AI image generators have been making waves for over a year now. Whether you're scrolling through social media, tuning into prime time news, or flipping through a magazine, you've undoubtedly come across AI-crafted images. They're omnipresent, and for a good reason: the technology behind them has become both sophisticated and accessible to the masses. If you're keen on diving into this trend or integrating AI capabilities into your business processes, the apps mentioned here are your ticket.
I've been chronicling the journey of AI image generators since the days of Google Deep Dream in 2015. That's roughly the span most have been acquainted with these innovations, and witnessing their evolution has been exhilarating. I'll sidestep the debates on artistic value and copyright concerns related to training data. Instead, I'll highlight how these AI tools can now transform textual prompts into captivating visuals. I'd recommend setting aside some time to experiment with one of these text-to-image AI platforms, if only to marvel at their technical prowess.
Adobe Photoshop (Firefly)
Introducing Adobe Firefly, our top choice for seamlessly incorporating AI-crafted images into photographs. Adobe has been infusing its applications with AI capabilities for over a decade and a half. However, it's only this year that they've unveiled a text-to-image generator, albeit in its beta phase. It's accessible for a free trial on the web or via Adobe Express, but its optimal performance is showcased in the recent Photoshop beta—exclusive to Creative Cloud subscribers.
Firefly, Adobe's AI brainchild, boasts several unique features. Beyond generating visuals from intricate text descriptions, it can craft text effects based on prompts (imagine the word “TOAST” depicted with toast-like letters), modify the color of vector graphics, or introduce AI-derived components to your photos. While these can be explored on the web application, it's the latter capability where Firefly truly shines.
Evaluating Firefly solely as a text-to-image tool, its outcomes can vary. It might outperform or equal DALL·E 2 or Stable Diffusion for certain prompts, but there are instances where its intent becomes puzzling. Yet, its seamless integration with Photoshop, the gold standard in image editing, elevates it to another tier.
This standout feature is termed “Generative Fill.” The concept is straightforward: utilize Photoshop's standard tools to highlight a section of your image, and with a simple click and text prompt, transform it into something entirely different. What's remarkable is Generative Fill's ability to comprehend the image's context. For instance, in a provided screenshot, Photoshop flawlessly aligned the depth-of-field blur and hues for a castle introduced via Generative Fill, ensuring a harmonious look.
While DALL·E 2 and Stable Diffusion have ignited discussions around AI-driven image creation, Adobe's Firefly offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future. It's not merely a novelty but a revolutionary tool poised to be at the fingertips of countless Adobe professionals.
It's essential to highlight that, being in beta, Firefly-generated images aren't intended for commercial use.
Firefly's cost: Complimentary beta access online; Photoshop starts at $19.99/month within the Creative Cloud Photography Plan.
DreamStudio (by Stable Diffusion)
Presenting DreamStudio from Stable Diffusion, our top choice for AI image generation with unparalleled customization and control. DreamStudio Advantages:
- The only prominent AI image generator still offering complimentary credits.
- Highly affordable with extensive customization options.
- Robust performance with consistently impressive results.
DreamStudio Limitations:
- Steeper learning curve compared to other AI art platforms.
- The editing tools lack intuitiveness.
Distinct from DALL·E 2 and Midjourney, Stable Diffusion operates on an open-source framework. This allows technically adept individuals to download and execute it on their personal systems. Moreover, it offers the flexibility to train and refine the model for specialized tasks. Most services leveraging AI for creating artistic portraits, historical depictions, architectural visuals, and more, utilize Stable Diffusion in this manner. For those looking to harness AI's potential in innovative ways, Stable Diffusion stands out as the current top choice. It even offers an API and a tool suite named ClipDrop.
Additionally, Stable Diffusion has been transformed into a potent public application named DreamStudio, crafted by its creators, Stability AI. (Note: Like all tools mentioned here, it's in its beta phase.)
DreamStudio empowers users with extensive control over the AI image generation process. Upon entering your prompt, adjustable sliders present options to set the final image size, adherence to the provided prompt, steps taken by the diffusion model, and the number of images produced. Users can also choose the algorithm version (the latest being SDXL 0.9) and input a specific seed for consistent outcomes (otherwise, results are randomized). DreamStudio offers in-painting and out-painting features, accessible via Chrome, with more editing tools anticipated in the near future.
The platform operates on a credit-based system. New users receive 25 complimentary credits, sufficient for approximately 30 prompts or 120 images under standard configurations. Opting for a superior model, producing larger or additional images, or increasing the iteration steps will consume credits more rapidly. Additional credits can be purchased, starting at $10 for 1,000 credits.
In summary, DreamStudio and Stable Diffusion provide unmatched customization and control in the realm of AI image generation. They pave the way for users to delve deep into AI, even facilitating the creation of personalized AI services.
For those who exhaust their free trial swiftly, Stable Diffusion models can also be accessed for free via ClipDrop, albeit with watermarks and reduced control.
DreamStudio Cost: Initial 25 credits are free. Subsequent credits start at $10 for 1,000.
DALL·E 2 Overview
DALL·E 2 stands out as our top recommendation for digital marketing enthusiasts seeking a user-friendly AI image generator. DALL·E 2 Advantages:
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface.
- Cost-effective, priced at a mere $0.13 per prompt.
DALL·E 2 Limitations:
- Somewhat rudimentary in design.
- Tends to yield less photorealistic outcomes.
- The free trial option has been discontinued.
DALL·E 2 has cemented its reputation as a frontrunner in the AI image generation domain, and rightfully so. It pioneered the AI image generation scene, producing captivating visuals and gaining widespread popularity, leading to its viral status. While being the pioneer doesn't always equate to being the best, DALL·E 2 certainly offers commendable features.
Its standout attribute is its sheer simplicity. Users can effortlessly input their desired visual description, hit the ‘Generate' button, and within moments, receive four AI-crafted image variations. Though the free trial has been phased out, its pricing remains attractive, with 115 credits available for $15. This translates to roughly $0.13 per prompt or about $0.0325 for each image variant, making it a viable option for many.
Despite its straightforward design, DALL·E 2 packs a punch with its features. Its image editor (currently in beta) allows users to append extra generated frames, facilitating the expansion of an image, irrespective of whether it was originally created with DALL·E 2 or uploaded externally. This out-painting technique empowers users to craft expansive AI artworks. Additionally, an eraser tool is available for users to eliminate specific portions of an image and substitute them with AI-rendered components, a method termed in-painting.
Beyond the web application, OpenAI provides an API for DALL·E 2, enabling developers to craft applications that seamlessly integrate with it. This integration potential means DALL·E 2 can be linked with platforms like Zapier, automating tasks such as generating images from Google Forms or HubSpot feedback, among other applications. It can also serve as a catalyst for artistic inspiration.