How to Generate Images for Free
Professionals use paid versions of AI-based online services with an extended set of tools to generate images. With such programs, you can create detailed images in the chosen style that are visually indistinguishable from real photos. However, ordinary users who want to add visual elements to their blog or illustrate social media posts often wonder how to generate an image using a neural network for free. Let’s explore the different possibilities for creating illustrations without a paid subscription.
Is It Possible?
During the testing phase of AI-based online services, many programs provided free access or a trial period for generating images without payment. But now, when neural networks have become more advanced and are capable of generating realistic images in a specified style with exact detailing, more services are providing access to tools only after subscribing. Even such a popular neural network as MidJourney closed free access to users last year. It is now impossible to generate an image in MidJourney for free. To generate images in the service, you will need to create an account in Discord and also make monthly payments. Moreover, users from Russia cannot pay for a subscription to MidJourney.
Nevertheless, there are still online services that allow you to generate a neural network picture based on textual requests for free, or create new photos based on a given sample. For instance, the Craiyon neural network is AI-based and generates images based on prompts. The online service is similar to the popular DALL-E but is available for free with some functional limitations. The mobile application Dream by WOMBO also creates real pictures in different genres based on descriptions — from landscapes and portraits to surreal worlds that even Salvador Dali would envy.
How to Generate
Creating a painting with a neural network starts with choosing a service with free access. When searching for a program, keep in mind that many neural networks provide a limited number of image generations per day or month without a subscription.
How to generate an image for free:
- Compose a detailed prompt. For example, “Style: watercolor painting. A sunny autumn forest with red-orange leaves falling from trees, a small pond in the center of the scene, a squirrel sitting on a rock nearby. Warm light filters through the trees, creating soft shadows.”
- Use clear descriptions with specific details, avoid long and contradictory phrases.
- Be sure to choose the style of the painting, the color scheme, and describe the background and surrounding environment.
- If you want to create a new image based on a photo, upload the original picture and compose a description.
- Send the generation request and edit the result.
You can create new images for free this way on most services. However, the toolset may be limited until you subscribe.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite the apparent simplicity, creating images through a neural network can be challenging. Some free access programs are limited in capabilities, and the results often fall short of expectations. The solution can be using the paid version or writing more precise, detailed descriptions. You can also test several platforms to choose one that provides more tools without payment.
Conclusion
Although many neural networks provide access to generation only after subscribing, it is still possible to find free services. A well-crafted request and an understanding of AI principles will help users obtain an image matching the description. Nonetheless, one should not expect too much from neural networks with limited functionality. If you need illustrations for news outlets, websites, or blogs, it is better to pay for access to the full suite of tools to generate high-quality, realistic images without limitations.
