5 Free AI-powered Image Generators Compared
AI-powered image generators are becoming increasingly popular for creating visuals like images and logos. They can save you time and effort, especially if you’re not a professional designer. However, many of these tools can be costly, which isn’t ideal if you’re just starting out or using them as a hobby.
To help you find the right tool without spending a fortune, here are five of the best free AI-powered image generators. But as with anything free, there’s always a catch. We’ll also explore each tool’s limitations so you can better understand which one best suits your needs.
Bing Image Creator
Bing Image Creator is a free AI-powered tool from Microsoft that turns text prompts into images. It uses an advanced version of OpenAI’s DALL-E model and is designed to be simple and accessible.
To get started, you only need a Microsoft account, which comes with 15 boosted generations for faster results. Simply enter a detailed description of the image you want, and the tool will generate four different versions for you to choose from. It supports over 100 languages, so you can provide a description in your preferred language.
- It features a simple, user-friendly interface
- Produces great results, capable of generating perfect animations, 3D, and realistic images
- Limited control over the image produced, such as the size of the image
- Images generated cannot be used for commercial purposes
Loras
Loras.dev is a free and open-source AI image generator built on the Flux LoRAs engine. It specializes in producing images that match specific artistic styles, including logos, anime, colored pencil sketches, and more.
To use it, you don’t need an account. Simply enter a text prompt, choose a LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation) style such as Vector sketch, Pencil sketch, or Color sketch, and let the AI generate your image in seconds.
- Free and open-source
- No account required
- Limited to supported styles, which may feel restrictive for users needing broader functionality
InvokeAI
InvokeAI is a free, open-source platform that lets you create images using AI. It’s designed to be simple for beginners while also offering advanced tools for professionals.
The platform offers advanced options like selecting aspect ratio, image size, and models to suit your needs. You can easily browse and download a variety of popular, high-quality models through the Model Manager
feature within the app.
You can install the app on your computer – whether you use macOS, Windows, Linux, or Docker. It works with different models to generate images and only requires about 3.5GB of VRAM to create a 512×768 image, making it a great choice for systems with limited resources.
- Free and open-source
- User-friendly interface with advanced options
- Includes helpful tools like filters and batch processing
- Requires some technical knowledge to set up
- Setup might be challenging for beginners
- Advanced features may require technical expertise
QwenLM Chat
Qwen Chat is an AI-powered web application developed by Alibaba Cloud. It offers a variety of features, from chat assistance to image generation, allowing you to create images based on text prompts and analyze uploaded images. It supports several aspect ratios, including 1:1, 3:4, and 6:19, to suit your needs when generating images.
The app combines all features in a single interface. When starting out, be sure to select the Image Generation
option to generate images based on text prompts.
It runs on Alibaba Cloud’s in-house models from the Qwen Series. You can choose from different models, such as the Qwen2.5 Turbo for faster performance or the Qwen2.5 Max, which is the most powerful option available.
- Free to use (almost without apparent limit)
- While it provides options for aspect ratio, it offers limited control for fine-tuning visual outputs
- Maximum resolution is capped at 1024 pixels
Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is a generative AI tool that helps create multimedia content. It offers a wide range of features, including text-to-image generation, vector creation, text effects, generative fill, and recoloring.
Compared to other tools we’ve covered, Adobe Firefly stands out for offering the most advanced options and precise control for generating images. It includes basic features like content type selection, effects, and references, as well as advanced settings such as lighting and camera angle adjustments that professional designers will appreciate.
As part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator, which can significantly improve your workflow if you’re already using Adobe’s ecosystem.
Adobe Firefly provides monthly free credits that you can use to generate a limited number of images.
- Seamless integration with Adobe’s creative apps
- Capable of generating vector graphics
- Limited utility outside of Adobe’s ecosystem
- Free credits are very limited
Wrapping Up
Free AI-powered image generators provide an accessible and cost-effective way to create visuals, particularly for beginners. These tools offer a range of features, from basic customization to advanced controls, enabling you to explore your creativity without requiring professional design skills.
However, it’s crucial to be aware of their limitations. These platforms often have usage restrictions, can be challenging for new users, and may raise concerns about image quality or copyright issues. While they save time and effort, they might not always match the precision or uniqueness of paid alternatives.