What is AI Image Generation?
AI image generation creates original images from text descriptions. You describe what you want ("a cozy cabin in the mountains at sunset, watercolor style") and the AI produces the image in seconds. Modern image generators can create photorealistic photos, illustrations, logos, UI mockups, and artistic compositions. You can also upload existing images and ask the AI to edit, extend, or restyle them.
Common use cases- Creating marketing visuals, social media graphics, or presentation illustrations on demand
- Generating product mockups, concept art, or design variations quickly
- Editing existing photos: removing backgrounds, changing styles, or extending an image beyond its original borders
Image model evolution
DALL-E 3
2023
Previous generation, being deprecated May 2026
GPT Image 1
2024
Native generation built into GPT-4o
GPT Image 1.5
Dec 2025
Latest update with improved quality
DALL-E 3
2023
Previous generation, being deprecated May 2026
GPT Image 1
2024
Native generation built into GPT-4o
GPT Image 1.5
Dec 2025
Latest update with improved quality
Image generation limits by plan
🎨Specify artistic style (photorealistic, watercolor, 3D)
💡Be specific about lighting and composition
🔄Iterate with follow up messages
📸Upload reference images for style matching
✏️For text in images, be explicit about fonts and placement
API Pricing
| Quality | Price per image (square) |
|---|---|
| Low | ~$0.01 |
| Medium | ~$0.04 |
| High | ~$0.17 |