How to use DALL-E 2 to create AI images from text descriptions

DALL-E 2 is one of the most popular AI platforms which provides users with the ability to create amazing works of art using text prompts. In this article, we will show you how to create AI art from scratch and edit your own images on the platform.

What is DALL-E 2?

DALL-E 2 is an AI image generation platform that allows users to create images from scratch using text prompts. It runs on an artificial intelligence program called GPT-3, which takes natural language and converts it into images.

The platform also allows users to upload their own images and edit them using text prompts to create brand new works of art. Additionally, variations can be created that are editable for further enhancements.

DALL-E 2 is currently in beta and requires joining a waitlist to access. It’s not too different from Midjourney, another AI art generator. Here’s how to use Midjourney.

How to access DALL-E 2

To join the waitlist, go to the Open AI website and enter your details. Don’t expect an immediate invitation. You may have to wait several weeks to access it during the beta phase as there are hundreds of thousands of users on the waiting list.

How much does DALL-E 2 cost?

DALL-E 2 works on a credit system. Users initially receive 50 free credits in the first month and receive 15 new credits each month on the same date as initial signup. Additional credits can be purchased in batches of 115 for $15.

A few things to note about credits:

• Free credits are only valid for the month they are issued; they don’t turn around.
• Purchased credits are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
• You own the images you create on DALL-E 2 and you can use them for personal and commercial purposes.
• Your ownership rights are the same for free and paid credits.

If you’re new to AI-generated art, consider watching tutorials on YouTube before you start experimenting with your free credits. They go extremely fast because each image generation or new variation will cost one credit.

The DALL-E content policy

Before we start showing you the dashboard and how to create images using DALL-E 2, you can check out the DALL-E content policy page.

There are limitations on the types of images you are allowed to create and there are very specific rules regarding work with recognizable people. Violations of these rules could result in being banned from the platform, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the rules to stay in good standing.

How to navigate in DALL-E 2

Let’s start by showing you how to navigate DALL-E 2. We’ll go through each section so that when it comes time to create your images, you know where to go.

Home page shortcut

If you are editing an image or performing another function and want to quickly return to the home page, click SLAB or the icon next to it in the upper left corner of the page.

My collection

My collection is also located in the upper left corner of the page. Here you will find all the art you have created, including variations.

Surprise me

When you click Surprise me, a random prompt will be generated. It’s a great way to test out DALL-E 2 if you’re out of ideas. It won’t cost you credit unless you decide to click Generate.

If not, you’re free to keep clicking Surprise Me and it will quickly generate new prompts to try.

Generate

Generate is the main working tool of DALL-E 2. Each time you click, it generates an image based on the entered text.

Upload an image to edit

When you click on it under the bar where you type your prompt, you will be greeted with a pop-up window from which you can upload a file. We’ll talk about that later.

Sample Images

You can’t miss the images on the main page. These are all examples of images created from scratch on DALL-E 2. If you hover over an image, it will display the text prompt used to create it.

User Profile Tab

You will find your user information in the upper right corner of the page. From there you can buy credits and access other features.

Recent and new

Below the user’s profile is the history icon. Here you will find thumbnails of your recent images. If you click on Newit will erase all images and create a new session in the history.

How to use DALL-E 2 to create original works of art

As mentioned earlier, the Generate box will be the main space for creating art in DALL-E 2. You simply outline what you want to create and click Generate. DALL-E 2 will then render four square images based on the prompt you provided (at the cost of one credit, not four).

The more details you enter, the closer the results will be to what you wanted. In our first example, we’ll create three images. Each prompt will be more detailed than the previous one. In the first image, we will simply write “a duck in a pond”.

Next we will add more to the description.

For the last image, we’ll add even more detail.

Ultimately, the more detail you enter, the better and more accurate the image. If you have a specific vision in mind, chances are it will take you several attempts to get close to it.

Let’s say we’re happy with one of the images we’ve created. Now we are free to download it or make variations. Let’s click on one of the images to do both.

To download this image, simply click on the arrow in the upper right corner. We also have options at the top: Edit, Variants, To shareand Favorite. Let’s click on Variations to see what we get.

We will choose one for assembly.

At the bottom are a few options. For this example, we will use the Gum tool and replace the horizon line.

We erased the upper part of the image. You will notice that a new text box opens with the Generate option. We will enter “blue sky” in the text box and click on Generate.

You’ll notice we have some weird results with gibberish text in the sky. But there is one variation that looks good enough to keep. We can download it or save it as a favorite.

Even if you don’t get the results you want, chances are you’ll still get some great results, and maybe you’ll like them just as much.

You can also use creative AI photo editing apps like Luminar Neo to enhance your images.

How to modify a downloaded image with DALL-E 2

The other main function of DALL-E 2 is the possibility of uploading photos to modify them and make variations. We will test this feature on the image above from a popular site in northern France.

Every time an image is uploaded, we are forced to adhere to a square crop. This option may change in the future, but for now we’ll have to stick with this limitation.

Choose the Edit image option.

In Edit mode, we will choose the Gum tool again. But instead of replacing a sky, we’ll use it to create space for a ship.

Now we will enter the text “a medieval ship sailing to the sea” as a prompt and click on Generate.

As before, we have four options to choose from. If you don’t like the results, just click Generate one more time (this will cost extra credit). We had to click several times to get a nice ship.

This is our final image. Note that we can still create variants and continue editing as much as we want.

It is also possible to import this image into Photoshop to continue creative editing. For example, you can use Adobe’s selection feature to select the sky and replace it with another.

Create whatever you want with DALL-E 2

DALL-E 2 is one of the most prominent AI art platforms that makes it easier for artists and non-artists to create spectacular works in moments. Try DALL-E 2 for yourself to create unique and exciting art.