Complete Guide to AI Image Generation Tools - How to Use DALL·E & Midjourney

Introduction

"I want to draw, but I'm not talented..." Sound familiar? I used to give up on expressing the images in my head because I couldn't draw. But now, everything's changed!

These days, you just describe what you want in text, and AI creates professional-quality artwork in seconds. Type "a park with cherry blossoms falling under a blue sky," and you actually get that exact image. It's like magic, right?

AI image generation technology is already being used in many fields. Designers quickly create idea sketches, marketers produce their own advertising images, and novelists design their own book covers. Even hobbyists who always wanted to draw can now create freely.

Today, we'll explore these AI image generation tools one by one, looking at their features, pros, and cons. This will help you find the right tool for your purpose and budget!

Major AI Image Generation Tools

1. DALL·E 3 (OpenAI)

DALL·E 3 is an image generation AI developed by OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT. Its biggest advantage is how incredibly easy it is to use. If you've already tried ChatGPT, you can start creating images right there!

Why is DALL·E 3 so popular?

If you're already subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, you can use it immediately at no extra cost. Just type in the ChatGPT chat window "draw a cat in a spacesuit walking on the moon" and you're done. No need to write complex prompts in English - just make your request comfortably in your native language.

Compared to other AI tools, DALL·E 3 is exceptionally good at creating images with text. For example, when you want to make something like "a cafe sign that says OPEN," other tools often misspell words, but DALL·E 3 creates them relatively accurately.

Pros and Cons from Real Experience

From my actual use, it's absolutely the best for beginners. No need to install separate apps or configure complex settings. Just like chatting with ChatGPT, you can request modifications like "make it brighter" or "change the background to ocean" and it updates immediately.

However, there are downsides. With ChatGPT Plus, you can only generate about 40-50 images per day, which is limiting when you need to create many. Also, maintaining the same character consistently across multiple scenes is somewhat difficult. If you create several character designs, they may come out slightly different each time.

Pricing:

• ChatGPT Plus: $20/month (includes DALL·E 3) - also get other ChatGPT features
• DALL·E API: $0.040 per image (1024×1024) - for developers or bulk generation

Recommended for:

• Complete beginners to AI image generation
• Those already using ChatGPT Plus
• Those who want to work comfortably in their native language
• Those who want to create images with text (posters, cards, etc.)

2. MidJourney

MidJourney is undoubtedly the best for "artistry" among AI image generation tools. Even with the same prompt, images created by MidJourney look more sophisticated and beautiful. They feel like they were created by a professional illustrator.

It works through Discord?

MidJourney's most unique aspect is that it operates within Discord, a messenger app. At first, you might think "Why create images through a messenger?" but once you use it, there are many advantages.

In Discord's public channels, you can see images others are creating in real time. It's like being in an artist's studio together! Curious about "what prompt did that person use to make such an amazing image?" - just click to check immediately. This has a huge learning effect!

The Amazing Evolution of V6

The latest V6 version has significantly improved realism compared to before. Previously it excelled at fantasy or illustration styles, but now it creates photorealistic images very well too. Especially facial expressions and light rendering have become remarkably natural.

A Bit Complex But Worth It

Honestly, it's harder to start with than DALL·E 3. You need to get used to joining Discord, entering commands like /imagine, and such. And English prompts generally produce better results than other languages.

But it's definitely worth the time to learn! You can fine-tune with various parameters, and freely change aspect ratios with commands like --ar 16:9. It's perfect for those who want to work like professionals.

Pricing:

• Basic: $10/month (200 images) - for general users
• Standard: $30/month (unlimited slow generation) - for hobbyists who create a lot
• Pro: $60/month (unlimited fast generation) - for professionals, commercial use

Recommended for:

• Those who want the highest quality artistic works
• Those working on illustrations or concept art
• Those who want to learn from others' work
• Those who want detailed control and various options

3. Stable Diffusion

Features:

• Completely open-source model
• Can run for free on local PC
• Various custom models (LoRA, Checkpoint)
• Detailed control and editing possible

Pricing:

• Completely free (run on your own PC)
• Cloud service usage is paid (Stability AI: from $10/month)

Pros:

• Completely free unlimited generation
• Various styles with community models
• Advanced features like ControlNet, Inpainting

Cons:

• Requires high-spec GPU (minimum 8GB VRAM)
• High technical barrier to entry
• Complex setup and installation

4. Leonardo.ai

Features:

• Specialized in game art and fantasy images
• Web-based, easy to use
• Free plan is quite usable
• Provides various pre-trained models

Pricing:

• Free: Free (150 tokens per day)
• Apprentice: $10/month (8,500 tokens per month)
• Artisan: $24/month (25,000 tokens per month)

Pros:

• Very generous free plan
• Intuitive and easy-to-use UI
• Optimal for character design and game art

Cons:

• Somewhat weak at realistic photographic images
• Smaller community size

Comparison Table

Tool	Difficulty	Price	Artistry	Realism	Recommended Use
DALL·E 3	★☆☆	$20/month	★★★☆	★★★★	General images, beginners
MidJourney	★★☆	$10~60/month	★★★★★	★★★★	Artistic works, concept art
Stable Diffusion	★★★★	Free	★★★★	★★★★	Customization, experts
Leonardo.ai	★☆☆	Free~$24/month	★★★★	★★★☆	Game art, characters

Which Tool Should You Choose?

🎨 For DALL·E 3

• Complete beginners to AI image generation
• Already subscribed to ChatGPT Plus
• Need images quickly and simply
• Want to work comfortably in your native language

🎨 For MidJourney

• Want the highest quality artistic works
• Working on illustrations or concept art
• Comfortable using Discord
• Want to learn with the community

🎨 For Stable Diffusion

• Have a high-spec PC or GPU
• Want unlimited free generation
• Want detailed control and customization
• Enjoy technical learning

🎨 For Leonardo.ai

• Want to start for free
• Creating game characters or fantasy images
• Want simple yet diverse features

Getting Started

Starting with DALL·E 3

1. Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus (chat.openai.com)
2. In the chat window, type "draw a cat in a spacesuit walking on the moon"
3. Image generated instantly!

Starting with MidJourney

1. Create a Discord account (discord.com)
2. Join the MidJourney server (midjourney.com/home)
3. Select a subscription plan
4. Generate images with the /imagine command

Starting with Leonardo.ai

1. Sign up at leonardo.ai (free)
2. Select "Image Generation" from dashboard
3. Enter prompt and click "Generate"
4. Start immediately with free tokens!

Practical Application Examples

Example 1: Creating a Blog Thumbnail

Prompt: "A cozy coffee shop interior, warm lighting, minimalist design, professional photography"

• DALL·E 3: Natural and realistic cafe photo
• MidJourney: Artistic cafe with cinematic atmosphere
• Leonardo.ai: Emotional cafe with illustration feel

Example 2: Creating a Profile Icon

Prompt: "Cute cartoon cat avatar, simple design, circular frame, pastel colors"

• DALL·E 3: Friendly feeling character
• MidJourney: Sophisticated design icon
• Leonardo.ai: Cute character in game style

Copyright and Usage Rights

DALL·E 3

• Commercial use of generated images allowed
• Copyright granted to user

MidJourney

• Paid subscribers can use commercially
• Free users: non-commercial use only

Stable Diffusion

• Most models can be used freely
• Need to check each model's license

Leonardo.ai

• Paid subscribers can use commercially
• Free users: personal use recommended

Conclusion: Which Tool is Right for Me?

We've explored four major AI image generation tools. Each has clear pros and cons, right? You might ask "So which one should I use?" - the answer is "it depends on your situation."

If you have a limited budget? Start with Leonardo.ai's free plan. With 150 tokens per day, you can make about 20-30 images. That's enough to practice and build skills!

If you're already using ChatGPT Plus? You can use DALL·E 3 immediately at no extra cost. No need to learn anything separately, and it's really convenient to create images while chatting in your native language.

If you want the highest quality? Invest in MidJourney. You can start with just $10/month, and every piece you create will make people say "Wow, AI made this?"

If you want to dive deep technically? Study Stable Diffusion. It's difficult at first, but using community models, you can create special works impossible with other tools.

My Personal Recommendation

If I were starting over, I'd do this:

1. First week: Experience AI image generation with Leonardo.ai free plan
2. Month 1: Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus and experiment with various styles using DALL·E 3
3. Months 2-3: If you found a style you like, subscribe to MidJourney Basic
4. After 6 months: Try Stable Diffusion (after checking GPU specs)

The important thing is there's no "perfect tool." Each tool has different strengths, and many professionals use multiple tools for different purposes. I also use DALL·E 3 for quick sketches and MidJourney for final works!

In the next post, we'll practice actually generating images from text. From basic prompts to advanced techniques, let's learn step by step to create your own amazing works!

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💡 Today's Tip: Try using multiple tools! Generate with the same prompt on different tools to see which one matches your style.