Dall-E - The Image Generating AI

Because vision is the most developed sense in humans, artificial intelligence algorithms are making great efforts to provide us with quality images. The proof is in the AI Dall-E. This visual art designer made by OpenAI is among the leaders in this sector. But how does Dall-E work? How do you use it? What are its advantages? And its limitations? École Cube answers your questions.

What is Dall-E?

Launched in January 2021, Dall-E is an image generator designed by OpenAI.

Like all generative artificial intelligences, the Dall-E algorithm has been trained on massive datasets, including both textual and visual information. Thanks to this training, Dall-E is able to understand user requests and translate them into pixels.

This AI model uses several techniques: from GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) language to a neural network with 12 billion parameters, including machine learning and modeling techniques.

This allows it to create realistic visuals from textual descriptions.

You write a prompt specifying the result you want to achieve, and the AI generates images that match your expectations.

Relying on machine learning, the Dall-E AI evolves very quickly. Today (and since September 2023), the Dall-E 3 version is available. This version incorporates even more nuances and details, both in terms of the quality of the generated images and the consideration of the prompt. With this new version, Dall-E no longer forgets any element of the prompt. The results published on the Open AI website are impressive!

Anecdote: the name Dall-E is a mix between the name of the Spanish painter Dali and the animated robot Wall-E.

What are the features of the Dall-E AI?

The Dall-E AI model has been trained solely on image generation. But it can produce visuals from different sources.

From a prompt

Like most generative artificial intelligence models, you just need to write a prompt on Dall-E to get the desired results.

That said, it is important to be as precise as possible when writing the prompt; whether it is in terms of the colors used, the style, the number of characters (if any), the general atmosphere, the emotions conveyed, etc.

If you have a very specific idea in mind, you need to mention it.

Advantage: it is the simplest mode of use of a generative AI.

From an image

In addition to textual descriptions, you can also provide other visual references to Dall-E so that the AI provides you with the expected image. Depending on the case, it can be:

Making modifications to an image or multiple images;

Creating variations of a visual;

Providing examples.

To do this, simply upload the images to Dall-E (either via Chat GTP or via Bing).

Advantage: the uploaded images enrich the prompt and thus obtain even more relevant results.

How to use Dall-E?

Accessing Dall-E

The Dall-E artificial intelligence is available through different platforms:

ChatGPT: as a product designed by Open AI, Dall-E is available on its flagship tool, ChatGPT. But to use the image generator, you must subscribe to ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise. In other words, the paid versions.

Microsoft: whether via Copilot or Bing Image, it is possible to use Dall-E for free. To do this, the only thing you need to do is have a Microsoft account.

Third-party tools: more and more applications integrate the Dall-E AI via APIs. But most of them are paid.

The paid version of ChatGPT is the best as it includes an editing interface that allows you to modify previously created images. Not to mention the more advanced customization settings. With Microsoft, the modifications are not as precise.

Generating images

Using Dall-E is very intuitive. Regardless of the platform used, you have a space to write your prompt. But before you start writing, select the format and dimensions. Dall-E can indeed generate images in different:

Formats: depending on whether you want to publish images for an Instagram post, a reel, a blog, a LinkedIn carousel, etc. You must then specify the desired format (square, horizontal rectangle, vertical, etc.).

Resolutions: it all depends on the use. For the web, 72 dpi is more than enough. However, if you want to print flyers or posters, go for a resolution of 300 dpi.

Once the settings are configured, you can start writing your prompt.

And this is where things can get complicated. Because the quality of your prompt determines the quality of your images. It is therefore important to be as precise as possible to get the best results.

However, stay concise and do not get too technical. Use short and descriptive sentences with relevant keywords.

Once you have finished writing the prompt, the Dall-E AI offers you several images. You just have to choose yours.

And if the visual does not suit you, keep testing. This is the main rule with AI. Test as many prompts as possible and refine your requests to find the mode that allows you to get the best results.

Bonus: With ChatGPT, you also have filtering options to refine your requests according to different criteria.

What can be created with the Dall-E artificial intelligence?

Dall-E can create different types of content. For example:

A brand logo

We tested Dall-E for an alternative logo for École Cube.

Here is the prompt:

A logo for a school offering training on No Code technologies and artificial intelligence. Here are some elements to include:

The school is called École Cube: to be used for the shape of the logo

Highlighting new technologies.

Content for social networks or blogs

To illustrate this article, we wrote the following prompt:

“An image on learning new technologies with:

In the center, a friendly robot positioned somewhat like the teacher. This robot is Dall-E (an image-generating AI).

Around it, university students eager to learn

A photorealistic style.

What are the limitations of Dall-E?

Even if the results can be surprising, Dall-E does not get inside your head. It is sometimes difficult for it to understand all the subtleties you want to convey in your message. The images will not always match your expectations.

Moreover, the quality of the images is variable. Even in the latest version, some may be blurry or poorly proportioned.

You often have to start over several times before getting a truly satisfactory result.

Our opinion on the generative AI Dall-E

Dall-E is an excellent image-generating tool. It offers you creative visuals in just a few seconds. You can test different prompts endlessly to get the most personalized result.

If you are a marketer or entrepreneur, it is a tool to use without moderation to enrich your visual presentations.

But be careful not to turn it into a game, as you could end up wasting time instead of saving it.

What are the prices of the Dall-E AI?

With all the available platforms, it is possible to enjoy Dall-E's features for free (through Microsoft Copilot).

However, if you want a personalized artificial intelligence and high-quality results, subscribing to Chat GPT Plus or Enterprise can be interesting. Here are the prices:

Plus: €20 per month

Team: €30 per month

Enterprise: on request.

This will allow you to explore Dall-E, but also all the features of ChatGPT.

How to train on Dall-E?

Many tutorials are available on YouTube. Feel free to watch them to get hands-on experience with this tool.

And if you want to deepen your use of prompts and AI, feel free to follow our dedicated training. You will learn how to write a quality prompt to quickly get the desired results.