DALL-E vs Midjourney — AI image generators compared
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Midjourney and DALL-E (Stylized DALL·E) are two of the worlds leading AI image generators. Often referred to as AI art, AI-generated images are digital images (JPEG or JPG, and PNG files etc.) that were created using an AI image generator. This is different to OpenAI’s ChatGPT which, until the GPT-4V update added image output to the newly multimodal AI chatbot, could only generate text. Dissimilarly, the AI art generator alternatives we discuss here will output images files from a simple text prompt input. So, how do the free versions and subscription plans of DALL-E and Midjourney compare?
DALL-E 3 vs Midjourney 5.2 (Latest versions)
Each text-to-image generator platform has its own images algorithm. They differ in objective factors such as aspect ratio options, image synthesis mode (e.g. outpainting), as well as subjective ease of use and creativity. Midjourney images and DALL-E images both use high accuracy generative diffusion models, but despite the architectural similarity the visuals do differ. Ultimately, the image-generating tool you decide on will largely be decided on aesthetic quality of the generation model — so here they are, side by side!
What are DALL-E 3 & Midjourney?
DALL-E 3 is an advanced deep-learning model by OpenAI that uses machine learning to generate high-quality images from text descriptions.
It can create images that are difficult to distinguish from real artwork, making it an excellent tool for designers, artists, and anyone who needs to generate images quickly and efficiently.
Similar to OpenAI’s AI image generator, and its predecessor DALL-E 2, Midjourney is an artificial intelligence art-generating model. It can produce new images from just a few keyword prompts. Detailed artwork is formed from textual descriptions, with different art styles ranging from abstract to real-looking images.
Midjourney can understand and respond to natural language queries, making it also perfect for anyone who wants to create art quickly.
Essential AI Tools
DALL-E 3 Vs Midjourney Access
Both DALL-E 3 and Midjourney have free variations of the tool. DALL-E 3 is really easy to use and can be accessed directly from the OpenAI website.
OpenAI offers new users 50 free credits to experiment with. After your first month, this reduces to 15 credits or 60 images.
The easiest way to access Midjourney is through Discord. If you are not familiar, Discord is a hub of online connections, where gamers and communities come together to chat, voice call, video call, share files, and more.
Once you have access to Discord, you must join the Midjourney server to access the software. Similar to DALL-E 3, all you have to do is give the AI bot a few prompts to guide it, generating stunning art for you in seconds.
Midjourney gives its users 25 images for free. Once you exceed this limit, it costs $10 a month to continue using the tool.
What's the better option?
It’s difficult to say whether Midjourney or DALL-E 3 is better, as both are highly skilled models and have been hailed as the next big thing. They can both produce some impressive results in the field of art and design.
Midjourney can be accessed via Discord, whereas DALL-E 3 is only available via OpenAI’s website. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on your specific preferences and budget flexibility. OpenAI offers free credits monthly, meaning users can access the model indefinitely for free.
Midjourney on the other hand only offers 25 free images before charging for the subscription service. If you are still unsure which model to use, it may be worth experimenting with both to see which one you prefer.
Is DALL-E 3 and Midjourney the same?
DALL-E 3 and Midjourney are two completely different applications, owned by two completely different companies. With that being said, both models can produce stunning AI-generated art from just a few text prompts. Although their capabilities and specific requirements differ somewhat, both Midjourney AI and DALL-E 3 can create abstract and realistic images in response to a textual input.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to start using a new AI system like DALL-E 3 or Midjourney (or even Stable Diffusion), we’d say go for it. There are, of course, some who wouldn’t dream of using them for a ‘final piece’ as it shortcuts the artist’s involvement from a craft perspective, but there is no denying that they are incredibly helpful tools that can help you realize a creative vision.
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