5 Most Popular AI Image Generators (Besides Midjourney)
In January 2021, the company OpenAI presented the first text-to-image generator, DALL-E, based on the GPT-3 model. The neural network was trained using “text-image” pairs and can generate conceptual images from descriptions (prompts) in natural language. The second version of the program, DALL-E 2, launched in April 2022, allows you to generate even more realistic images, in addition to offering editing and adjustment options.
Another tool that has been gaining a lot of popularity is Midjourney. This AI image generator has two neural networks: one is responsible for text recognition and the other for image generation. It is easy to use, allows you to create complex drawings, creative illustrations and very detailed images in high resolution. It works through a bot on the Discord platform and has a large and very active community.
Using more advanced generators is not cheap: for example, Midjourney's monthly subscription plan starts at USD 10 (approximately 50 reais) and can reach USD 120 (around 600 reais). Next, we'll talk about five alternatives that you can try for free right now, in addition to seeing an example of an image generated by each AI from a prompt in English, the translation of which would be: “astronaut dog explores the surface of the Moon”.
Craiyon
Craiyon, which was previously known as DALL-E mini, has a simple interface and allows the user to generate up to 9 images at a time. Just put a clear description, specifying details, colors or artistic styles you prefer.
Canva
It's a portal that offers all kinds of tools for creating online designs, including an AI image generator. To create an image, go to the Text to Image icon, write a prompt and choose one of the available styles, such as photo, 3D, anime or watercolor. Canva can also be accessed through free apps for Android and iOS.
Dreamlike
This app has several versions of the Stable Diffusion AI model, which determines a common style for all generated images, regardless of whether they are photorealistic or surreal in style. In addition to the description, you can also include a negative prompt, indicating what you don't want to see in the final image. You can also include a reference image.
NightCafe
NightCafe is an imaging platform that has a large community of users. Here, you can generate unique images, transfer styles or transform your own images and photos. The possibility to choose between different AI models – such as Stable Diffusion, SDXL, DALLE-2 or VQGAN+CLIP, allows you to generate more specific images.
DreamStudio
DreamStudio, a tool based on the Stable Diffusion model, has an intuitive interface, which allows the user to adjust several parameters, such as the artistic style, the number of results per prompt, the dimensions of the generated images or their degree of adherence to the original prompt. or the reference image. Additionally, you can enlarge and modify the images as you wish using text prompts.
***
Some designers already use AI to create images frequently, in the development of logos, to create packaging designs, to draw realistic photos and create conceptual art, for example, but others are still afraid.
There is no reason to worry or think that artificial intelligence is here to compete with human work. Despite being incredible tools, AI for images has some limitations:
Are based on the patterns of data provided during your training process
They do not understand contexts or meanings behind the images they generate
On several occasions, the result proved to be unpredictable, incoherent or false, since the user cannot control all aspects of the process.
Even if imaging AIs can produce unique combinations of visual elements, they still lack human creativity and conceptual vision. Therefore, neural networks will not be able to replace artists or designers, but they can become a useful tool for their work.
If you want to learn manual or digital illustration techniques, develop your own style and apply your knowledge to a professional project, we invite you to sign up for our Profession: Illustrator online course. You will be able to watch our video classes taught by professional illustrators, in addition to carrying out practical activities at your own pace, receiving personalized feedback. Upon completing the course, you receive an EBAC certificate, in addition to having lifetime access to all course material on our teaching platform.