Complete Guide to AI Image Generation 2026
Complete Guide: Everything you need to know, organized for quick reference.
Overview
AI can generate photorealistic images, illustrations, and art from text descriptions. Midjourney, DALL-E 3, and Stable Diffusion lead the space.
Tool Comparison
Midjourney ($10-60/mo): best aesthetic quality. DALL-E 3 (in ChatGPT Plus): best text rendering, easiest to use. Stable Diffusion (free): open source, most customizable. Leonardo AI (free tier): good quality with generous free plan.
Prompting Basics
Describe subject, style, lighting, and composition. Use camera terms for photorealism. Add –ar for aspect ratios. Use –no to exclude elements.
Commercial Use
Most AI image tools allow commercial use on paid plans. Check each tool’s terms. Always disclose AI involvement when required.
Best Practices
Generate multiple options. Iterate on favorites. Upscale final images. Use reference images for consistency. Combine AI images with Canva for branded content.
Key Takeaways
- Start with free tools
- Invest time in learning
- Combine tools for best results
- Always review AI output
FAQ
Where should I start?
Sign up for ChatGPT Free. Spend 30 minutes exploring. Then read our specific guides for your use case.
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