts, create characters, design products, or just have fun with surreal AI art, these text-to-image generators offer powerful creative possibilities.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best free AI image generation tools in 2023 and simple tutorials on how to use them.
An Introduction to AI Image Generation
AI image generators use technology like generative adversarial networks (GANs) to create photos, digital art, and illustrations. The AI is trained on vast datasets of images to learn visual concepts. When you provide a text prompt, the algorithm generates a new image matching the description.
Capabilities of leading AI image generators:
Create photorealistic and artistic images from scratch
Combine concepts in imaginative ways
Apply various art styles like paintings, sketches, and anime
Edit images by adding or removing elements based on text
Text prompts allow you to guide the image creation process for an infinite number of possibilities.
Top Free AI Image Generators
Here are the best free tools to generate AI images from text:
1. DALL-E Mini
DALL-E Mini is a user-friendly AI art generator that creates images from text prompts.
To generate images:
Type a text prompt like "A cat playing chess in a spaceship"
Hit "Run" and DALL-E Mini will generate an image
DALL-E Mini produces 512x512 images. You can generate 50 free images per day without an account.
Key features:
A simple web interface requires no signup
Fun for generating meme images and scenes
Completely free to use
2. Nightcafe Creator
Nightcafe Creator makes AI art by translating text into visually stunning images and paintings.
To create AI images:
Provide text prompts like "Woman walking through a rainy neon city"
Pick an art style and hit Create
You can create 3 free images per day or pay for extras. Generated images are watermarked unless you sign up for a paid account.
Notable features:
Photorealistic and artistic image styles
Customize image size up to 2048x2048 pixels
Purchase high-res downloads and prints
3. Midjourney
Midjourney generates photo-realistic and imaginative AI art from text via their Discord bot.
To use Midjourney:
Join their Discord server: https://discord.gg/midjourney
In the #newbies channel, type "/imagine wizard playing guitar"
Midjourney's bot will generate 4 image variations
You get 25 free generations per month. Midjourney also offers affordable subscriptions for unlimited generations and high-res downloads.
Why it's great:
A huge community of AI art creators on Discord
The bot is easy to use with text commands
Great for pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy and meme images
4. StarryAi
StarryAi creates beautiful AI artwork from text prompts.
To generate images on StarryAi:
Select a mode like "Art Station" or "Meadow"
Type a prompt like "An astronaut riding a horse on Mars"
Hit "Generate" to create an image
You can create up to 5 free images per day without an account. Signing up allows unlimited generations.
Notable features:
Browse examples and prompts for inspiration
Vote on images created by the community
Purchase high-res downloads
5. Lexica
Lexica offers an AI image generator focused on helping you visualize text.
To generate images:
Go to https://lexica.art/ and connect your Google account
Type a prompt like "Plate of sushi"
Lexica returns an AI-generated image
Lexica is free and unlimited while in beta. Sign up on their site for access.
Why Lexica stands out:
Creates detailed visualizations for informational concepts
Helps illustrate ideas for books, articles, and more
Clean, ad-free interface
Prompting Tips for Better AI Images
The text prompt you provide is critical for generating a high-quality image tailored to your vision. Here are some prompt best practices:
Use clear, detailed descriptions of the subjects, actions, and styles
Avoid vague prompts - be as explicit as possible
List multiple descriptive terms and details
Specify a setting/background when relevant
Name the artistic style if going for a certain look
Separate concepts with commas for clarity
Use "-" or "and" if you want multiple concepts combined
Prefix styles with "A photo of..." or "A painting of..."
Experiment with prompts to achieve different effects. Refer to each tool's galleries and documentation for more examples.
Generating AI Images on Mobile
Many of these web-based AI art generators also offer mobile apps on iOS and Android for easy image generation on your phone or tablet:
Nightcafe - Full app available on iOS and Android
StarryAi - App available on iOS and Android
DALL-E Mini - No app, but mobile browser works
Midjourney - Join Discord on mobile to use a bot
Lexica - Works in mobile browsers after logging in
So you can turn text into images on the go by accessing these tools through their mobile sites or applications.
Downloading and Sharing Your AI Images
Once you generate an image you want to keep, most tools offer options to download the image or share it directly to social platforms:
Download - Save image files to your device to upload elsewhere
Facebook - Post AI art straight to your Facebook profile
Twitter - Tweet your AI creations and find communities
Pinterest - Pin generative art to your Pinterest boards
Discord - Midjourney lets you share via Discord channels
Refer to each tool's documentation for specifics on sharing, embedding, and downloading your AI artworks.
Creating With Responsibility
While AI art generators are powerful creative tools, it's important to use them responsibly. Avoid harmful, dangerous, or unethical prompts. Credit the AI tool used when sharing images. Don't present AI art as your own without a disclaimer. Use AI art as inspiration for your own original creations.
We should continue pushing for AI that is helpful, honest, and aligned with human values. Wield these new technologies for good to move society forward.
Generate Stunning AI Art Today
Turn your ideas into incredible images for free with the latest AI art platforms. We're just beginning to tap into the vast creative potential enabled by text-to-image generation. With further advances in AI art on the horizon, the possibilities are endless.
What unique scenes, characters, and worlds will you envision with these free AI image generators? Unlock your creativity by bringing text descriptions to life in wondrous visual forms.