The Evolution of AI Image Generation and Key Platforms Overview

AI Innovation: The Cutting Edge of Image Generation

AI image generation technology has experienced remarkable advancements in recent years.

Among the most notable tools are Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Canva AI, and DALL-E3, each offering unique features tailored to user needs.

Stable Diffusion

Overview

Stable Diffusion is a free, open-source image generation AI developed by the UK AI venture, Stability AI.

It can generate high-quality images using a GPU-equipped PC or Google Colaboratory.

Being open-source, it allows for extensive modification and commercial use, though setup expertise is necessary.

Using Google Colaboratory

Google Colaboratory, also known as Google Colab, is a cloud service providing a Python execution environment.

The free version has limitations, so upgrading to a paid version for higher performance GPUs and additional memory may be necessary. Also, it automatically resets after a maximum of 12 hours.

  • Pay As You Go
    • Pay only for what you use
    • Choose either 1,072 JPY or 5,243 JPY packages
  • Colab Pro
    • Monthly fee of 1,072 JPY
    • Access to high-performance GPUs
    • More memory and longer usage times
  • Colab Pro+
    • Monthly fee of 5,243 JPY
    • Access to ultra-high-performance GPUs
    • Even more memory and longer usage
    • Background execution
  • Colab Enterprise
    • Pay-as-you-go
    • Pricing based on CPU, memory, and disk specs per hour
    • Designed for corporate use

Midjourney

Midjourney operates via Discord, offering a high-quality image generation AI service.

Users input keywords or sentences to generate images, with various subscription plans allowing for commercial use and allocated credits within the service.

  • Basic Plan
    • 10 USD per month
    • Generate up to 200 images
  • Standard Plan
    • 30 USD per month
    • Unlimited image generation
  • Pro Plan
    • 60 USD per month
    • Increased image generation in Fast mode and private prompts
  • Mega Plan
    • 120 USD per month
    • Double the FastGPU time available in the Pro Plan

Adobe Firefly

Adobe’s image generation AI, “Adobe Firefly,” is particularly suited for commercial use.

It uses training data from Adobe Stock and public domain content with expired copyrights, ensuring the generated images are safe to use.

Integration with Creative Cloud allows for seamless use with other Adobe products.

  • Free
    • 25 generation credits per month
    • Images carry the Adobe Firefly label
    • No more usage after reaching credit limit
  • Firefly Premium Plan
    • 680 JPY per month
    • 100 generation credits per month
    • Access to Adobe Fonts
    • Watermark-free images
    • Reduced generation speed but still available after reaching the credit limit

Adobe Firefly is also available with other Adobe products:

  • Creative Cloud Complete Plan (Corporate)
    • 10,780 JPY per month
    • 1,000 generation credits
  • Creative Cloud Single App Plan (Corporate)
    • 5,080 JPY per month
    • 500 generation credits
  • Adobe Express Premium Plan
    • 1,180 JPY per month
    • 250 generation credits

Canva AI (Magic Media)

Magic Media within Canva provides Stable Diffusion-based image generation.

In Japan, up to 100 images per day can be generated for commercial use. However, only 25 sessions are allowed due to the limit of 4 images generated at a time, with a 24-hour reset period.

  • Canva Pro
    • 1,180 JPY per month

Prohibited Uses in Canva

  • Selling or redistributing unmodified Canva materials
  • Using Canva designs for trademark registration
  • Selling Canva materials on stock photo services

Copyrights for images created using AI are attributed to the user according to the terms of service but do not imply exclusive rights.

DALL-E3

DALL-E3 understands natural language and generates images based on it.

It supports multiple languages, including Japanese, allowing for intuitive and high-quality image creation.

Plans available include personal ChatGPT Plus and corporate Enterprise options.

  • ChatGPT Plus (Personal)
    • 20 USD per month
    • Generates 2 images per prompt
    • Commercial use allowed
  • Enterprise (Corporate)
    • Pricing inquiries must be directed to OpenAI
    • Access to GPT’s within the team
  • Image Creator (Additional feature on Bing)
    • A free feature of Microsoft’s search engine Bing
    • Only square sizes supported
    • Prone to rapid usage limits
    • Not for commercial use

Conclusion

AI image generation is utilized in advertising, media, education, and more.

Each platform has unique features, and choosing the right one for your needs is crucial.

As AI evolves, these tools continue to develop, promising even more diverse functionalities in the future.

Leveraging these tools can help you realize your creative vision.

For more details, visit the official websites and related articles.

Each tool has its own appeal and could revolutionize your projects.


See also