The Best AI Image Generators in 2023

Artificial intelligence image generators have exploded in popularity among artists and tech-savvy users. Introducing these programs has affected the workflow of many creative industries. Typing the concept in textual form becomes original artwork, all thanks to an AI algorithm. A new age of AI-generated art can be seen on the horizon.

With so many AI image generator tools on the market, it may be confusing to pick the one that suits your needs and artistic preferences. Here are our top picks for the best AI-to-image generators to help you explore new creative possibilities.

TinyWow AI Images

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the TinyWow AI Image service first. It is the only image generator on this list that doesn’t cost money, doesn’t require sign-up, and doesn’t limit your use of the tool. Go ahead, try a simple prompt on it like “a beach with mountains in background, digital art, greg rutkowski”. See if you’re disappointed in the results it gives you.

DALL-E

Since the launch of OpenAI in 2015, their AI-to-image generator software DALL-E has raised the bar in the digital art community. Introduced in 2021, it has become a pioneer of text-to-image AI generators. Today, this AI image generator still takes the top spot as the best of these tools.

The program was named in homage to the world-renowned artist Salvador Dali and the Pixar robot WALL-E. DALL-E generates highly realistic artwork from textual commands thanks to a robust algorithm. The process combines a solid understanding of human language with a complex image generator, resulting in high-quality images.

DALL-E is groundbreaking due to its applicability in various situations requiring creative aid, such as creating illustrations and design. If you ever lack ideas for a visual concept, type your thoughts in the prompt and watch the AI do its magic.

Here are some features of DALL-E to prove this AI generator can create anything you can imagine.

• Generates unlimited images for free
• Transforms existing images
• Produces anthropomorphic animal and object images
• Mixes unrelated concepts
• Regenerates images
• Offers a 3D perspective
• Draws multiple objects

The user interface is easy to use, and anyone can benefit from it, from professional artists to amateurs. Besides all these benefits, the con of DALL-E is that it’s not open to everyone. Accessing DALL-E requires registering on a waitlist.

Deep Dream Generator

Google created Deep Dream Generator in 2009 as a tool for finding and enhancing patterns on existing images. As AI artwork generators became more prevalent, Deep Dream Generator rose in popularity among the digital artist community. In addition to the program’s name, this AI generator found its way into the abstract art niche due to the surreal yet realistic quality of the images it produces.

Deep Dream Generator works by visualizing concepts learned by a robust neural network. It uses what they call the “Deep dreaming method,” which uses machine learning algorithms to generate a dreamlike landscape. Millions of images train the neural network constituting the algorithm.

This AI generator allows you to create images with a surreal quality reminiscent of non-digital abstract school artwork. Artists can apply this tool in various forms since it uses many painting styles to create new artwork. You can pick categories such as landscape or animal images and choose between three main styles: Deep Dream, Deep Style, or Thin Style. The images can appear from different places, eras, or art styles. The generator will mix them up, creating a fascinating final result.

Deep Dream Generator is easy to use and is suitable for beginners. It only requires that you upload an image to the cloud so the program can generate a new image based on it. The generator is web-based and free of charge, so you can indulge in creating original artwork anytime.

NightCafe

Digital artists use NightCafe to generate diverse artwork from their photographs and convert them into original digital art. It produces high-quality digital art and NFTs using multiple methods of AI production, and creators can retain complete copyright ownership.

This AI image generator offers two types of generating original AI graphics.

• A machine learning-based text-to-image method. You must import a textual concept into a prompt so the AI can generate an original image.
• Neural-style transfer. You must upload a photo and choose a “style” image so the AI can recreate the original image in it.

Among the AI-based image generators, NightCafe Studio takes the prize for being the fastest. The program works with powerful and expensive GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) that ensure rapid rendering of the images.

The primary mode of NightCafe allows you to choose between styles you want to apply to your images. If you need more control over the creative aspects of the program, you can enter Advanced mode. Some of the advanced features NightCafe offers to allow you to do the following.

• Set the weight of each prompt and modifiers
• Determine the resolution and runtime of the final result
• Infuse existing artwork with new elements

NightCafe is beginner-friendly and has an easy-to-use interface. Simply log in to your NightCafe account, create your artwork, and generate a unique link to publish your artwork and list it for sale on other platforms.

Midjourney

You will need a Discord account to use Midjourney. This AI image generator works by creating original images out of the input you import on a Discord server. The process is fairly straightforward. You only need to type the /imagine command in the bot.

Images produced by Midjourney have an eerie quality, making them appealing to fantasy or sci-fi-inspired artists. Like Deep Dream Generator, Midjourney generates artwork by visualizing concepts, giving them a surreal touch. The algorithm uses a complex process called “diffusion” to transform the text into original images.

One thing to note about Midjourney is that it excels at creating imagined landscapes and people. Depicting interactions between people and specific events falls on its weaker side. Although an AI-based service, Midjourney is still a machine-based tool, and it only understands clear commands. You must use straightforward language to generate a precise visual concept of the desired result.

The Discord server is free of charge, but you’ll need to buy a membership to use Midjourney at its total capacity. The first 25 queries on Midjourney are free of charge, so you can test the service. You can choose some paid services if you need to use the tool extensively. The essential subscription costs $10 per month, allowing you to create up to 200 images.

Artbreeder

Artbreeder is another tool for enhancing image quality that also allows you to generate creative images using AI. This tool is popular among digital artists and AI artwork fans as it features many options to create portraits, illustrations, landscapes, and even anime art. Formerly known as Ganbreeder, this tool lets users “remix” images they find in a publicly accessible image database.

It is machine learning-based and allows users to generate creative mixes of race, ethnicity, and particular features. The AI ensures that the image comes out smooth and polished. Artbreeder’s customizability is one of the main features users like most regarding this tool. It allows them to create new variations of the images by adjusting and combining “genes.”

The program works similarly to other AI image generators, by inputting a concept and waiting for the algorithm to do its job. Artbreeder allows you to input different kinds of material into the generator. You can make a collage from images and shapes and mix them. The tool even lets you edit the facial features in detail and tweak their genes to help the AI produce the perfectly blended digital portrait you desire. There is also an option to convert your photos into animated images.

The final result of the AI intervention will be an original and engaging piece of digital art. Users have graded the resulting images as having “surreal quality.” Artbreeder is easy to use, and an accessible version of the tool allows you to upload five images per month.

WOMBO Dream

WOMBO Dream is one of the top-rated apps for creating AI-generated NFTs. It uses complex AI algorithms to transform existing photos into intricate digital art, cartoons, or faux paintings. The app has gained popularity on social media platforms such as Twitter, as users have massively begun tweeting WOMBO AI-generated images across the platforms.

Like other AI-imaging software, WOMBO Dream uses text prompts as commands to the algorithm, generating original artwork. The mechanism behind this app is similar to the DALL-E, as WOMBO uses the CLIP-guided method developed by OpenAI. CLIP is an open-source neural network that discovers patterns in data. It can easily detect how user inquiries correspond to image caption pairings on the web.

The artwork from WOMBO Dream does not fall into the realism category but generates more abstract versions. Like Deep Dream Generator, the images have a dreamlike and surreal appeal.

The app has a simple user interface, making it an excellent choice for students still learning about AI graphics. To use this tool, you must upload a photo and choose a style for the final image.

WOMBO Dream offers unlimited generation, without restrictions, for free. This AI generator is excellent for anyone looking for a low-budget solution. NFT creators are allowed to sell the WOMBO Dream artwork on the NFT market.

DeepAI

DeepAI had a bigger plan regarding AI’s status in the arts since its launch in 2016. Being open-source, it aims to democratize AI in generating graphic content.

DeepAI offers a wide variety of tools that assist in creating unique, realistic images. The program allows high customization, letting you adjust detail levels, colors, textures, and more. The final product DeepAI generates keeps a high resolution, delivering high-quality, authentic digital art back to you. Another feature of this tool is that it can create illustrations consisting of resolution-independent vector images.

The algorithm works by inputting text-based inquiries, and the AI will assemble a montage that fits your request. While the final results of the generator aren’t perfectly aligned or photorealistic, creating unique artwork with this tool certainly is fun.

Being open-source, DeepAI lets you create unlimited images, all of them being unique. It’s currently free of charge.

Pixray

Pixray is a versatile AI image generator tool. Due to its detailed customization options and the AI engine, it leans more toward tech-savvy digital artists. This tool may allow the most creative adjustments on this list, as it permits plenty of options for editing. With Pixray, you can transform your image into a video and convert it into different styles.

This tool uses the power of AI to create enticing artwork according to user input. It lets you combine unmatchable concepts, from mundane objects to surreal landscapes that include historical figures or even yourself. Type in a text description of whatever you set your mind to, and let the Pixray algorithm assemble an intricate image.

Here are some of Pixray’s features you might find helpful.

• Generates pixel art
• Offers line-sketch graphics
• Allows for image quality customization
• Filters images

Pixray uses the CLIP model discussed earlier to pair a random selection of textual snippets to images on the web. The algorithm masters the language and becomes able to predict what sort of image it can pair with an appropriate caption. What sets Pixray apart from the competition is that its mechanism is so accurate and develops beautiful and smooth artwork based on simple textual input.

Pixray works as an application programming interface and is flexible, as you can access it via a browser or a PC app, and it is free of charge.

The Future of Digital Art

A question has arisen as to how AI graphics will impact human artists as they gain more popularity. One thing is for sure – AI does the work faster than humans. While this presents more of an ethical question, it’s a fact that AI image generators can provide beautiful artwork.

You are still creative when you assemble ideas and provide commands to the AI. Going forward, choose the AI image generator that offers the features you find helpful for your creative expression.

Which AI image generator do you prefer? What types of artwork have you generated using AI-to-image generators? Tell us in the comments section below.