ChatGPT is renowned for its ability to generate human-like responses to various prompts. This ability makes it a helpful assistant for writing tasks like email drafts or even for breaking down complex topics into more simplified language.

However, the technology’s potential doesn’t just stop there. ChatGPT can also help in AI image generation. Read on to see how.

Understanding How ChatGPT Works

Computer on desk with ChatGPT on screen

Before we dive into creating AI images with ChatGPT, it's important to understand how ChatGPT works. ChatGPT is a natural language processing model trained on a massive dataset of human language. This means it can understand and generate text in a way that's similar to how humans do.

To generate text, you simply provide ChatGPT with a prompt, and it will generate a response based on the data it's been trained on. ChatGPT can be a useful assistant in the AI image generation process, but it doesn't generate images itself.

Can ChatGPT Create Images?

The short answer is no. ChatGPT is not an image generation system and cannot directly output images. However, it can help create text-based descriptions of images that can then be used as input into other image generation systems.

Workarounds for Generating AI Images With ChatGPT

chatgpt as a prompt generator

There are two main ways to generate AI images using ChatGPT: using it as a prompt generator for your favorite AI image generator, and using OpenAI's DALL-E.

1. Use ChatGPT as a Prompt Generator

AI image generators, like Midjourney and RunwayML, require a prompt to generate a corresponding image. You can use ChatGPT as a prompt generator by asking it to act as a prompt generator, just provide it with a short description of the image you want to generate.

Below is an example of how you can use ChatGPT to generate a prompt for image generation:

Prompt 

You will now act as a prompt generator. I will describe an image to you, and you will create a prompt that could be used for image generation. The image I want to generate is a beach sunset.

ChatGPT's Output 

Create an image of a tranquil beach scene at sunset. The sun is just touching the horizon, casting warm orange and pink hues across the sky. The water is calm and reflective, with gentle waves lapping against the shore. In the distance, you can see silhouettes of palm trees against the colorful sky. The beach is deserted except for a few seagulls wandering along the shoreline. Capture the peacefulness and serenity of this moment.

2. Use OpenAI's DALL-E

DALL-E is ChatGPT's sister model, built by OpenAI. While ChatGPT generates text, DALL-E is used to create AI images. It works similarly to ChatGPT; you provide it with a text prompt, and it generates an image that corresponds to the text.

Similar to ChatGPT, DALL-E is accessible for free through OpenAI's website. If you need help fine-tuning your prompts for DALL-E, you can also use ChatGPT to generate variations of your initial prompt.

Would ChatGPT Ever Be Able to Create Images Directly?

ChatGPT is not currently able to generate images directly, and it is unlikely that this capability will be added soon. The telltale sign of this is the existence of DALL-E, which provides this ability. For the foreseeable future, it is best to think of ChatGPT as a tool for generating text and use other models like DALL-E for image generation.

Creating Better Image Generation Prompts With ChatGPT

ChatGPT can help you create AI images by providing prompts that can be used as input in other image-generation systems. With its natural language processing capabilities, it can generate highly-detailed and nuanced prompts with ease.

Although ChatGPT itself is not capable of generating images directly, it can provide a foundation for creating better prompts that result in interesting AI images.