How to Use DALL·E in ChatGPT to Create Images (Beginner's Guide)

Here’s the easiest on-ramp to AI images that almost nobody mentions: if you already use ChatGPT, you can make images right there in the chat, no new tool required. It uses OpenAI’s image generation (the DALL·E lineage), and the killer feature is that you create images by talking — describe what you want, then refine it in plain conversation. For beginners, that’s a far gentler start than learning a dedicated tool. Here’s how to get the most from it.

Quick note: image features and model names evolve. This reflects mid-2026; image generation is available in ChatGPT with current limits depending on your plan.

The big advantage: you just talk to it

Dedicated image tools make you learn prompt syntax and parameters. ChatGPT’s image generation lets you describe what you want in normal language and then adjust it conversationally, which is wonderfully beginner-friendly. You can say “make an image of a cozy coffee shop on a rainy day,” see it, then just say “make it warmer,” “add a cat in the window,” “now make it night-time.” It edits based on your feedback like you’re directing a (very fast) illustrator. No codes to memorize.

Step 1: Just ask

In ChatGPT, type a description of the image you want: “Create an image of a friendly robot reading a book in a library, warm lighting, soft illustration style.” That’s it — it generates the image right in the chat. There’s no separate interface to learn; if you can chat, you can make images.

Step 2: Refine in plain language

This is where it shines. Don’t start over — talk to it. “Make it brighter.” “Change the robot to blue.” “Add more books.” “Make it landscape orientation.” “Try it as a watercolor instead.” Each instruction adjusts the image. This conversational refinement is the whole appeal and the thing that makes it so approachable for newcomers who’d find Midjourney’s parameters intimidating.

Step 3: Still describe well

Even though it’s conversational, the basics of good image prompts still apply. The more you describe — subject, setting, style, lighting, mood — the closer the first image lands to your vision. “A dog” gets you a generic dog; “a small fluffy white dog sitting in a sunny garden, soft photographic style, shallow focus” gets you something specific. (My Midjourney prompts guide covers the descriptive principles, and they transfer here.)

DALL·E in ChatGPT vs Midjourney: which to use

This is the question people actually have, so here’s the honest comparison.

Use ChatGPT’s image generation when you want ease and convenience — you already have ChatGPT, you want to make an image quickly, and you love the talk-to-refine workflow. It’s brilliant for quick illustrations, concept images, fun stuff, and anyone new to AI images. It’s also great when you want to combine image-making with everything else you do in ChatGPT.

Use Midjourney when artistic quality is the priority. For sheer visual polish and that “wow” aesthetic, Midjourney still leads, which is why designers favor it. The trade-off is a steeper learning curve and a subscription. (See my Midjourney beginner’s guide.)

In short: ChatGPT for easy and convenient, Midjourney for maximum quality. For most casual needs, ChatGPT’s images are more than good enough and far less hassle.

What it’s great for (and not)

ChatGPT’s image generation is excellent for illustrations, concept art, social graphics, fun personal images, and quick visuals to accompany your writing. It can also handle text in images better than some tools, which is handy for simple graphics. It’s less suited to when you need the absolute highest artistic fidelity or fine professional control — that’s Midjourney territory. Match the tool to the job and you’ll rarely be disappointed.

A note on rights and responsibility

Generate original images and original ideas. Don’t try to recreate copyrighted characters, brand logos, or recognizable real people for published or commercial work — it’s a legal and ethical minefield, and these tools increasingly block it anyway. Check the current terms for commercial use before you sell or publish what you make. Describe original scenes and you’ll stay clear and get more interesting results.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a paid ChatGPT plan to make images? Image generation is available in ChatGPT with limits that depend on your plan; free access exists with tighter caps, and paid plans give you more. Check current details.

Is ChatGPT’s image generation as good as Midjourney? For ease and everyday use, it’s excellent. For peak artistic quality, Midjourney still leads. Pick based on whether you value convenience or polish more.

How do I edit an image I generated? Just tell it what to change in plain language — “make it brighter,” “add X,” “change the color.” Conversational editing is its standout feature.

Can I use the images commercially? Possibly, depending on your plan and OpenAI’s current terms — read them before publishing or selling, and avoid copyrighted or real-person content.

Why did my image come out slightly wrong? Usually the description was too vague, or the request was very complex. Add detail, then refine conversationally — “move the cat to the left,” “make the sky darker.” The talk-to-fix loop is exactly what it’s built for, so iterate rather than starting over.

Can it put text in images correctly? It handles simple text better than many tools, but longer or stylized text can still come out garbled. Keep any text short, and check it carefully — regenerate if a word comes out wrong.

Is this a good first AI image tool for a complete beginner? Honestly, the best one, because there’s nothing new to learn. If you can hold a conversation, you can make and adjust images. Start here, and only move to a dedicated tool like Midjourney if you later crave higher artistic quality or finer control.

Where to go next

If you fall for image-making and want maximum quality, the next step is learning a dedicated tool. Start with my beginner’s guide to Midjourney.

Leo Tan writes hands-on AI guides at AI Play Books. This is the easiest way I know to start making AI images. Out of date? Tell me.