Programs for creating AI art have been around for a little while now. But since the recent explosion in popularity and advances in artificial intelligence, we’ve been seeing different apps popping up left and right.
Some of these programs are capable of generating some really impressive art, so much so that they have won awards at art shows. On the other hand, some websites out there are not very good at all. But between the good and the bad lay thousands of different AI art programs, all vying for your attention.
We’ve saved you some time and compiled the best ones here. This post will walk you through the different models used for generating AI art, and some of the best programs and websites that you can start using to make your own artwork today. Let’s get to it!
Pick #1: Midjourney
This is one of the best programs for creating AI art. On top of that, it is also one of the easiest ones to use and get started with. All you need is a Discord account, and you can start using it to make your own images. Before you get too excited, you should know there is a hard limit to how many images you can make for free, but once you reach this limit, you can continue creating art for a reasonable enough price.
Just hop on over to the Midjourney Discord to get started. From here, you’ll want to look for one of the Newbies channels. You can create an image using the following syntax:
/imagine prompt: put a descriptive prompt here and try to be as detailed as possible
©Lightspring/Shutterstock.com
The Midjourney Bot will take around a minute or so to spit out an image, and you can refine it from there. Keep in mind that you will only be allowed to do up to 25 jobs like this before being asked to subscribe. That’s not really the end of the world, though, since it only costs $8 per month for the cheapest plan–an excellent price for the quality of images you get.
Pick #2: StableDiffusion
Unlike Midjourney, Stable Diffusion requires you to download the program to your computer. You will need to download some dependencies like Python and Git, which might scare away some of the less tech-savvy users. However, once you do, you have access to a pretty powerful AI image-generation program.
If you don’t feel up to the task of installing the app locally, you can always try a third-party repo like Easy Diffusion, which gives you a handy web interface and one-click download, or check out some of the picks below, which also use Stable Diffusion as the primary model.
If you’re feeling adventurous and have a few minutes to download Stable Diffusion locally, it is definitely the best bang for your buck, so check out this guide for installing the program and see for yourself.
Pick #3: DALL·E 2
This one is made by the famed OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, and leaders in the artificial intelligence space. Released as an update to DALL·E, which originally launched in 2021, DALL·E 2 is an even more powerful version of the previous AI art program.
The update claims significantly more realistic images with up to four times the resolution of the older model, and the program is heralded as being one of the most accurate when given descriptive text prompts.
It is currently in Beta, but you can check it out for yourself by checking out their official website and signing in with your OpenAI account.
Pick # 4: AI Input
Everything we’ve covered up to this point has been its own unique image generation model, but let’s talk about some easy-to-use sites that take the difficult steps out of it, and just give you a simple front-end interface to work with.
If you’re looking for one of the best programs for creating AI art, then AI Input is definitely worth checking out. While it may look simple, it’s actually a great tool. Like other text-to-image sites, it’s powered by Stable Diffusion, but what sets AI Input apart is its speed and simplicity. There’s no fancy design, but you can get accurate results in just ten seconds. Plus, it’s completely free to use.
A few extras you get with this site are a gallery to view your previously created images and the ability to look through pictures that other users have created.
Pick # 5: Craiyon
Craiyon.com offers a user-friendly and complimentary platform for enthusiasts looking to dabble in AI-generated art. While it may not boast the same level of power as some of its competitors, Craiyon.com allows you to create visually captivating images with relative ease.
Once you input a prompt, the site generates six unique images for you to choose from. This variety caters to those who appreciate having multiple options, allowing you to select from styles such as “art,” “drawing,” “photo,” or even opting for no specific style. The process takes around a minute, which might feel a bit slow, but the results are often worth the wait.
For users seeking faster results, an upgrade from the free plan enables you to receive up to nine images within a mere 15 seconds. The free plan, though, still offers unlimited image generation, as long as you’re patient with the wait times.
One notable downside to using the free plan is the presence of a watermark on the final images. Despite this minor drawback, Craiyon.com remains an intriguing option for individuals seeking an accessible entry point into the world of AI-generated art.
Pick # 6: Dream by Wombo
Wombo’s Dream.ai offers a delightful and straightforward approach to generating AI-powered art. Without the need for an account or subscription, you can quickly dive into the creative process. However, by signing up, you’ll unlock a host of additional features that enhance your artistic experience.
With the basic version, you can select from three distinct art styles, while premium users enjoy access to an even wider array. Furthermore, the platform allows you to edit your AI-generated images, drawing comparisons to Midjourney, although it might not possess the same level of power.
Despite the presence of display ads and in-app purchases, Dream.ai by Wombo enables you to create an unlimited number of images with ease. One drawback to consider is the platform’s occasional lack of accuracy, and the free plan only displays one image at a time. Nonetheless, if you’re searching for a rapid and uncomplicated way to experiment with AI-generated art, Wombo’s Dream.ai is a fantastic choice.
©Login/Shutterstock.com
Pick # 7: NightCafe
Another one of the best programs for creating AI art is NightCafe. This highly user-friendly platform boasts an array of features designed to enhance your AI art creation experience. Offering three distinct styles to choose from—NightCafe, Cubist V2, and Anime—this versatile tool requires no account or payment to get started.
Similar to other text-to-image generators, simply input your text and let the app work its magic to produce a one-of-a-kind creation. While you can use a single word or a full sentence, being more descriptive tends to yield better results, as with any AI-driven art program.
As one of the more established platforms in the market, NightCafe provides several unique advantages, including an extensive community and access to advanced AI tools such as Stable Diffusion, DALL-E 2, CLIP-Guided Diffusion, VQGAN+CLIP, and Neural Style Transfer. Additional features like bulk creation, bulk download, and custom seeds further distinguish NightCafe from its competitors.
Moreover, the platform’s compatibility with mobile devices, such as phones and tablets, ensures that you can unleash your creativity on the go. With NightCafe’s impressive range of features and ease of use, it’s a top choice for anyone looking to explore the world of AI-generated art.
Pick # 8: Playground.ai
Playground.ai stands out as a robust image-generation platform, capable of producing a diverse array of captivating images based on your text prompts. Although it requires an account to access its features, once you’re in, you’ll be able to experiment with various generative models, such as Playground V1, Stable Diffusion 1.5, Stable Diffusion 2.5, and DALL·E 2.
With the complimentary plan, you can generate up to 1000 images per day, along with a multitude of configuration options that set Playground.ai apart from the competition. Furthermore, you can use the images commercially, although you’ll need to contend with some wait time and a watermark.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the pro version, priced at $15 per month, offers up to 2000 Stable Diffusion images per day, unlimited quality, and significantly faster generation times. Overall, this is one of our favorites, so you know we had to save the best for last.
Final Thoughts
As the realm of AI-generated art continues to expand, numerous platforms have emerged, each offering unique features and capabilities to cater to a wide range of artistic interests. From the highly popular Midjourney to the powerful Playground.ai, these platforms provide you with unparalleled opportunities to experiment with your creativity.
Whether you are a novice looking for an accessible entry point or an experienced artist seeking advanced tools, there is a program on this list to fit your needs.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Delook Creative/Shutterstock.com.
