AI image generators are already affecting the way creators and brands work with visuals. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? Read further to discover what tools like AI Image Generator by Depositphotos are, how they work, and how you can start using them to create unique visuals in just a few clicks.
What is an AI image generator?
Let’s start with the meaning of the AI image generator. It is a digital tool that turns prompts into visually realistic or artistic images. While generative AI for images cannot replace professional creators, you can use it in situations when you need to save costs and time, create references, or visualize something for inspiration and further work.
Image generators that use AI are powered by machine learning models trained on millions of images and their descriptions. Over time, the AI learns how objects, colors, styles, and lighting relate to each other and improves the quality of its work. However, not all of such solutions are equally efficient because their training is quite expensive and is estimated to exceed a billion dollars by 2027 for advanced tools.
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How do AI generators work?
The process of using AI to produce generated images is quite simple.
- It all starts with a training phase. The tool processes datasets of real photos, illustrations, or artworks paired with captions. This is how the model learns the visual features of objects and scenes (e.g., what makes a dog look like a dog).
- Then, you need to create a prompt for a paid or free AI image generator. Sometimes, the prompt consists of text only, and sometimes, it can include visuals too: for instance, reference photos, illustrations to copy a style, and even your own sketches that you might want to polish.
- Then comes the generation phase. The paid or free online AI image generator of your choice processes your prompt to “imagine” a visual and generate it from scratch.
- If you’re happy with a generated visual but feel it could be even better, you can refine it. Editing with an AI photo generator depends on the platform you’re using. Some tools offer basic tweaks, while others provide advanced features like in-painting—letting you adjust facial expressions, remove backgrounds, or make subtle to significant visual changes.
How to get AI-generated images using text prompts
These days, 6 in 10 users believe they are on their way to mastering AI tools. However, the process will become much smoother if you read this guide before crafting your first AI image prompt.
How do you use AI prompts for pictures? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose a convenient tool
This can be Depositphotos AI Image Generator, Stable Diffusion, Midjourney or another tool of your choice. As all generators support text prompts, you should focus on things like the simplicity of the tool and the number of features that you need at this stage.
Step 2: Write a prompt
AI image prompts describe the visual that you want to receive. The more detailed and descriptive it is, the better the result. For instance, if your prompt looks like “A cat on a windowsill,” you’ll get a cat; however, such a visual can be photorealistic or illustrative, cozy or sad. But if you make your prompt more detailed, like “A fluffy orange cat lounging on a sunlit window, with green plants and soft shadows, in a cozy vintage apartment”, you’ll be able to set the mood and include additional details.
You can add:
- Subject: person, animal, object;
- Style: photorealistic, watercolor, cyberpunk, pixel art;
- Mood or lighting: sunset, rainy, cinematic;
- Perspective: close-up, aerial, portrait;
- Color themes: pastel, neon, black-and-white.
Step 3: Generate a picture using the prompt
To do that, go to your chosen tool, paste your prompt into the text box, and click the generate button. Wait for the result.
Step 4: Refine if necessary
If you don’t like the result, you can surely use additional variations or edits. However, sometimes, your initial prompt might also require additional tweaking. If you’re struggling with that, consider trying out helpful tools, like the Prompt Professor add-on for ChatGPT.
Step 5: Download your visual
Often, you can choose a download format (for instance, JPG or PNG). Once a picture downloads, you can use it in your designs, posts or projects.
How to make an AI image from a photo
If you want to create AI-generated images using photos or other visual references, you can do that with specific tools. Here’s the step-by-step process to guide you.
Step 1: Pick the AI tool
Not all tools support uploading or referencing images, so look for those that do. Visual references can help guide the AI more accurately toward your desired outcome. Some popular options include Midjourney, DALL·E, and Leonardo.AI.
Step 2: Upload a photo
Most often, this is a simple and straightforward process: you hit an “Upload” button in a tool, choose a visual, and wait for it to upload. A picture should be clear and in high resolution.
Step 3: Choose a transformation type
You can use uploaded visuals as an art style reference or a character reference, replicate them and modify certain features like hair or outfits, or edit them. You can also select specific areas for editing and use sliders to control how strongly the AI should change your image (these are usually marked as “creativity” or “imagination”).
Step 4: Review and download
At this step, the AI tool will process your photo. This can take from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the number of visuals you intend to create and your subscription plan. After that, you’ll be able to review the results and download your preferred high-quality visual.
To sum up
AI image generators are powerful, accessible tools that allow you to create all kinds of visuals without any professional background. All you need is a text prompt or a photo to generate, edit, and refine images in seconds. Getting started is simple: select an AI tool and begin exploring.
