ChatGPT Image Generation
imageby openai
Native image generation inside ChatGPT powered by GPT-4o, with accurate text rendering, multi turn consistency, and in context learning from uploaded references.
Key features
Free tier available, Plus at $20/mo
ChatGPT users who want image generation without switching to a separate tool
Integrated directly into ChatGPT, so there is no need to switch to a separate image generation tool
What it does
GPT-4o Native Image Generation
Images are generated natively by the same GPT-4o model that handles text, meaning the model deeply understands your prompt and conversation context. This is not a separate image model being called; it is one unified model.
Learn moreAccurate Text Rendering
Renders readable, accurate text inside images. Logos, posters, memes, signs, diagrams, and social media graphics with text overlays are all handled reliably. A major improvement over DALL-E 3.
Learn moreMulti Turn Consistency
Characters, styles, and visual elements persist across multiple turns of conversation. Ask for a character illustration, then ask for variations or new scenes with the same character, and the model maintains visual consistency.
Learn moreIn Context Learning from Uploads
Upload reference images and the model learns from them in context. Share a brand style guide, a photo of a product, or an example illustration, and the model matches the style, colors, or subject in its generations.
Learn moreTransparent Backgrounds
Generate images with transparent backgrounds for logos, stickers, icons, and design assets that need to be composited onto other materials.
C2PA Provenance Metadata
All generated images include C2PA metadata, an open standard for content provenance that lets anyone verify the image was AI generated and trace it back to OpenAI.
DALL-E 3 Legacy Access
The original DALL-E 3 diffusion model is still available through the DALL-E GPT in the GPT Store, giving users access to the older model's distinct aesthetic if preferred.
Works with GPT-5.2 Models
Image generation is available across the latest ChatGPT model lineup, including GPT-5.2, ensuring access to the most capable text understanding alongside image output.
Pricing
Free
Very limited image generation. Approximately 2 to 3 images per day on a rolling 24 hour window. Uses GPT-4o native generation.
- 2 to 3 images per day
- GPT-4o native generation
- Text rendering supported
- C2PA metadata included
Go
Expanded image generation limits beyond Free. Access to GPT-4o native image generation with more generous daily allowances.
- Expanded daily image limits
- GPT-4o native generation
- Text rendering supported
- C2PA metadata included
Plus
Generous image generation limits. Approximately 50 images per 3 hour rolling window with GPT-4o native. DALL-E 3 also available via GPT Store.
- ~50 images per 3 hour window
- GPT-4o native generation
- DALL-E 3 via GPT Store
- Transparent backgrounds
- Multi turn consistency
- In context learning from uploads
Pro
Unlimited image generation with the highest quality output. No rate limits. Full access to all image generation features.
- Unlimited image generation
- Highest quality output
- No rate limits
- All Plus features
- Priority access to new features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Integrated directly into ChatGPT, so there is no need to switch to a separate image generation tool
- Accurate text rendering in images is a major improvement over DALL-E 3 and most competing models
- Multi turn consistency keeps characters and styles visually coherent across multiple generations in the same conversation
- In context learning from uploaded reference images lets you match brand styles, product photos, or illustration aesthetics
- Free tier is available, so anyone can try image generation without paying
Cons
- Quality can be inconsistent on complex scenes with many elements, especially beyond 10 to 20 objects
- No standalone API for GPT-4o native images yet; developers must use the DALL-E or GPT Image API endpoints
- Free tier is extremely limited at 2 to 3 images per day, making it impractical for regular use
- Pro plan at $200/mo is expensive if image generation is your primary use case
- The coexistence of DALL-E 3 and GPT-4o native can be confusing for users who do not understand the difference
How to get started
Open ChatGPT
Go to chatgpt.com or open the ChatGPT desktop/mobile app. Sign in with your account. Image generation works on all tiers including Free.
Describe what you want
Type a description of the image you want to create. Be specific about the subject, style, colors, composition, and any text you want included. For example: "Create a minimalist logo for a coffee shop called 'Bean & Brew' with a coffee cup icon and earth tones."
Iterate with follow ups
Refine the result using follow up messages. The model remembers the previous generation and maintains consistency. Say things like "Make the text larger," "Change the background to white," or "Keep the same style but show it from a different angle."
Upload reference images
For style matching or brand consistency, upload a reference image and ask ChatGPT to generate something in the same style. This in context learning capability lets the model pick up on colors, textures, and artistic choices from your example.
Download and use
Click the generated image to view it at full resolution. Download it directly. All images include C2PA metadata for provenance tracking. Request transparent backgrounds when creating logos or design assets.
Deep dive
Detailed guides with comparisons, tips, and visuals for each feature.
How GPT-4o Native Image Generation Works
Why native generation inside the language model is fundamentally different from DALL-E, and what that means for quality, consistency, and instruction following.
Creative Workflows and Best Practices
How to get the best results from ChatGPT image generation, including reference image techniques, style consistency, iterative refinement, and text overlay strategies.
ChatGPT Image Gen vs Midjourney vs Nano Banana vs Stable Diffusion
How ChatGPT's native image generation compares to the leading alternatives across quality, features, pricing, and workflow.
Links
Official
Learn
Documentation
Pricing
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Last updated: 2026-02-21