AI for image generation
16 January 2024
Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly, and its capabilities are constantly expanding. Today, AI can be used to perform a wide variety of tasks, including generating images from text.
There are numerous AI tools for image generation, and while many of them require payment, free platforms are also available. These tools vary in terms of their generation technologies, features, and payment models (including free access, subscription, or points-based systems). However, what sets each service apart is its ability to generate distinctive and one-of-a-kind images in its unique manner. The key factor is providing a detailed, clear, and comprehensible query, as it serves as the input for the neural network to process and create the image accordingly.
All TTI (Text To Image) services work on the same principle:
- The user enters a text query (or prompt) describing the image they want to create.
- The service uses various neural network models to generate an image that matches the text query.
- The service returns the image to the user.
To evaluate TTI (Text To Image) services, the following prompt was used:
“Generate an image of a city made of vegetables and fruits, where the streets are covered with carrot cobblestones, buildings are constructed from broccoli and zucchinis, and large tomatoes serve as paint for creating vibrant graffiti on the walls. In the square, there may be fountains with orange-shaped figures, and in the sky, there are air balloons made of pineapples.”
Firefly. Adobe
Service capabilities
Generative credits
The online service Firefly offers 25 points for creating images (generative credits). One request-based generation produces four images and costs one point. The points are renewed every month.
Cons
There is an Adobe Firefly logo on the images, but it is small and placed in the corner, so it does not disturb the view.
Recraft AI
Recraft AI is a service that allows you to create vector and 3D graphics based on an individual text request. Recraft AI uses GAN technology to generate images. GAN is a type of neural network that can create new images that are realistic and natural.
Features
In addition to allowing you to create images from text, the service can also generate vector images. Vector images differ from raster images because they are made up of curves and lines rather than pixels. This means that they can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
The generated vector images can be downloaded in a variety of formats. After that, they can be imported into vector graphics programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape.
The service can also re-generate an image (or a part of it), with the ability to choose how similar the new image is to the previous one.
Restrictions
Recraft AI is free, and the generated results can be used for commercial purposes. However, all images created under the free plan have public access.
Unstock
Thanks to Unstock, you can get high-quality artificial intelligence illustrations for free. These images can be used for any purpose, including commercial use.
Platform capabilities
After registering on the platform, users can generate images using AI.
The website interface is very simple: a field for entering text, the Generate button, and the result. The resulting image can be re-generated without entering any additional information.
The Unstock service is completely free.
Limitations
Unfortunately, the service's capabilities are quite limited. The platform offers neither a choice of style nor image resolution. The user can only get the result based on the written text.
Paid services
There are many paid services for generating images. They give a certain number of credits (points), which allows users to generate several images and evaluate the platform's capabilities. Here is a list of paid AIs that can generate images based on text queries:
Bonus
AutoDraw
Unlike previous services, AutoDraw does not generate images based on text. It is a new kind of drawing tool from Google Creative Lab. It uses machine learning and talented artists' drawings to help anyone quickly create any visual content.
The platform works according to the following principle:
- the user draws an object (as far as their artistic abilities allow),
- with each line drawn, the AI offers options for pictures that the user may have wanted to draw.
This may remind you of the game QuickDraw (https://quickdraw.withgoogle.com/), where the player has to draw an object offered by the program within a certain time. While drawing, the AI tries to guess what the player is drawing. Now you know that this was not a test of your drawing skills, but rather a training of artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, on-demand image generation technology is a highly valuable tool that empowers individuals without specialized skills to craft remarkable artwork. The outcome predominantly hinges on the quality of the prompt, while the neural model and available features also play a substantial role.
One of the best platforms is Recraft AI. In addition to having a very profitable free plan, this neural network also has the ability to generate vector images. The user can also choose different styles, which makes it easier to work with and produces more accurate results.