The best AI-image generation tool for you in 2024

AI image-generation tools have transformed digital art and design, allowing users to create striking visuals from simple text prompts.

But how do you know which tool is right for you?

In this article, I recommend the following three applications tailored to different levels of experience: beginners, intermediate, and professional.

• Prompt Hunt, with its easy-to-use interface, quick templates, and community support, is excellent for beginners.
• Midjourney is best for artistic exploration and collaborative creativity through Discord.
• Adobe Firefly offers image generation that is safe for commercial use* with the added benefit of Adobe’s editing tools and workflows.

I highlight each tool’s features, pricing, and user experiences to help you find the one that best suits your needs.

Prompt Hunt is an excellent choice for beginners entering the world of AI image generation. It simplifies the process by offering a range of pre-made templates and styles, making it easy for users to generate images without needing detailed prompts.

The platform supports popular models like Stable Diffusion, DALL·E, and Midjourney, allowing users to create diverse and creative visuals. With a user-friendly interface, Prompt Hunt enables users to explore, create, and share AI art effortlessly.

Prompt Hunt also offers a useful reference image feature, similar to tools like Adobe Firefly, which works alongside templates to streamline the creation process. This ease of use and flexibility make it a great starting point for those new to the field.

Features and functionality

• Pre-made templates: Users can select templates combining various styles, reducing the need for detailed prompts.
• Custom templates: Allows users to create and save their own templates for future use.
• Reference images: Upload reference images to guide AI generation.
• Multiple models: Prompt Hunt supports multiple AI models, including Stable Diffusion and DALL·E. The PhChroma model is the default, with other models available based on the user’s subscription plan.
• Privacy mode: Enables you to perfect your creation before sharing.

Pricing

• Essential plan: $4.99 per month for 50 images per day with ability to create four images at once.
• Pro plan: $9.99 per month for 500 images per day, additional images depending on model, and privacy mode.
• Pro+ plan: $14.99 per month for 1000 images per day, additional images depending on model, and privacy mode.

Pricing is subject to change. Be sure to check Prompt Hunt’s pricing page for the most recent rates.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Easy to use with pre-made templates.
• Active community and support.
• Multiple AI image generation models to choose from.
• Privacy mode is available in the top two plans, which is reasonably affordable compared to other image-generating tools.

Cons:

• Limited models in the free version.
• Generation can be slow in the free version.
• Custom template creation can be challenging to locate.

Prompt Hunt is an excellent choice for beginners who want to dive into AI art without being overwhelmed by technical details. Its ease of use and supportive community make it an appealing option for those new to digital art generation.

Midjourney stands out among AI image generators for offering unparalleled freedom of expression. This tool allows users to generate a wide range of images, from abstract art to photorealistic scenes, making it ideal for those looking to explore their creative potential.

However, it’s worth noting that Midjourney operates through Discord, an instant messaging platform, which may pose a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with the platform.

Despite this, once users become accustomed to its commands and shortcuts, Midjourney provides a rich environment for creativity without the restrictive moderation found in some other apps. It is known for its ability to produce high-quality, visually striking images that often exhibit an artistic flair.

Features and functionality

• Discord integration: Users interact with the AI through Discord channels, generating and refining images via text prompts.
• Artistic styles: Midjourney excels in producing images with various artistic styles, including surreal, abstract, and highly detailed visual representations. This focus on artistry makes it ideal for users seeking unique and visually compelling results.
• Community engagement: The Discord integration fosters a collaborative environment and allows users to easily share and discuss their creations.
• Stealth mode: Prevents other users from seeing images generated on Midjourney.

Pricing

Unlike other applications, Midjouney offers subscription plans based on different amounts of monthly processing (GPU) time. The two processing speeds when generating images on Midjourney are fast and relaxed. Fast mode is applied by default for all generations and it will consume as many GPU minutes from your account as the time it takes to fully process your images.

• Basic Plan: $10 per month for fast GPU time of 3.3 hours per month.
• Standard Plan: $30 per month for fast GPU time of 15 hours per month and unlimited relaxed time.
• Pro Plan: $60 per month for fast GPU time of 30 hours per month, unlimited relaxed speed time, and stealth mode.
• Mega Plan: $120 per month for fast GPU time of 60 hours per month, unlimited relaxed speed time, and stealth mode.

Pricing is subject to change. Be sure to check Midjourney’s subscription plan page for the most recent rates.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Higher levels of creative freedom
• High-quality, artistic image outputs.
• Strong community engagement.
• Various pricing plans to match different usage levels.
• Not charged per image but based on image generation speeds.

Cons:

• Discord-based interface may be challenging for users unfamiliar with the platform.
• Higher pricing compared to other tools.
• Stealth mode is only available for the top two plans.

Midjourney is perfect for users who want to delve into artistic image creation and benefit from a collaborative community. Its emphasis on artistic styles and high-quality outputs makes it a valuable tool for those with a creative edge.

For professionals already integrated into the Adobe ecosystem, Adobe Firefly is a highly recommended tool. As part of the Adobe Creative Suite, Firefly offers a seamless workflow for designers accustomed to Adobe’s other products, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Although users must purchase credits separately from Adobe Creative Suite subscription, the tool’s integration with Adobe’s suite of tools ensures that images can be easily refined using familiar software.

Firefly leverages Adobe’s own image library, providing a reassuring level of copyright safety.* However, it’s important to note that Firefly imposes certain content restrictions to ensure compliance with DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and other image-generating guidelines. While these limitations may restrict some creative possibilities, they offer a level of security and ethical consideration that many professionals appreciate.

Features and functionality

• Adobe integration: Seamlessly integrates with Photoshop for advanced editing.
• Image generation parameters: Users can specify aspect ratio, style, angle, and more.
• Reference images: Allows for structure and style references to guide generation.
• Commercial use safety: Images are safe for commercial use, trained on Adobe Stock and other licensed content.*

* Please note there is news that Adobe trained Firefly on not just its stock but also AI-generated images from competitors such as Midjourney. This may negatively impact the commercially safe guarantee.

Pricing

Adobe prices their generated images through what they call generative credits. For customers with a paid subscription, generative credits renew each month based on the plan’s initial billing date.

• Free Plan: 25 credits per month.
• Premium Plan: $4.99 per month ($49.99 per year) for 100 credits and watermark-free images.

Pricing is subject to change. Be sure to check Adobe Firefly’s payment plan page for the most recent rates.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• High-quality, commercially safe images.
• Integration with Adobe Photoshop and other Adobe applications for advanced editing.

Cons:

• Increased level of prompt restrictions.
• Limited to 25 credits in the free plan.
• Premium plans can be costly.

Adobe Firefly is ideal for professionals needing high-quality, safe images with advanced editing capabilities and Adobe tool integration.

Selecting the right AI image generation tool depends on your needs and experience.

Prompt Hunt, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly are tools that will provide a number of options to enhance your creative projects, whether you’re just starting, exploring artistic styles, or working on professional designs.◼

There are so many AI image-generating tools on the market. If you know of one not listed here that you think is better suited to beginners, intermediate, or professional users, please let us know!