AI-powered text-to-image generation models are increasingly prevalent and more accessible by the day. While it’s convenient to hop onto a website and churn out the desired image, for those seeking greater control over the process, free text-to-image generators are the way to go. The internet hosts numerous free AI text-to-image generators, each tailored to specific image types. To save you the hassle, we’ve curated a list of The 8 Best Free AI Image Generators in 2024.
1. Craiyon
Craiyon stands out as one of the most user-friendly free AI image generators. Built on DALL-E Mini, Craiyon used to offer a GitHub repository for local installation. However, it now prioritizes its website for ease of access.
Despite its GitHub repository not being updated since June 2022, Craiyon’s latest model remains accessible on its website for free. While it lacks dedicated mobile apps, its web interface boasts all the standard features expected from an AI image generator. Choose from Art, Photo, or Drawing styles, or let the model decide with the “None” option.
Moreover, Craiyon offers an “Expert Mode” allowing users to exclude specific elements and a prompt prediction feature, leveraging ChatGPT for optimal prompts. Additionally, its AI-powered background removal feature streamlines image editing tasks.
Although Craiyon may not boast the most advanced features, it serves admirably as a basic model, especially for those uninterested in intricate details or hyper-realism.
While Craiyon’s core features are free, there are limitations for free users, allowing only nine images per minute. Subscribing to the Supporter or Professional tiers ($5 and $20 per month, respectively, billed annually) unlocks benefits such as ad-free usage, faster generation, and private image storage. For those seeking tailored solutions, the Custom subscription tier offers custom models, integration options, dedicated support, and private servers.
2. Stable Diffusion 1.5
Stable Diffusion stands as a cornerstone among free text-to-image generation models, revered for its widespread popularity and versatility. Not only does it fuel various other models, including those highlighted below, but its inception in 2022 has paved the way for numerous iterations, each refining its capabilities.
Delving into the technical intricacies is unnecessary here, but rest assured, Stable Diffusion’s installation process is a breeze, catering to novices and experts alike. All it requires is a dedicated GPU boasting at least 4GB of memory. Plus, whether you prefer a desktop setup or online accessibility, Stable Diffusion accommodates both. And fear not, Mac users – we’ve got you covered!
Navigating Stable Diffusion is a seamless experience, facilitated by intuitive interfaces like the AUTOMATIC1111 Stable Diffusion web interface. Thanks to its reliance on the LAION-5B database, the model maintains a degree of NSFW-filtering (nsfw ai image generators), though perfection eludes it. Despite hardware discrepancies, expect your creations to boast intricate detail and realism, even from the simplest of prompts.
3. Openjourney
Openjourney stands as a remarkable, freely available AI image generation model, built upon the sturdy foundation of Stable Diffusion. But why the name “Openjourney”? It’s simple: this model draws inspiration from the renowned Midjourney images, seamlessly emulating its distinctive style in the images it crafts.
Operated by PromptHero, Openjourney offers more than just a solitary path to creative expression. With PromptHero, you can explore a diverse array of models, including Stable Diffusion (versions 1.5 and 2), DreamShaper, and Realistic Vision.
Signing up grants you 25 complimentary credits, with each credit redeemable for an image. Should you desire more, the Pro subscription tier, priced at $9 per month, unlocks a treasure trove of 300 credits monthly, alongside other exclusive perks.
However, if you prefer to keep your creative journey close to home, fret not. Openjourney extends its reach beyond the confines of its online realm. By downloading the model file from HuggingFace and utilizing the Stable Diffusion web UI, you can embark on your creative odyssey from the comfort of your own device. It’s no wonder that Openjourney ranks as the second most downloaded AI image generation model on HuggingFace, just trailing behind Stable Diffusion.
Curious about hardware requirements? Openjourney keeps it straightforward. While no specific requirements are listed, a setup akin to Stable Diffusion is recommended: a dedicated GPU with 4GB VRAM, 16GB RAM, and approximately 12 to 15GB of free storage space.
When it comes to the images themselves, Openjourney strikes a delicate balance between photorealism and artistic expression. Whether you seek lifelike representations or a touch of creative flair, Openjourney delivers with finesse. So, if you’re on the hunt for a versatile AI image generator that captures the essence of Midjourney’s allure, look no further than Openjourney – truly one of the finest options among the best AI image generators of 2024.
4. DreamShaper
DreamShaper stands out as an image generation model rooted in Stable Diffusion, offering an accessible avenue to bring your visions to life. Crafted as a free alternative to MidJourney, its primary focus lies in delivering photorealistic images, though it seamlessly adapts to anime and painting styles with minor adjustments.
What sets DreamShaper apart is its enhanced capabilities compared to Stable Diffusion. Users wield greater control over their creations, from refining lighting nuances to relaxing NSFW constraints (nsfw ai image generators). Running the model is a breeze, with a readily available pre-trained version for local use. Moreover, platforms like Sinkin.ai, RandomSeed, and Mage.space (with a basic subscription) extend the convenience of GPU-accelerated model execution.
DreamShaper’s output leans towards realism, evident in its detailed, well-lit compositions, especially in portraits and character renderings. Compared to Stable Diffusion, DreamShaper consistently produces more lifelike results, adding depth and richness to every image.
Impressively, DreamShaper’s resource demands are modest. Even a mid-range GPU like the GTX 1650Ti with 4GB VRAM handles the model smoothly. While generation times may slightly increase, the overall quality remains unaffected. For those eyeing DreamShaper XL, based on Stable Diffusion XL, be mindful of higher VRAM requirements.
In essence, DreamShaper emerges as a top contender among the best AI image generators of 2024, offering unparalleled realism and versatility without compromising ease of use.
5. Invoke AI
Invoke AI presents yet another cutting-edge AI-driven image generation model, rooted in the powerful Stable Diffusion framework. With an XL variant based on Stable Diffusion XL, it offers enhanced capabilities for your creative endeavors. What sets Invoke AI apart is its dedicated web and command line user interface, ensuring a seamless experience without the complexities of other platforms like the Stable Diffusion web UI.
At the heart of Invoke AI lies a commitment to empowering users to bring their visions to life, leveraging their intellectual property through customized workflows. Renowned as one of the finest free AI image generation models, Invoke AI excels in training custom models and facilitating work with intellectual property rights.
Installation is a breeze with Invoke AI, as outlined in its official Github repository. Choose between the convenience of Invoke AI’s installer or the flexibility of PyPI installation for those comfortable with terminal commands and Python. However, be aware that greater control over installation comes with stricter hardware prerequisites.
Invoke AI recommends a dedicated GPU with a minimum of 4GB of memory, with 6 to 8GB recommended for XL variant usage. These requirements apply to both AMD and Nvidia GPUs. Additionally, a minimum of 12GB of RAM and 12GB of free disk space is necessary for the model, its dependencies, and Python.
While Nvidia’s GTX 10 Series and 16 Series GPUs are not recommended due to their limited video memory, the provided installer still functions effectively. However, users with lower-end GPUs may experience longer processing times. Furthermore, for Windows users, Nvidia GPUs are the only supported option, with no current support for AMD GPUs.
In terms of image generation, Invoke AI leans towards artistic styles rather than strict photorealism. Nevertheless, users have the flexibility to fine-tune the model to their preferences, especially in fields like product design, architecture, or retail, where photorealistic images are desired.
It’s essential to note that while Invoke AI serves as a robust image generation engine, users may achieve optimal results by utilizing custom models, easily accessible through the provided model manager in the web interface, as the default model closely resembles Stable Diffusion itself.
6. StableStudio
Stability AI, the innovative startup renowned for their text-to-image model Stable Diffusion, has recently unveiled StableStudio, a groundbreaking addition to their lineup. What sets StableStudio apart? It’s not just any software – it’s an open-source counterpart to DreamStudio, Stability AI’s premium AI-powered design suite.
In a recent blog post, Stability AI expressed their ambition to cultivate a project that surpasses the capabilities of any single company. This bold vision comes amidst significant investments in generative AI by tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.
Their strategy for achieving this lofty goal? Embracing open, community-driven development over the traditional closed-door approach. DreamStudio initially emerged as an animation studio within the open-source generative AI art realm, anchored by the Disco Diffusion model.
However, with the advent of Stable Diffusion, the focus shifted towards image generation, aligning DreamStudio more closely with rival generative image systems such as Midjourney and NightCafe.
By embracing the power of community collaboration and open access, Stability AI aims to propel the boundaries of AI-driven creativity to new heights. With StableStudio, they invite users to join them on this journey towards unlocking the full potential of AI image generation in 2024 and beyond.
7. DeepFloyd IF
In the realm of the best AI image generators of 2024, Stability AI stands as a pillar of innovation. Powered by Stability AI, the pioneering minds of the DeepFloyd research team have unveiled a groundbreaking addition to the arsenal of creativity: DeepFloyd IF. This free model represents a fusion of practical visual rendering and deep language comprehension, setting a new standard in AI-assisted image generation.
DeepFloyd IF stands tall with its user-friendly design and robust functionality. At its core lies a modular layout, designed to streamline the creative process and empower users with intuitive controls. But the true magic lies within its intricate architecture.
Embodied within DeepFloyd IF is a set textual content encoder, a cornerstone of its ability to interpret and translate language into vibrant visuals. Complementing this encoder are three interconnected pixel diffusion modules, each working in harmony to breathe life into the digital canvas.
In essence, DeepFloyd IF is more than just an image generator; it’s a gateway to a world where imagination knows no bounds. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a novice explorer of the digital frontier, DeepFloyd IF invites you to embark on a journey of boundless creativity.
8. Waifu Diffusion
Waifu Diffusion, a shining gem among the best AI image generators of 2024! This refined version (v1.3) stems from the renowned Stable Diffusion lineage, specifically derived from Stable Diffusion v1.4.
Its expertise lies in crafting captivating anime-style images, earning widespread acclaim for its diverse range and exceptional quality. Trained on a vast dataset of 680k text-image samples sourced from a Booru website, Waifu Diffusion stands as a testament to the fusion of technology and creativity in the realm of AI-generated imagery.