Can ChatGPT generate images? The short answer is yes. Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is fundamentally a large language model (LLM). Besides understanding and generating human-like text, it’s a powerful asset for AI image generation.
In August, OpenAI unveiled its powerful AI image generation model, DALL·E 3, making it available to all users—even those on the free tier of ChatGPT—offering a broader audience an impressive glimpse into the future of AI-driven image creation through simple text prompts.
However, ChatGPT free users can only generate two images per day. But with a paid ChatGPT Plus account, users can generate unlimited images.
How to use ChatGPT to generate images?
Whether you’re on the free or paid plan, generating images with ChatGPT follows the same simple process. Let’s see how it works:
Step 1: Create or Log in to ChatGPT
First things first—visit chat.openai.com and log in to your OpenAI account.
If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll have to create one using an email address or sign in via Google, Microsoft, or Apple.
Step 2: Start a New Chat or Continue an Existing One
Click “New Chat” if you want to start fresh or continue in an existing conversation if you’ve already been working on ideas.
Step 3: Enter Your Image Prompt
In the message box, simply describe the image you would like to generate. Start by saying ‘generate an image of’ or ‘create an image of,’ followed by a description of what you want to see — for instance, “a red bicycle leaning against a tree.”
Remember: the more detailed and specific your prompt, the better the outcome will be.
You can also specify the art style, lighting, camera angle, color scheme, and more. For example, if you want a playful look, you might say something like “in cartoon style” to describe how the image should appear.
Step 4: Wait for the Image to Generate
After you hit enter, ChatGPT will process the prompt and generate the image using DALL-E 3. This typically takes just a few seconds.
Once the image is ready, it will appear directly in the chat window.
Step 5: View and Download the Image
Click on the image to enlarge it. From there, you can right-click (or tap and hold on mobile) to save the image to your device.
If you’re satisfied with the image, you can download it from ChatGPT by tapping the download icon in the upper right-hand corner.
Otherwise, you can just keep refining your prompt by giving ChatGPT more details about what you want to generate.
The Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building social media content or just having fun exploring ideas, using ChatGPT for image generation is an incredibly easy process. With just a few words, you can turn your imagination into stunning visuals, even if you don’t have any design skills.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to chat.openai.com and start generating for free.
FAQs
What is DALL-E 3, and how does it work with ChatGPT?
DALL·E 3 is OpenAI’s advanced image generation model. In ChatGPT, it’s integrated directly into the chat interface. When you describe your image prompt, ChatGPT passes that prompt to DELL-E 3, which returns a unique image based on your text description.
What kind of images can you generate with ChatGPT?
Below are just a few things you can commonly generate using ChatGPT + DALL-E:
- Scenes & Landscapes – “A sunset over the ocean”
- Objects & Items – “A red bicycle leaning against a tree”
- Characters & Creatures – “A smiling cartoon cat wearing sunglasses”
- Architecture & Interiors – “A cozy cabin in the woods”
- Fantasy & Sci-Fi Concepts – “A dragon flying over a mountain”
- Stylized Art & Design – “A watercolor painting of a sunflower”
- Mood & Atmosphere – “A foggy forest path at dawn”
- Compositions & Creative Concepts – “A cat floating in space”
You can even ask for images in specific art styles—like watercolor, Studio Ghibli, Pixar style, or vintage 1950s posters.
What are the limitations of generating images using ChatGPT?
As powerful as ChatGPT is for image generation, there are still a few limitations to be aware of:
- Vague prompts can result in unexpected or inaccurate results. So, you have to be very detailed and specific with your prompt to get the best outcome.
- ChatGPT has built-in safeguards to avoid generating inappropriate or harmful images. So some prompts might be rejected or blocked.
- ChatGPT doesn’t generate images directly; it relies on tools like DALL-E, which may cause issues if those services are temporarily unavailable.
- The system limits the number of images per request—usually to three—for those using a free version of ChatGPT.
Can ChatGPT generate images for free?
Yes, ChatGPT can generate images for free using OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 model. As of April 2025, free-tier users can generate up to 3 images per day directly within ChatGPT.
Can I use the images generated by ChatGPT for commercial projects?
Images created with DALL·E 3 are generally allowed for commercial use under OpenAI’s terms, but it’s crucial to review the official usage policies to ensure you’re following the most up-to-date guidelines.
What are the best alternatives to ChatGPT for image generation?
Some of the best alternatives to ChatGPT for AI image generation are DeepAI, Fotor AI, NightCafe Studio, and Adobe Firefly. You can learn more about these tools with our detailed guide on top free AI image generation tools.
