Before the AI revolution photo editing was a “full-time job”. You had to use multiple tools, filters, layers, and even different photo editing platforms to get the desired result. What about image creation? Only graphic designers and illustrators had that power. 

Today we all got upgraded with editing and image creating skills and all thanks to AI tools. Love it or hate it, AI is here and it will definitely stay long, so you’d better play the game or lose. And if you want to create images in minutes or professionally edit your photo, this list of 12 AI tools for photo and illustrations is for you. 

P.S. We will not talk about Dall-E and Midjourney. Instead, we will explore tools that will surprisingly be better and faster. 

Top AI Image Generators

Imagen 3 in ImageFX by Google

For a long time, Google played low with AI, and then boom! Gemini now is a strong competitor and ImageFX on Imagen 3 promises to be a competitor to OpenAI’s Dall-E. Google’s advanced text-to-image model, integrated into the ImageFX platform, produces realistic images with precise details. 

While still not available everywhere, ImageFX is already popular for its standalone experience. Users can also access Imagen 3 through Gemini and type prompts right in the chat. 

Features:

• Editing Profile: Adapts and gets better over time, learning the user’s individual style.
• Access to Talent AI Profiles: ImageFX gives access to Talent AI pre-built profiles based on the styles of popular photographers.
• Enhanced Detail and Lighting: Produces images with improved detail, richer lighting, and fewer artifacts.
• Diverse Art Styles: Capable of rendering various art styles, from photorealism to abstract.
• User-Friendly Interface: Allows users to generate images by typing prompts into a web-based interface.

Pros:

• High-Quality Outputs: Generates images with exceptional clarity and detail.
• Free Access: Available for free through ImageFX and Gemini platforms.
• Versatility: Supports a wide range of artistic styles and compositions.

Cons:

• Lacking realism in generating humans: The tool still fails in generating realistic humans with the correct number of fingers (how funny may that sound).
• Ethical Restrictions: Cannot generate images of real people or potentially harmful content.
• Limited Editing Capabilities: Does not support precise editing of specific elements within an image.

Price: Free to use through ImageFX and Gemini.

Conclusion: ImageFX is a great start for beginners in image generation

Adobe Firefly

Adobe was and is still the leader in designing tools for professionals. In generative AI, it also managed to have its input. Now it impresses with detailing and high quality. Adobe Firefly comes with a suite of tools, particularly Photoshop, allowing users to create images from text descriptions and apply various effects. The feature is accessible through the web (free) or through Adobe Express and Photoshop. 

Features:

• Structure and Style Reference: Imputing a reference image and style to get a more accurate result
• Text-to-Image Generation: Creates images based on textual prompts.
• Text Effects: Generates stylized text effects; can recolor artwork or add other AI-generated elements to a photo.
• Generative Expand: Already a favorite feature in Photoshop, Adobe Firefly allows generating outside of the image.
• Integration with Adobe Suite: Seamlessly works within Adobe Photoshop and other Adobe applications.

Pros:

• High-Quality Outputs: Produces images with professional-grade quality.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design suitable for both beginners and professionals.
• Extensive Integration: Works well within the Adobe ecosystem.

Cons:

• Subscription-Based Access: Requires an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
• Learning Curve: Some features may require time to master.

Price: Limited free credits; Firefly Standard – $9.99 and 2000 credits, all accessed through the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription plan.

Conclusion: For professionals who have mastered Photoshop, Adobe Firefly is a MUST.

Leonardo AI

One of the reasons why Leonardo AI can be the best image generation platform is the feature of generating real-world characters and persons without facing guardrails. Unlike other platforms, you may ask Leonardo to generate a scene with your favorite actor (of course those should not be harmful). 

Features:

• Text-to-Image Generation: Creates images based on user-provided text prompts.
• Customization Options: Provides various settings to adjust image styles and details.
• Image Guidance: Helps achieve consistent characters; references the style or content of an image.
• Elements: To fine-tune the image in various interesting ways.
• Prompt Generator: Helps write better prompts for excellent outcomes. 

Pros:

• High-Quality Outputs: Generates detailed and realistic images.
• Customization Flexibility: Offers extensive options to tailor images to user preferences.
• Accessible Platform: Suitable for users with varying levels of expertise.

Cons:

• Subscription Model: Requires a subscription for full access to features.
• Limited Free Usage: Free tokens are not enough for one day. 

Price: Daily free tokens: Apprentice – $10, Artisan Unlimited – $24, Maestro Unlimited – $48; Leonardo for Teams varies based on features and usage.

Conclusion: Best option if you need to work with real-world images. 

Recraft V3

No matter how fascinating the results are of AI image generators, they still lack the accuracy of generating text onto images. But here comes Recraft V3 that generates images with text without misspelling or scrambling letters. Moreover, the tool makes the text look native to the image. 

Features:

• Artistic Image Generation: Specializes in creating abstract and artistic images.
• Natural Portraits: The tool shows excellent results in creating close-ups with natural light effects. 
• Customization Options: Allows users to adjust various parameters and levels of realism to achieve desired effects.
• Different formats for export: The platform allows export in PNG, JPG, and SVG. 

Pros:

• Unique Artistic Outputs: Produces distinctive and creative images.
• Customization Flexibility: Offers options to fine-tune image styles.
• Advanced features: Inpainting and outpointing provide control over separate elements. 

Cons:

• Limited tokens: Daily tokens are not enough for deep creative work 

Price: Free – 50 daily tokens; Basic – $10; Advanced – $27; Pro – $48

Conclusion: The platform wins hearts with its accurate text on image generation, which is a reason to quit the rest. 

DreamStudio by Stability AI

DreamStudio is a user-friendly analog of Stable Diffusion that has been a popular text-to-image generator for quite a while. To make it widely accessible for users with no tech skills, Stability AI presented the technology with a simple interface and navigation.  

Features:

• Negative prompt: Users can write specifics of what should not be included and what to avoid.
• Simple Interface: Designed for ease of use, requiring minimal input from users.

Pros:

• Many different entries: Available for free without subscription requirements.
• User-Friendly: Suitable for users with no prior experience in image generation.

Cons:

• Limited Customization: Offers minimal options to adjust image outputs.
• Variable Quality: Image quality may vary depending on the prompt.

Price: Two credits for 1 image, 100 credits – $1

Conclusion: If you are looking for something light, go for DreamStudio

Top AI Photo Editors

Adobe Photoshop

Professionals, beginners, and everyone in between know and use Adobe Photoshop for a leading photo editing software with a comprehensive suite of tools, including AI features.

Features:

• Generative Fill and Expand: Uses AI to add or remove elements within images.
• Content-aware Tools: Automatically fills in areas when objects are removed, maintaining image integrity.
• Advanced Layer Management: Offers extensive control over image composition through layers and masks. 
• Integration with Adobe Suite: Works with other Adobe applications like Lightroom and Illustrator.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Toolset: Provides professional editing tools suitable for detailed image manipulation.
• Regular Updates: Continuously updated with new features and improvements.
• Extensive Tutorials and Community Support: Million resources available for learning and troubleshooting.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve: Most of the features require knowledge and practice.
• Subscription-based Model: Requires ongoing payments, which may not be ideal for all users.

Price: Available through Adobe Creative Cloud subscription plans, starting at $19.99 per month for Photoshop alone.

Conclusion: If you are a professional who needs a professional tool daily, Adobe Photoshop is the choice. 

Luminar Neo

Available on macOS and Windows, Luminar Neo AI-powered photo editing software by Skylum is a functional platform with a user-friendly interface, focused on AI-driven enhancements. 

Features:

• AI-Powered Tools: Includes Sky AI for sky replacement, Face AI for portrait enhancements, and Relight AI for adjusting lighting. 
• AI Masking Tool: Identifies nine types of objects (people, buildings, vehicles, mountains, etc.) for editing. 
• Modular Engine: Ensures faster image processing and non-destructive editing.
• Extensions: Offers additional tools like Supersharp AI, Noiseless AI, and Background Removal AI. 

Pros:

• Intuitive Interface: Designed for users of all experience levels.
• One-Time Purchase Option: Provides lifetime access without recurring fees.
• Integration Capabilities: Functions as a standalone app or as a plugin for Adobe and Apple products. 

Cons:

• Performance Issues: Sometimes the platform may process images longer, especially during complex edits.
• Limited Advanced Features: May lack tools found in professional-grade software.
• No free version: The platform has two available subscription plans and no free option. 

Price: 12 months subscription – $49; Lifetime Perpetual License – $79.

Conclusion: The standalone photo-focused platform is great for photographers. 

Pixlr

Finally, we have something that can be used on a smartphone. PixIr, available on web, iOS, and Android, is an absolute wonder. The tool is perfect to edit photos on the go or go deep into editing through desktop. 

Features:

• AI-Powered Enhancements: Includes tools for background removal and quick adjustments. 
• Layer-Based Editing: Supports layers and custom brushes for detailed edits.
• Templates and Overlays: Provides a variety of templates and overlays for creative projects.

Pros:

• Accessibility: Available online without the need for software installation.
• User-Friendly Interface: Suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
• Free Version Available: Offers a free tier with essential features.

Cons:

• Limited Offline Access: Requires an internet connection for full functionality.
• Limited free options: The free plan includes 3 image saves per day. 

Price: Offers a free version; Plus – $1.99/month with AI credits. 

Conclusion: Perfect for mobile photo editing at the lowest ever subscription. 

Lensa

Best known for its Magic Avatar feature, Lensa is also a wonderful mobile photo editing app with AI to enhance selfies and portraits and add filters. Its Magic AI tool automatically identifies and fixed portraits. Users can play with AI Eraser to remove objects, Auto Filter to adjust photo and a dozen more features. 

Features:

• AI-Powered Portrait Enhancements: Automatically retouches skin, eyes, and facial features.
• Filters and Effects: Provides a variety of filters to change the mood and style of photos.

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Designed for quick edits on mobile devices. 
• Real-Time Editing: Allows users to see changes instantly.
• Perfect for selfies: Provides multiple features for editing portraits.

Cons:

• Limited to Mobile: No desktop version available. 
• Subscription Required for Full Features: Some advanced features  and filters are available only for paid subscription.

Price: Offers 1 free save per day; $4.99 per month; Magic Avatars feature – $3.99.

Conclusion: Great for playing and having fun with filters.

Picsart

Picsart was a favorite photo editing application long before AI, and now it has become better with so many cool AI features. It has over 20 AI tools and art generator for a complete AI photo editing experience.

Features:

• AI-Powered Editing Tools: Includes background removal, object removal, and filters.
• Collage Maker: Allows users to create photo collages with various layouts.
• Social Sharing: Users can share their edits within the Picsart community.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Toolset: Offers a wide range of editing features.
• Community Engagement: Provides a platform to share and discover creative works.

Cons:

• Subscription for Premium Features: Advanced tools require a paid subscription.

Price: Free with in-app purchases; Picsart Plus – $5/month, Picsart Pro – $7. 

Conclusion: If you have used Picsart before, it is worth upgrading for full experience. 

Final Thougts

Photos are memories; images are forever, and why not make them perfect as we want? Whether you choose to generate images or edit existing ones, use technology that will make your work faster and better. Which one to choose depends on your preference so make sure you test all (using their trial period), and you will definitely find the best match. Looking forward to your masterpieces.