5 Best Free AI Image Generators in 2024

AI Image generators are changing the way we express creativity. In the past, I would be limited by my artistic abilities (or lack thereof) but AI has helped remove that restriction.

In 2024, AI image generation tools are everywhere. While this makes them easier to access, it can also feel overwhelming for beginners. Knowing where to start and which tool to use can be challenging.

In this blog, I'll share some of the best free AI image generators in 2024, helping you navigate this vibrant space.

Want to find the best ways to generate amazing images? Dive into our expert-led course now!

The Best AI Image Generators at a Glance

Tool	Overview	Features	Who It’s For
ChatGPT / DALL-E	Combines text and image generation in a conversational interface.	- Conversational image creation. - Integration of text and visuals. - Paid upgrades for advanced features.	Users seeking a conversational, all-in-one solution.
ImageFX	Google’s Imagen 3 model powers this user-friendly generator.	- Keyword recommendations for prompting. - SynthID watermarking for transparency.	Ideal for beginners experimenting with prompts.
Canva’s Dream Lab	AI-powered image creation within Canva’s design platform.	- Reference image uploads. - Integration with Canva’s suite.	Designers and marketers already familiar with Canva.
Adobe Firefly	Built into Adobe Creative Cloud, Firefly offers professional-grade tools.	- High customization levels. - Seamless Adobe integration.	Adobe users enhancing creative projects with AI.
NightCafe Studio	A versatile platform offering diverse AI models.	- Access to multiple algorithms. - A vibrant, supportive community.	Artists and enthusiasts exploring AI-generated art.

What Is an AI Image Generator?

AI image generators allow users to create unique art from simple text prompts, making creativity significantly more accessible. Instead of spending hours crafting visuals or settling for generic stock images, AI image generation models enable everyone to create custom visuals tailored to their needs.

How Does an AI Image Generator Work?

AI image generators function similarly to more traditional Large Language Models (LLMs) like Gemini and OpenAI o1, but are trained to create images instead of text. They are also trained on massive amounts of data to identify and create complex and unique visuals.

These text-to-image models work by having a user provide a prompt to the model and then interpret it by breaking it down into key elements, such as objects, styles, or tone, before combining these elements into a new image.

The process involves several stages:

1. Breaking down the Prompt: The AI model first analyzes user text input to determine key components like objects, styles, and tone. For example, a prompt like "a serene mountain lake at sunrise" guides the model to include key features such as mountains, water, and the warm colors of a sunrise.
2. Generating the Image: Using models like Stable Diffusion 3.5 or DALL-E 3, the AI begins by generating a random image and iteratively refines it to match the intended features described in the prompt.
3. Delivering the Result: The AI produces an image aligned with the user’s input.

These tools can create everything from photorealistic images to specific artistic styles. By removing the barriers of creating art, AI image generators ensure people from all backgrounds can express their ideas visually.

Key Considerations to Look For in Free Image Generators

When choosing a free AI image generator, keep the following in mind:

• Ease of Use: While many image generators share similarities, not all are created equal. I look for products that help streamline my productivity, not limit it. This means that the tool needs to be easy to navigate, even for first time users. I also look for straightforward input methods like entering a text prompt. Unfortunately, most free tools do require you to make an account before you can create. However, this is a small price to pay for high quality images.
• Output Quality: More than anything, the quality of the images matters. While each of the tools discussed below creates incredible images, each of us will have our own preferences and opinions about which tool is best. My advice here would be to experiment with as many tools as you can and choose the one that you like the most.
• Output limits: Because these tools are free, many of them have limits to the number of images you can generate. As such, it might be beneficial to choose a tool with a higher quota limit while you learn how best to interact with these models.
• Access to advanced features: While many free image generators only include the most basic features, some will have more advanced and detail oriented features that are locked behind a paywall. Depending on how often you see yourself using these tools, it may be beneficial to find a free tool that has paid versions. For example, if you pay for ChatGPT Plus, you can highlight and edit select portions of an image. As seen below, this allows for significantly more customization.

Top Free AI Image Generators in 2024

Now that we’ve explored what an image generator is and what features you should be looking for, let's explore the best free image generators in 2024.

1. ChatGPT / DALL-E

Overview:
ChatGPT needs no introduction, it’s the most widely used chatbot in the world. It combines text and image generation in a conversational interface.

Noteworthy Features:

• Conversational Image Generation: Users can create images through dialogue with ChatGPT, making the process user friendly and easy to follow.
• Seamless Integration: Combines text generation and image creation into one platform.
• Upgrade Options: Users can access advanced editing tools and higher image quotas through ChatGPT Plus.

Who It’s For:
Great for users who prefer a conversational approach to image creation. I’d also recommend it for people who want to take advantage of a combined text and image generation platform.

How to access it:
To access DALL-E (and ChatGPT), go to ChatGPT website and sign in or create an account. After you do so, start creating!

2. ImageFX

Overview:
Developed by Google, ImageFX is an AI tool that transforms text prompts into high-quality images. It uses Google’s advanced Imagen 3 model.

Features:

• Keyword Recommendation: Provides recommended keywords to help users experiment with different styles and concepts.
• SynthID Watermarking: Embeds an invisible watermark to identify AI generated images. Ensures transparency around image creation.

Who It’s For:
I would recommend this tool for beginners. The keyword recommendation feature allows you to get comfortable prompting an AI Image Generation model. That being said, more experienced users can still find success using this tool.

How to access it:
To use ImageFX, you’ll need to head to Google Labs. Once here, just sign into your Google account and start creating.

3. Canva's Dream Lab

Overview:
Canva's Dream Lab, powered by Leonardo.AI's Phoenix model, is a text-to-image generator integrated into Canva's design platform.

Features:

• Reference Image Feature: Users can share a reference image to get more accurate responses.
• Integration with Canva: This tool is built into Canva’s platform so generated images can easily be used with other design tools.
• Upgrade Options: Users can access higher image quotas through Canva Pro.

Who It’s For:
This tool is ideal for designers and marketers who already use Canva. Great for users looking to add text to their images.

How to access it:
To use Canva’s Dream Lab, you need to create a free Canva account. Once you do, you’ll have access to the AI Image Generation feature.

4. Adobe Firefly

Overview:
Adobe Firefly is a generative AI model integrated into Adobe's Creative Cloud suite, offering text-to-image capabilities among other features.

Features:

• Integration with Adobe Products: Works within applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and more. Helps streamline the design process.
• Advanced Controls: Provides high levels of customization that is similar to other Adobe products.

Who It’s For:
Best suited for existing Adobe users who want to incorporate AI generated images into their projects.

How to access it:
Like all the other products we’ve discussed, you’ll need to create and sign into an Adobe account before you can use Firefly. Look for the sign in button in the top right corner to get started.

5. NightCafe Studio

Overview:
NightCafe Studio is unique in that it allows users to create images using dozens of different AI models, including Stable Diffusion and DALL-E.

Features:

• Multiple AI Models: Offers a variety of algorithms such as Stable Diffusion, DALL-E, and many more, providing users with greater creative choice.
• Community: This product has a vibrant community where users can share and discuss their creations.

Who It’s For:
Ideal for anyone interested in exploring AI generated art within a community-driven platform.

How to access it:
To unlock your free credits in NightCafe, you’ll need to create an account. Once you do, you’ll receive free daily credits as well as other ways to earn credits.

How to Get the Most Out of Free Image Generators

Getting the most out of an image generator can take time and practice. If you want to skip straight to being a pro with image generators, I’ll share some tips for creating better images.

• Tip 1: Experiment: To better understand how to properly prompt an image generator, you need to see them in action. Start by entering an initial prompt and then make a series of small tweeks. Each time you change the prompt, note how the image has changed. After a few iterations, you’ll better understand how to prompt correctly. An example of this process can be seen in Learn Prompting’s Introduction to Image Prompting. To get better at prompting, I’d recommend always using your free quota of images everyday. This will only take a few minutes but will help you build confidence in creating your images.

• Tip 2: Avoid Text in Images: While many models are capable of generating text within an image, doing so can have downsides. From my experience, the models will often make mistakes when trying to incorporate text. This usually takes the form of “sudo language”. This is when the model tries to imitate language but ends up just creating random shapes and patterns. Outputs like this are just a part of AI image generation but can potentially limit the number of images you can create. You can add “do not include any text or typography” to your prompt to ensure it doesn’t ruin an image.

• Tip 3: Add a reference image: Many image generators allow you to upload images that can be used as a reference. I’ve seen this work well if you are trying to follow a certain style or tone. To do this, look for an image icon or a paperclip. Each tool will vary slightly in how you upload a reference image.

• Tip 4: Create a pipeline: Depending on what types of images you are creating, you may need to continue working with an image outside the model environment. The complexity of this step will be different from everyone. Personally, I bring my images into the design tool Canva. From here, I can make further changes like adding text.

Conclusion

The AI Image generation space, like the greater AI ecosystem, is rapidly evolving. As models become increasingly sophisticated, mastering their usage will become essential.

While this guide provides a solid foundation, advancing your skills requires practice and exploration.

Next steps

• Dive into tools like those mentioned here and elevate your visual storytelling.
• Take Learn Prompting's course and learn advanced techniques for creating high-quality images.