AI-generated images are changing the game – transforming text into high-impact visuals in seconds. From social media creators to marketers, everyone’s tapping into the power of AI art. But how do you actually create these images? Can you do it for free? And which AI image generator gives you the best results?
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to generate AI images, from free tools to pro-level features, plus a look at the top platforms leading the AI art revolution.
TL;DR: Here’s how to generate AI images fast
- Yes, you can generate AI images for free using tools like Picsart’s AI Image Generator.
- Start with a simple text prompt, choose a style, and click generate.
- Want more control? Advanced settings let you pick your model, aspect ratio, and even brand style.
- You can also enhance your AI image using the Picsart Photo Editor.
- Top AI image generators today include Imagen 4, GPT Image-1, Flux, and Recraft V3.
Why use an AI image generator?
Creating original visuals used to mean hiring a designer or spending hours in Photoshop. AI image generators let anyone turn an idea into art in seconds, just by typing a prompt. Whether you’re crafting Instagram posts, designing ads, or illustrating a blog, these tools offer speed, affordability, and limitless creative options.
They’re also a huge help when you need:
- Unique images without licensing headaches
- On-brand content in multiple formats
- Visual inspiration for new ideas or moodboards
Can we generate AI images for free?
Yes, many platforms offer a free AI picture generator, including Picsart. With no cost to get started, you can explore different visual styles, test creative ideas, and experiment before committing to a paid plan.
The real win? You’re not limited to just one result. Tools like Picsart’s AI Image Generator let you regenerate, remix, and refine your creations until they’re just right.
AI image generators vs paying image creators
Hiring a designer still makes sense for brand campaigns or detailed illustrations. But if you need:
- Fast content turnaround
- Budget-friendly visuals
- One-time-use graphics (like social posts or ads)
AI image generators can dramatically speed up your workflow. They’re not replacing designers – they’re amplifying creative possibilities for everyone.
How to generate AI images from text with Picsart
Creating AI-generated images with Picsart is quick, fun, and beginner-friendly. Here’s how to do it in five simple steps:
1. Describe your image
Start by typing a clear, creative prompt into the text field. Be as specific as possible – like “a surreal forest with glowing mushrooms and misty mountains in the background.” The more detail you give, the better the result.
2. Pick your battles (optional but powerful)
Customize your image by choosing:
- A style (like cartoon, digital painting, anime, pixel art – over 60+ to explore)
- An AI model (DALL·E, OpenAI, and more)
- The image size (portrait, landscape, square, etc.)
This step gives you more control over the vibe and composition of your final image.
3. Generate it
Click the Generate button and let Picsart’s AI bring your vision to life in seconds.
4. Edit your image
Want to tweak your result? Use Picsart’s AI Photo Editor or the full Photo Editor to adjust colors, remove backgrounds, add overlays, or retouch your creation.
5. Download and share
Once you’re happy with the image, hit Download and use it wherever you want – social media, blogs, websites, or moodboards.
Picsart’s AI Image Generator gives you impressive customization for a free tool – ideal for creators who want control without complexity. Want more polish? Run your generated image through Picsart’s AI Photo Editor to retouch, remove backgrounds, or add overlays.
Which is the best AI image creator?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are the best AI image generators today based on quality, versatility, and features:
1. Imagen 4
Best for ultra-realism and photographic quality
Developed by Google DeepMind, Imagen 4 is one of the most advanced AI models for creating hyper-realistic images, especially when it comes to human features, lighting, and natural scenery. It excels at:
- Photo-quality faces and skin textures
- Natural backgrounds (forests, skies, water)
- Realistic lighting and shadows
Why creators love it: If you’re aiming for stock-photo-level quality or editorial-style imagery, Imagen 4 delivers detail that’s hard to beat. It’s particularly useful for product mockups, lifestyle content, or anywhere realism matters.
2. GPT Image-1
Best for scene complexity and multimodal prompts
From the makers of ChatGPT, GPT Image-1 integrates OpenAI’s language understanding with visual creation. It’s a standout for:
- Complex scenes with multiple characters or elements
- Combining image generation with text understanding
- Generating concept art, posters, or storytelling visuals
What makes it unique: This model understands nuanced language and abstract ideas, which makes it perfect for creators who want to get a little more poetic or detailed with their prompts. For example, try something like “a futuristic city where AI robots live among humans in harmony, dusk lighting.”
3. Flux
Best for brand-ready visuals and layout fidelity
Flux focuses on precision, consistency, and high visual polish. It’s ideal for:
- Social media graphics and ad creatives
- Fashion, beauty, or eCommerce visuals
- Maintaining consistent visual themes
Why it matters: Flux is known for its stable generation engine—you’ll get high-quality results that don’t feel random or chaotic. It’s a go-to choice for creators who want polished results they can plug directly into brand content without major editing.
4. Ideogram 3
Best for AI-generated images with embedded text
One of the biggest pain points in AI art has been rendering accurate text (logos, posters, memes). Ideogram 3 changes the game with:
- Crisp, legible text baked into the image
- Typography that feels part of the composition
- Clean layouts for quotes, product names, or callouts
Standout use cases: If you’re designing AI-generated quote graphics, mockups with placeholder text, or branded visuals with taglines, Ideogram 3 is your best bet. It understands how to keep text readable and well-placed, which is still rare in most models.
5. Recraft V3
Best for graphic designers and layout control
Recraft V3 is a designer’s dream, offering tools for:
- Grid-based composition and vector-style graphics
- Brand kit integration (colors, fonts, styles)
- Editable image layers for post-generation tweaking
Who it’s for: Recraft is perfect for marketers, content creators, and brand designers who need AI to work within specific guidelines. You can generate banners, web headers, or even slide decks that feel custom-designed without building from scratch.
6. DALL·E 3 / DALL·E
Best for accessibility and ease of use
DALL·E, especially its third version, remains one of the most user-friendly options thanks to:
- Deep integration with tools like ChatGPT
- Automatic prompt enhancement and inpainting
- Simple UX with minimal learning curve
Ideal for beginners, DALL·E lets you create quick images based on basic prompts and refine them using built-in features like “edit” or “expand.” While it doesn’t offer the same photorealism or layout precision as others, it’s excellent for fast prototyping and creative exploration.
For a closer comparison of these tools, including real examples and use cases, check out the Picsart blog on AI text-to-image tools. It’s your cheat sheet to finding the best AI image generator for your creative needs.
Enhance your AI image with Picsart
Your AI-generated image is just the beginning. Picsart’s creative suite lets you:
- Add filters, effects, and text
- Remove or replace backgrounds
- Resize or export for multiple platforms
Use the online Photo Editor to bring your image to life or apply final tweaks in the AI Photo Editor with smart retouch tools and background enhancements.
Final thoughts
AI image generators are empowering creatives, marketers, and everyday users alike. You don’t need design skills or a big budget to start. Just type, generate, and create.
So go ahead, explore how to generate AI images with free tools like Picsart’s AI Image Generator, experiment with styles, and unlock new ways to express your vision.
