Creating images with artificial intelligence for free – is that possible?

Good images are a key success factor for businesses of all kinds. They have long since gone beyond simply impressively showcasing productsshow casing products in an impressive way. They also have a decisive influence on success in (online) marketing, presentations/training courses or pitches, internal communication, and employer branding. This is because visual content explains contexts intuitively, signals professionalism, creates trust, and often decides (in a fraction of a second)whether messages are really noticed or not.

Unfortunately, however, producing high-quality images is often expensive and time-consuming. Modern generative artificial intelligence (AI) provides a solution. There are now many specialized tools that provide you with images for a wide range of applications with just a few inputs and sometimes in seconds. Here we present the 10 best free AI image generators of 2026.

1. ChatGPT

Since the introduction of GPT-4o, the world's best-known LLM-based AI assistant has an integrated image model that can generate a wide variety of motifs directly in the chat from text inputs: You describe your desired scene as concretely as possible, add style, perspective, or color scheme, and receive suitable image suggestions within a short time. Illustrations, realistic scenes, concept graphics, or simple infographics can be generated in no time at all.

Registration is required for the free version. Currently, users can only generate a very limited number of images per day, in practice usually up to three. OpenAI adjusts the limit depending on usage. In addition to pure image generation, ChatGPT also allows simple image editing, such as changing backgrounds or adding image elements via text input. However, complex retouching functions are not included in the free version. High-resolution exports or larger series are also restricted.

Top features in the free version:

• Text-to-image generation directly in the chat

• Simple image editing via prompt

• Creation of illustrations, concept images, and infographics

Key features:

• Versatile applications

• Very easy to use

Advantages:

• No separate tool required

• Fast results without training

Disadvantages

• Very limited number offree images

• Less/more complicatedcontrol over detail parameters

2. Gemini / Nano Banana

Google provides its AIimage generator directly in the Gemini app. The underlying image model is internally referred to as Nano Banana and is closely linked to Gemini's language AI. Similar to ChatGPT, image creation is seamless via the conventional user interface: you select the relevant function and formulate your prompt in natural language.

One of Nano Banana's strengths lies in the highly coherent results it can achieve. People, objects, and image styles remain the same (if desired) even when subsequent adjustments are made. In addition, Google allows you to easily edit existing images. You can upload your own photos and describe in text what changes you want to make, such as adjustments to clothing, surroundings, or lighting. The similarity of people and objects is largely retained, which is of course very helpful for commerce, marketing, or training purposes.

To use it for free, all you have to do is sign up – and often you can generate even more motifs than with ChatGPT (by the way, we have already discussed ChatGPT vs.Gemini in more detail at ChatGPT vs. Gemini. Subscribers to the extended version get higher speeds and (of course) a larger volume for image creation.

Top features in the free version:

• Text-to-image generation

• Image editing via text input

• High consistency for people, objects, environments, etc.

Focus areas:

• Precise image adjustments

• Tight integration with Gemini

Advantages:

• Excellent detail accuracy and photorealistic results

• Easy to use without additional software

Disadvantages

• Limited free use

• Less creative style variety than specialized generators

3. Grok

Grok was developed by Elon Musk's AI company "x", AI and has been publicly available since the end of 2023. With Grok 3, introduced in early 2025, the system gained advanced image analysis and image generation capabilities. Users can upload photos, which Grok evaluates, describes, and/or interprets at lightning speed. Shapes, colors, and structures are compared with known patterns.

In addition, Grok can generate new images from pure text descriptions. Advanced AI models such as FLUX.1 are used for image generation, delivering highly realistic and stylistically clean results. As with the two tools presented above, control is entirely via prompts. A clear and structured description is particularly important here, as Grok interprets less independently than ChatGPT, for example.

Technically, Grok 3 is based on a massive computing cluster with 200,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs. The model has a context window of up to 1,000,000 tokens, which means that even extensive contexts are reliably preserved. In addition, functions such as DeepSearch for current information and Think for transparent representation of the model's thought process are available.

Free use is limited, but allows for a comparatively large number of image generations – an exact limit is not publicly available.

Top features in the free version:

• Text-to-image generation

• Image analysis via upload

• Use of modern image models

Key features:

• Technically very powerful

• Good, very realistic results for complex scenes

Advantages:

• High image quality

• Strong contextual relevance for complex prompts

Disadvantages:

• Grok thinks prompts through less independently than ChatGPT, for example

• Interface is less geared toward beginners

4. PhotoDirector

Unlike pure-text-to-image generators, PhotoDirector is more of a classic photo editing tool that integrates modern AI image generation. The software is based on the manufacturer CyberLink's own AI models and is clearly aimed at users who not only want to generate images, but also want to optimize them in detail. Text inputs can be used to create new motifs, such as product images, backgrounds, or illustrative scenes.

In addition, PhotoDirector offers extensive retouching tools and AI-powered features for object removal, background replacement, and layer editing. The step-by-step tools, which explain complex editing processes in an understandable way, are particularly helpful for beginners. The free Essential version can be used for an unlimited period of time, but with restrictions on exports and individual AI functions.

Top features in the free version:

• Text-to-image generation

• AI retouching and object removal

• Layer-based image editing

Focus areas:

• Combination of generation and editing

• Well suited for marketing and presentation images

Advantages:

• Very clear interface

• Good results even without prior knowledge

Disadvantages:

• Restrictions on export resolution

• Some AI functions only available to a limited extent

• Quality often less impressive than with Grok or Gemini

5. Promeo

Promeo sees itself as an AI-supported design tool for marketing content. The focus here is on quickly deployable visual assets such as social media graphics, advertisements, or product visualizations. The platform offers many templates that can be edited with AI functions, allowing users to create high-quality content even without in-depth design expertise.

A central element is the AI Magic Designer. Using short text descriptions, the tool generates suitable layouts, colors, and imagery. In addition, an AI image generator is available that creates new motifs from text.

The free version can be used without time restrictions, but is limited in terms of exports and templates.

Top features in the free version:

• AI image generator

• Design templates for marketing purposes

• AI-supported layout creation

Focus areas:

• Social media and advertising content

• Quick and easy implementation without design software

Advantages:

• Very easy to use

• Good results for standardized formats

Disadvantages

• Less control over image details

• Strong focus on internal templates

6. Nightcafe

With this browser-based AI tool, you can implement all kinds of creative image ideas. A major advantage of Nightcafe is that multiple image models can be used within a single interface. These include well-known diffusion models with different styles, such as realistic, illustrative, or artistically abstract.

The interface allows you to set numerous parameters—resolution, aspect ratio, number of images, and computing time can be specified with just a few clicks. In the free plan, generation is based on a credit system with daily limits. Not all models are available for free, but simple generations are possible—and the results are impressive.

Top features in the free version:

• Use of multiple AI image models

• Easy adjustment of resolution and format

• Text-to-image generation for beginners

Focus areas:

• Artistic and creative motifs

• High stylistic diversity

Advantages

• Many setting options

• No installation required

Disadvantages

• Credits are used up relatively quickly

• Not all models are available free of charge

7. Leonardo AI

If you want more control over the style and composition of your images, Leonardo AI could be the right solution for you. The tool integrates several specialized image models and offers predefined styles that have been specifically developed for illustrations, game assets, or marketing graphics. Generation is done exclusively via text input, supplemented by filters and other parameters.

The free version offers 150 quick credits per day. This is enough for several medium-quality image generations. You can precisely define the aspect ratio, number of images, and style weighting. Despite its wide range of functions, the UI is clearly laid out.

Top features in the free version:

• Multiple specialized image models

• Style and filter selection

• Easy control of format and number of images

Key features:

• Detailed control of image styles

• Well suited for visual concepts

Advantages:

• Relatively large number of free generations

• Good balance between control and simplicity

Disadvantages

• No image editing of existing photos

• Focus more on illustration than photorealism

8. RunwayML

This AI image editing tool is significantly more versatile than many of its competitors. RunwayML combines image, video, and audio functions in a shared environment. The solution is therefore primarily aimed at creative teams, marketing departments, and content creators. Images are created using text descriptions, supplemented by numerous parameters for controlling style, format, and level of detail.

In addition to pure generation, existing motifs can be expanded or specifically modified. There are specific functions for replacing individual image areas, adding new objects, or varying existing motifs. Simple animations and video frames can also be derived from images.

The free plan gives you 125 credits, which are used up quite quickly but still allow you to generate good results and test the most important features.

Top features in the free version:

• Text-to-image generation

• Simple image editing via prompt

• Combination of image and video functions

Focus areas:

• Creative media production

• Expansion of existing content

Advantages:

• Highly versatile applications

• Modern, clear user interface

Disadvantages

• Free use is very limited (125 credits)

• Somewhat too extensive for pure image creation

9. Freepik

Freepik is best known as a large library for stock material. In addition to photos, vectors, icons, and videos, the platform now also offers an integrated AI image generator. This is directly integrated into the familiar interface and can be used without additional software.

The operation is deliberately kept simple: you describe your desired motif in text, optionally select a style, and adjust colors or image format. The free version currently offers 20 image generations per day. The generated content can be easily combined with the stock photos. For example, you can get inspiration and use it to create an image that exactly suits your needs.

Top features in the free version:

• AI image generator via text prompt

• Easy style and color selection

• Access to extensive stock library

Focus areas:

• Marketing and website content

• Practical combination of AI image generation and ready-made content

Advantages

• Very low barrier to entry

• Comparatively large number of free images

Disadvantages

• Limited creative control

• Quality varies

10. MyEdit

The provider of this AI tool calls its solution a creative suite, which combines image, audio, and simple video functions. With MyEdit's integrated AI image generator, you can create realistic or stylized motifs from text descriptions. Modern models such as NanoBanana Pro and Flux are used for this purpose. You also have the option of uploading reference photos to specifically influence facial features, poses, or layouts, for example.

The integrated prompt generator makes the whole process very beginner-friendly. The feature analyzes existing images and automatically converts them into descriptive texts that can be used or optimized for new generations. MyEdit also provides numerous other AI tools, such as for quality improvement, object removal, or style transfer.

The free version offers 3 credits per day and access to the Magic Designer for using your own images and a few other features. All core features are available.

Top features in the free version:

• Text-to-image generation

• Based on models such as Nano Banana Pro and Flux

• Reference images can be used for more precise results

• AI tools for image optimization

Key features:

• Creating realistic images and variations

• Easy editing in the browser

Advantages:

• Highly versatile thanks to powerful AI models

• Good control over image content

Disadvantages:

• Very limited credits in the free version

Conclusion

Creating images with artificial intelligence for free – this is possible in many ways today. Although AI image generators cannot completely replace classic photography, they offer real added value when visual content is needed quickly for presentations, internal training, social media, or initial concept drafts.

Not all tools are equally suitable for every purpose. Large models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Grok offer the widest range of content, as they integrate powerful image generation, useful analysis capabilities, and a deep understanding of text. Specialized solutions, on the other hand, often score points with particularly intuitive interfaces that allow for simple settings even without prompts.

The best approach is to try out different options yourself and see which tool really best suits your needs in practice. After all, it costs nothing to get started—and that's precisely the big advantage. You can use artificial intelligence for much more at free of charge!

FAQ

Can you create images with AI for free?

Yes, it is possible. Today, there are dozens of providers of free AI image generators. However, their use is usually limited by daily design limits, credits, or restricted features. Nevertheless, you can achieve good initial results with most tools for free.

How can I create free images with AI?

In most cases, this works based on so-called prompts. After registering—for example, with ChatGPT—enter as accurate a description of the image as possible in the prompt line. Add style, colors, and perspective as needed. The system then automatically generates one or more images that match your specifications.

Which AI can I use to generate lots of free images?

Tools with daily credits or renewable limits offer the greatest scope. Leonardo AI provides 150 fast credits every 24 hours, allowing multiple image generations per day. Freepik currently allows around 20free images per day. ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok are somewhat more powerful and often limited by utilization, but they also deliver very high quality

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