How to Generate Images with AI (Best Tools in 2026)
Learn how to generate stunning AI images from text prompts. We compare Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, and more with real examples.
TL;DR
For the best image quality, Midjourney is still the gold standard. For free and unlimited generation, try Stable Diffusion locally. If you’re already in Adobe, use Firefly — it’s built right into Photoshop.
Top Pick: Midjourney
Midjourney consistently produces the most visually stunning results. It runs through Discord, which feels odd at first but works great once you get used to it.
- Best for: High-quality artistic images
- Price: $10/mo (Basic), $30/mo (Standard)
- Why we love it: Photorealistic outputs, incredible artistic range
Step-by-Step: Generating Your First Image
Step 1: Choose Your Tool
Pick based on your needs:
- Midjourney — best quality, paid
- DALL-E 3 (ChatGPT) — easy, good for ChatGPT Plus users
- Adobe Firefly — best for commercial-safe content
- Stable Diffusion — free, runs locally, steep learning curve
Step 2: Write a Good Prompt
Prompt quality determines output quality. A strong prompt includes:
- Subject: What you want (e.g., “a red fox in a forest”)
- Style: Photorealistic, cartoon, oil painting, etc.
- Lighting: Golden hour, studio light, dramatic shadows
- Camera/Lens: (optional) 85mm portrait, wide angle
Good prompt: “A red fox sitting in a misty forest at golden hour, photorealistic, 85mm lens, shallow depth of field”
Bad prompt: “fox in woods”
Step 3: Iterate and Refine
- Use
--v 6in Midjourney for the latest model - Click V1–V4 to create variations
- Click U1–U4 to upscale your favorite
- Keep tweaking your prompt until you get what you want
Step 4: Download and Use
- Right-click to save in Discord (Midjourney)
- Check licensing — Midjourney Pro allows commercial use
Tool Comparison
| Tool | Quality | Price | Commercial Use | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midjourney | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $10-60/mo | Pro+ only | Medium |
| DALL-E 3 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $20/mo (ChatGPT) | Yes | Easy |
| Adobe Firefly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free/$60/mo | Yes | Easy |
| Stable Diffusion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Free | Yes | Hard |
FAQ
Can I use AI-generated images commercially? It depends on the tool. Adobe Firefly and DALL-E 3 are generally safe for commercial use. Midjourney requires a Pro plan ($60/mo) for commercial rights.
What’s the best free AI image generator? Adobe Firefly offers 25 free credits/month. For unlimited free generation, Stable Diffusion running locally is your best bet.
How do I make AI images look more realistic? Add photorealistic descriptors to your prompt: “shot on Canon 5D, 8K, hyperrealistic, professional photography.”