AI Images Without Photoshop: The 7 Best Generators (Midjourney, Ideogram)

If you want to create visuals without Photoshop and without complex software, here’s an overview of 7 of the best AI image generators—their strengths and weaknesses, prices in euros (approx.), plus quick how-tos and prompting tips.

How AI image generation works

• Text → image: You write a description (a prompt) and the model generates an image.
• Parameters: aspect ratio (e.g. 16:9), style, detail, a “negative” prompt (what you don’t want).
• Variations and edits: upscaling, inpainting/outpainting, style references.
• License and usage: different creators have different terms for commercial use—check your plan.

ChatGPT (4o Image Generation / DALL·E): images right in chat + quick edits

Strengths: you generate directly in ChatGPT and iterate conversationally; excellent instruction-following and accurate text inside images (the new “4o image generation”), the ability to edit a selected area (in-/outpainting) in the built-in editor, automatic Content Credentials (C2PA) for transparent provenance, an “Image Library” with an overview of all your outputs.

Weaknesses: usage limits (especially on Free), stricter safety filters (e.g., restrictions around logos/trademarks and misleading content), sometimes minor touch-ups are needed for more complex compositions.

Price (approx. in €):
– in ChatGPT: available on Free too (with limits); Plus is $20/mo ≈ €17/mo based on the exchange rate used in this article; Team/Enterprise are individual.
– via API: output images about €0.01 (low), €0.03–0.04 (medium), €0.15 (high) per square image (+ a few cents in text tokens for the prompt).

Quick start

1. Open ChatGPT (web) → View all tools → Create image. Write a prompt with the desired style and “16:10”.
2. After it generates, click the image → Edit → select an area and describe the change (e.g. “brighten the background / add a subtle rim light”).
3. Download PNG/JPG—C2PA metadata (Content Credentials) about the origin is included.

Sample prompts
– “Cinematic product photo of a matte-black wireless mouse, soft rim light, subtle reflections, studio sweep background, 16:10, high detail”
– “City poster ‘BRATISLAVA TECH DAY’, clean grid layout, bold grotesk typography, minimal color blocking, paper texture, 16:10 (ready to print)”

Note on licensing and usage: under OpenAI’s terms, you as the user own the output (to the extent permitted by law); also follow rules on misleading content and intellectual property rights.

Midjourney (web + Discord)

Strengths: very realistic outputs, character consistency, rich styles, Relax/Video modes.
Weaknesses: paid, and more options = a slightly steeper learning curve.

Price (monthly, approx. in € based on exchange rate):
Basic about €9, Standard about €26, Pro about €52, Mega about €103.
Tip: annual billing is discounted.

Quick start

1. Create an account and use the web interface or join via Discord.
2. Command /imagine + prompt (e.g. “cinematic portrait, soft natural light, 85mm, f/1.8, 16:10”).
3. Use aspect ratio (e.g. --ar 16:10), stylize, and seed for repeatability.
4. Upscale, create Variations, or animate in Relax video.
5. Download and use according to your plan’s terms.

Sample prompts

• “Ultra-detailed alpine lake at sunrise, mist, long exposure look, 16:10, natural film grain”
• “Studio product shot of handmade wooden watch, soft rim light, 16:10, minimal background”

Video – basic walkthrough
The ULTIMATE Beginners Guide to Midjourney in 2025

Ideogram 3.0: when you need text in images without typos

Strengths: excels at text accuracy and layout (posters, packaging, merch), style references.
Weaknesses: photorealism is good, but its main superpower is being the “king” of text.

Price (monthly, approx. in €): Free, Basic about €7, Plus about €17, Pro about €52; team plan available.

Quick start

1. In Ideogram, combine text + visuals: “Retro poster ‘CYKLOFEST 2025’, bold typography, textured paper, 16:10”.
2. Enable Text and choose fonts/styles; if needed, add a Style Reference (1–3 images).
3. Create variations, upscale, and download.

Sample prompts

• “Minimalist coffee brand poster, text ‘ESPRESSO CLUB’, geometric sans serif, kraft paper, 16:10”
• “Streetwear T-shirt mockup, text ‘BRATISLAVA NIGHTS’, neon style, black tee, 16:10”

Video – what version 3.0 introduced
AMAZING IDEOGRAM 3.0!

Adobe Firefly (web/app): generation trained to be “commercially safe” + Content Credentials

Strengths: Content Credentials (C2PA) for transparent provenance, Creative Cloud integration, multiple generative tools (including video).
Weaknesses: with heavy use, the generative-credits system may require a plan with more credits.

Pricing model: bundles with generative credits (e.g., Firefly standalone or as part of Creative Cloud). Pricing and credits vary by region and plan.

Quick start

1. Sign in to Firefly (web).
2. Choose Text to Image (or Generative Fill, Text to Vector, Text to Video).
3. Enter a prompt, set aspect ratio to 16:10, style, and details.
4. Export; Firefly adds Content Credentials (provenance metadata).

Sample prompts

• “Editorial fashion photo, natural backlight, Fujifilm look, 16:10, shallow depth of field”
• “Vector flat illustration of Slovak mountains, clean lines, muted palette, 16:10”

Video – getting started with Firefly
Getting Started with Adobe Firefly (2025)

Leonardo.ai: the Swiss Army knife for AI graphics (tokens, models, training)

Strengths: custom (and community) models, training your own styles, lots of tools (upscale, backgrounds, consistent characters).
Weaknesses: the token system takes some getting used to and planning around.

Price (monthly, approx. in €): from about €10 (Apprentice)—higher tiers add tokens, parallel generations, model training.

Quick start

1. Create an account, choose a model (e.g., Phoenix).
2. Prompt + negative prompt, set 16:10.
3. Save a “Style” for a repeatable look; use Prompt Magic and Character tools.
4. Export (PNG/JPG/WEBP), optionally to editors.

Sample prompts

• “Studio packshot of craft beer can, condensation droplets, softbox reflection, 16:10”
• “Isometric illustration of smart home dashboard, pastel UI, 16:10”

Video – quick start with free tools
How to create AI Images for Free | Ideogram AI 3.0 | Leonardo

Stable Diffusion 3.5: an open model (local or web) with flexible licensing

Strengths: open ecosystem, self-hosting (ComfyUI/Automatic1111), lots of add-ons (ControlNets, etc.), API and DreamStudio.
Weaknesses: more technical overhead at the start (installation, model weights).

Price (approx.):

• Via API/DreamStudio – credit-based model; typical images cost on the order of euro cents (depending on model/resolution).
• Locally – generation itself is free, but you’ll need compute (GPU/VRAM) and time.

Quick start (DreamStudio / API)

1. Create an account and top up credits.
2. Select a model (SD 3.5 Medium/Large), set resolution and 16:10.
3. Prompt + negative prompt; for precise composition, use ControlNet (if available).
4. Download and use according to the license (see note below).

Licensing note (simplified):
The Community/Creator license allows commercial use for creators and companies with annual revenue under $1M USD; above that threshold, an enterprise license is required. Ownership of outputs remains with the user (to the extent permitted by law).

Video – ComfyUI / SD 3.5 (install and use)
Stable Diffusion 3.5 Installation Guide (ComfyUI)

Microsoft Designer / Bing Image Creator: simple generation with credits

Strengths: free for casual use, simple web interface, watermark and Content Credentials for transparency.
Weaknesses: credit limits; quality can shift with model updates.

Credits (monthly): the free Designer version typically includes 15 credits/mo; Microsoft 365 subscribers get ~60 credits/mo (usable across selected Microsoft apps).

Quick start

1. Open Designer or Bing Image Creator.
2. Write a prompt, choose a style, and set 16:10.
3. Download—the image may include a watermark and Content Credentials (C2PA).

Sample prompts

• “Flat illustration for blog about AI ethics, clean icon set, 16:10”
• “Landscape wallpaper of the Slovak Tatras at golden hour, 16:10, high detail”

Video – quick intro (Bing/Designer)
— (the credit system is explained in Microsoft Support; you’ll find more tutorials directly on YouTube by searching “Microsoft Designer tutorial 2025”)

Practical tips for better results (applies to all tools)

• Format your prompt: subject, environment, lighting, lens/style, composition, mood, quality, aspect ratio (“product photo, soft rim light, 85mm look, 16:10, high detail, seamless background”).
• Negative prompt: “no text artifacts, no watermark, no extra fingers, no distorted hands”.
• References: if the tool supports uploading an image/style, use it for brand consistency.
• Seed & batch: to compare generation variations, use the same seed and a batch of 4–8 images.
• Law and usage: avoid celebrities/recognizable logos, and follow your plan’s commercial-use terms.

FAQ

Can I use AI images commercially?
In most tools, yes—but it depends on your plan and the license (see below: Firefly “commercially safe” training + Content Credentials; Midjourney’s terms for companies over $1M USD in revenue; SD 3.5 Community/Enterprise).

Why does an image sometimes have a watermark or “Content Credentials”?
It’s a transparency mechanism (C2PA)—it helps show content provenance.

How much does it cost in euros?
In this article, we list euros as a conversion from USD at an exchange rate of about €0.86 per $1 USD (as of 25 Aug 2025). Your final prices may vary slightly by region, VAT, and the current exchange rate.

Note on euro pricing

The euro prices listed are approximate conversions from USD rates (exchange rate roughly €0.86 / USD as of 25 Aug 2025). The interfaces of individual services may show different amounts depending on region and taxes.

Quick comparison

Use case	Best pick	Why
Photorealism and “wow” quality	Midjourney	Top-tier detail, style, character consistency
Graphics with perfect text (posters, merch)	Ideogram 3.0	The most reliable lettering directly in the image
Quick images right in chat	DALL·E (in ChatGPT)	Convenient edits through conversation
Low-friction commercial licensing + Creative Cloud integration	Adobe Firefly	Generative credits, Content Credentials
Lots of features + custom models	Leonardo.ai	Token system, custom style training
Open ecosystem + self-hosting	Stable Diffusion 3.5	Local and via API, flexible workflows
“Click and done” for free/low cost	Microsoft Designer / Bing Image Creator	Simple web UI and free credits

Sources

1. Midjourney – Comparing Plans (official features and pricing table). (docs.midjourney.com)
2. OpenAI – API Pricing (images: approximate costs by quality/size). (openai.com)
3. DALL·E 3 – product page (output rights management, safety restrictions). (openai.com)
4. Ideogram – Available Plans (current plans and credits). (docs.ideogram.ai)
5. Ideogram 3.0 – Features (text and layout accuracy). (ideogram.ai)
6. Adobe Firefly – Plans with generative credits (overview). (Adobe)
7. Adobe Firefly – Product/Content Credentials (commercially safe training data, CR). (Adobe)
8. Stability AI – Introducing Stable Diffusion 3.5 (the $1M USD license threshold; output ownership). (Stability AI)
9. Stability AI – Community License (official license text; revenue threshold). (Stability AI, Hugging Face)
10. DreamStudio – Plans & Credits (credit usage by model). (dreamstudio.stability.ai)
11. Microsoft Support – Understanding AI credits (credit counts for Designer/M365). (Microsoft Support)
12. Bing Image Creator – Help/Features (watermark and Content Credentials/C2PA). (Search – Microsoft Bing, Microsoft)
13. ECB/Exchange-rates – USD/EUR rate (approximate conversion as of 25 Aug 2025). (European Central Bank, Exchange Rates)
14. OpenAI – Creating images in ChatGPT (how to generate; where to find “Create image”; edit by selecting an area; DALL·E GPT is still available). (OpenAI Help Center)
15. ChatGPT images (10 Apr 2025): the default generator is GPT-4o “image generation”; DALL·E remains available via the DALL·E GPT. (OpenAI Help Center)
16. C2PA in ChatGPT images (Content Credentials in images created in ChatGPT and in the API with DALL·E 3). (OpenAI Help Center)
17. OpenAI – API Pricing (images: approximate costs by quality/size; token prices for gpt-image-1). (OpenAI+1)
18. Introducing 4o Image Generation (capabilities, limits, availability; C2PA metadata; DALL·E accessible via a dedicated DALL·E GPT). (OpenAI)