How to Create Images with ChatGPT (With Prompts!)

Creating images using AI might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but with tools like ChatGPT integrated with DALL-E, it’s as easy as sending a message. Whether you’re crafting a blog post, preparing a presentation, or just want to share something fun on social media, AI-generated images can add a creative touch to your content. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create images with ChatGPT, complete with prompts to help you get the most out of this technology.

Why Use AI to Create Images?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” AI image generation can be a game-changer for several reasons:

1. No Photography Skills Required: Not everyone is a professional photographer, and hiring one can be expensive. AI tools allow you to create professional-looking images without needing any camera skills.
2. Customisability: AI-generated images can be tailored to your exact needs. Whether you want a specific style, colour scheme, or subject matter, you can achieve it with the right prompts.
3. Time-Saving: Instead of spending hours searching for the perfect stock photo, you can generate the exact image you need in just a few minutes.
4. Uniqueness: Every image generated by AI is unique, ensuring that your content stands out from the crowd.

Now that you’re convinced of the benefits, let’s get started with creating your first AI-generated image using ChatGPT.

Step 1: Get a GPT-4 Account

To access the image creation feature, you’ll need a paid ChatGPT account that includes GPT-4. Currently, DALL-E, the AI model used for image creation, is only available under the GPT-4 plan.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Sign Up: If you don’t already have an account, sign up for ChatGPT and choose the GPT-4 plan.
2. Log In: Once you have an account, log in and select GPT-4 from the drop-down menu. This will give you access to DALL-E for image generation.

Step 2: Start Creating Images

Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to create your first image. The process is simple: just ask ChatGPT to make an image for you.

For example, you might type:

“Hey ChatGPT, please create an image of a golden retriever eating pizza.”

And that’s it! ChatGPT will take a minute or two to process your request, and then it will generate the image. The time it takes can vary depending on the complexity of the image and how busy the system is, but it usually doesn’t take long.

Step 3: Get Specific with Your Prompts

While you can get a good image with a simple request, the real magic happens when you get specific. The more details you include in your prompt, the closer the image will be to what you have in mind.

For example, instead of just asking for a golden retriever eating pizza, you could ask for:

“A cartoon-style golden retriever sitting at a table, happily eating a slice of pizza with a big smile on its face. The dog has large, expressive eyes and a wagging tail, and the pizza is loaded with cheese and pepperoni.”

With this prompt, ChatGPT will generate a more detailed and customised image, capturing the playful and whimsical vibe you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Editing the Image

One of the coolest features of ChatGPT’s image creation tool is that you can edit the images after they’re generated. Let’s say you like the image of the golden retriever, but you wish the dog’s eyes were green instead of brown. No problem!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the Image: After the image is generated, click on it to open it in full view.
2. Use the Edit Tool: You’ll see a small paintbrush icon with a circle around it—this is the select tool for editing. Click on it.
3. Select the Area to Edit: Click and drag over the part of the image you want to change. In this case, you’d select the dog’s eyes.
4. Type Your Edit: In the prompt box that appears, type in your edit. For example, “Change the eyes to green.”
5. Apply the Edit: ChatGPT will process the change, and you’ll get an updated image with the green-eyed dog.

This feature allows you to fine-tune your images without starting from scratch, making it easy to get exactly what you want.

Step 5: Download and Save Your Image

Once you’re happy with your image, it’s time to download it. Saving your AI-generated image is straightforward:

1. Click the Download Button: You can find this either on the preview of the image in the chat or in the full-screen view.
2. Choose a Location on Your Device: The image will automatically save to your device, usually in your Downloads folder. The file will be named something like “Dall-e [Date] [First sentence of prompt for the piece].webp.”
3. Rename the File: If you want a more descriptive name, you can rename the file. For example, you might call it “cartoon golden retriever eating pizza.”

Step 6: Resize the Image

AI-generated images from ChatGPT typically come in a standard size of 1,024 pixels on the shorter side, with the longer side being 1,792 pixels if the image is rectangular. However, you might need a different size for your specific needs, such as for Google Discover or a presentation slide.

Here’s how to resize your image:

1. Use an Editing Tool: Open a tool like Canva, which is great for resizing images without losing quality.
2. Create a New Canvas: Set the canvas to the desired size. For example, if you need a square image, you might choose 1,200 pixels by 1,200 pixels.
3. Drag and Drop the Image: Place your AI-generated image onto the canvas. Canva will automatically resize it to fit.
4. Download the Resized Image: Once you’re satisfied with the size, download the image in your preferred format, such as JPEG for websites or PNG for presentations.

Resizing the image this way also helps reduce any graininess that might appear when changing the size, ensuring a crisp, clear final product.

Step 7: Use the Image in Your Content

Now that you’ve created, customised, and resized your image, it’s ready to be used in your content. Whether you’re adding it to a blog post, including it in a social media post, or using it in a presentation, AI-generated images can enhance your content in several ways:

1. Visual Appeal: Images break up text and make your content more engaging. They can also illustrate points more effectively than words alone.
2. Branding: Custom images allow you to maintain a consistent visual style that matches your brand’s aesthetic.
3. Communication: Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words. A well-chosen image can convey a message quickly and effectively.

Legal Considerations

While AI-generated images are a fantastic tool, there are some legal considerations to keep in mind:

1. Copyright Issues: Since AI-generated images are created based on algorithms that might use existing images as reference points, there’s an ongoing debate about who owns the copyright. Always check the terms of service of the AI tool you’re using to understand your rights.
2. Use of Images: Be mindful of where and how you use AI-generated images. For instance, using these images for commercial purposes might have different legal implications compared to personal use.
3. Alterations and Attribution: If you heavily edit an AI-generated image or combine it with other images, consider how this affects the copyright and whether you need to provide attribution.

While I’m not a lawyer, it’s worth staying informed about these issues to avoid potential legal complications.

Final Thoughts

Creating images with ChatGPT is an easy and fun way to add a unique touch to your content. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can generate, customize, and use AI images that perfectly match your needs. Remember to be specific with your prompts, take advantage of the editing features, and consider the legal aspects of using AI-generated content.

With these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming an AI image creation pro. So go ahead, experiment with different prompts, and see what amazing images you can create with ChatGPT!