A big comparison: the top AI tools for generating images

In today's digital era visual content is becoming a key tool for capturing an audience's attention. AI tools for generating images from text, such as DALL-E or Midjourney, let you create unique, creative images from simple text prompts. Of course without needing advanced design skills.

These tools save not only time and resources but also open new possibilities in creating visuals. In this article we will look at the best tools available, their advantages and drawbacks, and offer you a few examples of how you can use them in practice. 

How do AI tools for generating images from text work?

AI tools for generating images from text use advanced machine learning models to transform text descriptions into visual content. These are algorithms that analyse the text entered, recognise key elements and then generate images matching those descriptions. 

The models train on a huge number of images with text descriptions, which lets them understand the relationship between words and visual elements better. When a user enters a text request, the model analyses the individual keywords and concepts and creates an image matching the description entered. You can use them in various areas, from marketing and advertising to art and design.

The best AI tools for generating images from text

We offer a comparison of several AI tools for generating images from text. For each tool we used 2 kinds of prompt with the same brief, one prompt being basic and the other more descriptive. At the same time we used a third prompt that was the same for every tool, so that we could compare the quality of the output. We entered all the prompts in English.

DALL-E 3 from OpenAI

DALL-E 3 is the third version of OpenAI's revolutionary tool that can generate images from text prompts. This tool is particularly known for its ability to create realistic and surreal images that precisely reflect the text entered. 

It generates images in a wide spectrum of styles. The user can specify various artistic styles, colours, compositions and other details, which lets them create adapted visual material for various purposes. This flexibility helps marketers greatly, as they create content for various target groups.

Advantages:

• It is simple to use.
• It can create very creative, original images that would otherwise be hard to achieve.
• The images generated are high resolution and often look very realistic.
• It handles a wide spectrum of styles, from realistic to abstract.
• It recognises considerably more nuances and details than previous versions, which makes it simple to turn ideas into the images you want.

Drawbacks:

• To achieve optimal results it is often necessary to enter very specific, detailed prompts.
• Using DALL-E 3 is paid.
• The interface is not intuitive; every style and setting has to be entered manually.

Runway

Runway is a platform offering AI tools for creatives, including generating images from text. It is an excellent tool for those looking for a simple way to bring AI into their creative process. It also suits users looking for an intuitive solution with the option of adapting the output. Unlike other generators it focuses on creating videos too.

Advantages:

• The interface is intuitive and easy to use even for less technically confident users.
• The option of connecting with other creative tools.
• Image generation is very fast.

Drawbacks:

• Weak emphasis on detail.
• Some users report that the quality of the images generated can be lower than with competing tools.

Freepik Pikaso

Freepik Pikaso is a tool focused on ease of use, which makes it attractive to beginners who want to create images from text quickly. It is fast and simple to use. It offers a wide range of styles, which lets you cut loose creatively.

Simply enter a prompt, choose a style, adjust the colour and light. It can transform a sketch into an image you can edit in real time. It also has further features such as raising image quality and the option of fine-tuning details with high-resolution AI.

Advantages:

• It is designed to give fast, simple solutions for creating images.
• It offers a wide range of styles, which lets you create varied visuals.
• After signing up you get free credits. 
• It contains an image gallery that can be used as a template for generating further images.
• You can choose the aspect ratio of the image generated and also the number of images it should generate.
• It offers the option of choosing the image's composition.
• It can generate an image from a sketch.

Drawbacks:

• Although Freepik Pikaso is easy to use, it lacks some advanced features available in other tools.
• In some cases the output quality can be lower, above all with more complex prompts.

Gencraft

Gencraft is an AI tool focused on generating high-quality images with an emphasis on detail and accuracy. This tool is popular among professionals who need to create precise, detailed visualisations. Remix artwork from more than 10 million users. Create amazing images, avatars and photographs. You enter the prompt you want generated into two unique images or into one 2-second video. 

The more specific the prompt, the more the result will match what you imagine. If you are looking for inspiration, you can use the option of clicking "surprise me" and showing a random image. You can use the image as it is or use it as a starting point. If you need help creating a prompt, you can use the "enhance prompt" function. 

Advantages:

• Precise, detailed images matching specific requirements.
• They look very realistic.
• It can create various image styles, photorealism, anime…
• A clear interface.
• After signing up you get free tokens. 
• You have access to a gallery of images and the prompts they were created from.
• It can enhance your prompt.
• You can choose the image generation style - free.
• A choice of AI model for generating the image and the aspect ratio of the image generated

Drawbacks:

• To achieve optimal results you have to enter very detailed, complex prompts.
• It can be dearer compared with other tools.

Recraft

Recraft is a tool combining simplicity with powerful options for creating images from text. It suits users looking for an intuitive solution with the option of adapting the output. 

Advantages:

• It is designed to be accessible to every user regardless of their technical skills.
• It offers wide options for adapting images' styles and details.

Drawbacks:

• Compared with other tools the output can be less creative, above all with more complex briefs.
• With more demanding prompts, generating images can take longer.

Adobe Firefly

Adobe Firefly, as a product and as a model integrated into Adobe applications, offers generative artificial intelligence tools created specifically for creative needs, use cases and workflows.

It lets you adapt generated images into social media posts, through Adobe Express for instance, which offers plenty of templates for creating content.

Advantages:

• A choice of aspect ratio for the image generated.
• Compositions based on a reference.
• Setting a reference style for the image generated from a gallery, or uploading your own image.
• A choice of style for the image, painting, hyperrealistic or cyberpunk for instance.
• Choosing the scene's lighting, dramatic lighting, long exposure, studio lighting and so on.
• You can choose the image's camera angle, close-up, wide-angle, low-angle shot and many others.

Drawbacks:

• You are limited to creating static images only. Although this tool's features are expected to be integrated into Adobe's animation and video software (After Effects and Premiere Pro), that is not the case yet.
• Images created in Adobe Firefly are not meant for commercial use, so you cannot sell them.
• Adobe Firefly is limited to Adobe subscribers – on any plan – who sign up for the Firefly beta group.

How to choose the right AI tool for generating images?

When choosing the right AI tool for generating images from text, weigh up several factors:

• Consider your budget and compare the individual tools' prices.
• Choose a tool matching your abilities.
• Find out what portfolio of styles the applications have.
• If you need the tool to work with other applications too, choose one that offers that option.

Conclusion and recommendations

Choosing the right AI tool for generating images from text depends on your particular needs and goals. Whether you need to create quick visualisations for marketing campaigns or are looking for a tool for creating artwork, there are plenty of options on the market worth trying. Read more about how AI is changing the future of online marketing.

Take a look at the images the individual AI tools created for us from the same prompt:

"A skilled potter shaping clay on a wheel in a sunlit studio, surrounded by pottery."

If you are not sure which tool is the right one for you, we recommend trying several of them and comparing the results. Should you need further help or recommendations, do not hesitate to get in touch.