Which AI Tool is Developed by OpenAI for Generating Images: DALL-E Explained

If you are asking which AI tool is developed by OpenAI for generating images, the answer is DALL-E. But that simple answer does not tell you the complete story. DALL-E is not just one tool. It is actually a series of increasingly powerful models that represent some of the most advanced image generation technology available today. The current version is DALL-E 3, and it is integrated directly into ChatGPT, making it accessible to millions of people worldwide.

I have tested DALL-E extensively since its earliest versions, and I can tell you with complete honesty: it has transformed from an interesting experimental tool into one of the most powerful and practical image generation systems available. In this guide, I will explain exactly what DALL-E is, how it works, why it matters, and how it compares to other popular AI image generation tools like Midjourney and others.

What is DALL-E: The OpenAI Image Generation Tool

DALL-E is an artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI that generates images from text descriptions. The name itself is a clever combination of Salvador Dali (the famous surrealist artist) and WALL-E (the Pixar robot). This name perfectly captures what the tool does: it creates imaginative, sometimes surreal images based on your written descriptions.

DALL-E works by taking your text prompt and converting it into a visual image. You describe what you want to see, and the AI generates it. The tool understands not just simple objects but also complex concepts like emotions, artistic styles, lighting conditions, compositions, and abstract ideas.

How DALL-E Works (Simple Explanation)

DALL-E is based on advanced machine learning technology called a transformer model, similar to ChatGPT but specialized for image generation. Here is the simplified process:

1. You provide a text prompt: You write a description of the image you want. For example: “A serene mountain lake at sunset with snow-capped peaks reflecting in calm water, oil painting style.”
2. The AI processes your description: DALL-E analyzes your text, understanding all the elements you mentioned (lake, sunset, mountains, style, mood).
3. The system generates an image: Using patterns learned from billions of images, DALL-E creates an image that matches your description.
4. The result is delivered: You receive a high-quality image that brings your text description to life.

DALL-E Versions: The Evolution of OpenAI Technology

OpenAI has released multiple versions of DALL-E, each more powerful than the last. Understanding which version exists is important because they have different capabilities.

Version	Release Year	Key Improvement	Availability
DALL-E 1	2021	Original model, basic image generation capabilities	Limited, experimental phase
DALL-E 2	2022	4x higher resolution, more realistic images, better understanding	Wider beta access, API available
DALL-E 3	2023	Integrated with ChatGPT, superior text rendering, better prompt understanding, seamless conversation	Available now in ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise
GPT Image 1.5	2026	Best-in-class text rendering, photorealism, highest quality output, new standard	Latest version, available via API and ChatGPT

The evolution shows how quickly AI improves. DALL-E 2 was already impressive, but DALL-E 3 took a massive leap forward. And now in 2026, GPT Image 1.5 represents the cutting edge of what is possible in AI image generation.

Key Features of DALL-E 3 and Latest DALL-E Models

Natural Language Understanding

One of the biggest strengths of DALL-E 3 is its ability to understand natural language in nuanced ways. You do not need to use special keywords or strict formatting. You can write in conversational language, and DALL-E understands your intent.

For example, instead of writing a rigid technical prompt, you can say: “I want an image of a cozy coffee shop on a rainy morning, with warm lighting and people reading books.” DALL-E understands the mood, the setting, the activities, the atmosphere, and the exact feel you want.

Exceptional Text Rendering

This is where DALL-E 3 and GPT Image 1.5 truly excel compared to other image generators. Many AI image tools struggle to render readable text within images. They often produce garbled, misspelled, or illegible text. DALL-E 3 handles this remarkably well. GPT Image 1.5 takes this even further with near-perfect text rendering.

This makes DALL-E ideal for creating marketing materials, logos, signage, book covers, and any design where readable text is essential.

Integrated with ChatGPT

DALL-E 3 is built directly into ChatGPT Plus, which means you can have a conversation about your image. You can ask ChatGPT to help refine your idea, suggest improvements, or even help write better prompts. Then ChatGPT generates the image directly without switching tools. This integration is seamless and powerful.

Creative and Photorealistic Capability

DALL-E works across the full spectrum from highly creative and fantastical images to photorealistic renderings. You can request abstract art, fantasy scenes, realistic product photography, detailed technical illustrations, or anything in between. The tool adapts to your style requirements.

Ownership Rights

This is important: you own all images you generate with DALL-E. OpenAI gives you full ownership rights to the images you create. This means you can use them commercially, sell them, modify them, or do anything you want with them. This is a major advantage over some competing tools.

Ready to create stunning images with AI? Start generating today with DALL-E 3 by upgrading to ChatGPT Plus and unlock unlimited image creation, integration with the worlds most advanced AI, and full ownership of every image you create.

DALL-E vs Other AI Image Generators: Complete Comparison

The question which AI tool is developed by OpenAI for generating images often comes with a follow-up: how does it compare to alternatives like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and others. Let us break this down comprehensively.

Feature	DALL-E 3	Midjourney	Stable Diffusion	GPT Image 1.5
Text Rendering	Excellent	Limited	Poor	Best in class
Photorealism	Very Good	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Artistic Output	Good	Excellent	Very Good	Excellent
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Moderate	Difficult	Very Easy
Speed	Fast (15 seconds)	Moderate	Variable	Fast
Pricing	Included in ChatGPT Plus	10-120 per month	Free to paid	Usage-based pricing
Ownership Rights	Full ownership	Full ownership	Full ownership	Full ownership
Best For	Professional work, marketing, text-heavy designs	Artistic visuals, emotional impact	Customization, local control	High-end professional work

DALL-E Pros and Cons

Advantages	Disadvantages
Exceptional text rendering in images	Photorealism slightly behind Midjourney
Integrated with ChatGPT for conversational refinement	Limited style customization options
Very easy to use, minimal learning curve	Cannot use negative prompts to exclude elements
Excellent prompt interpretation	Limited control over specific artistic parameters
Fast generation speeds	Cannot easily create variations at different aspect ratios
Full ownership of generated images	Requires ChatGPT Plus subscription for best access
Great for professional and commercial use	Less ideal for users wanting extreme artistic styles
Versatile across multiple image styles	Community is smaller than Midjourney

How to Use DALL-E: Step-by-Step Guide

Using DALL-E 3 is straightforward, but knowing the best practices helps you create better images.

Step 1: Access DALL-E

To use DALL-E 3, you need ChatGPT Plus subscription (20 per month). Simply log in to ChatGPT and look for the image generation option. With GPT Image 1.5, you can access it directly or through API integration.

Step 2: Write Your Prompt

Describe the image you want in natural language. Be specific about:

• The main subject or scene
• Visual style (photorealistic, painting, sketch, etc.)
• Mood and atmosphere
• Lighting conditions
• Color palette if desired
• Composition or perspective
• Any text that should appear in the image

Example prompt: “A minimalist modern living room with large windows overlooking mountains, warm sunlight streaming in, contemporary furniture, cool color palette with whites and blues, high-quality photograph style, 4K resolution.”

Step 3: Generate and Review

DALL-E will generate four image options. Review each one and choose your favorite, or ask DALL-E to generate more variations.

Step 4: Refine if Needed

You can ask DALL-E to make adjustments. For example: “Make the lighting warmer,” “Add more plants,” or “Change the color of the couch to navy blue.” The tool will regenerate based on your feedback.

Step 5: Download and Use

Download the final image and use it however you want. You own it completely.

Master AI image generation today. Whether you choose DALL-E 3 or the newest GPT Image 1.5, you are working with cutting-edge technology. Start with ChatGPT Plus to access DALL-E 3 immediately and begin creating professional-quality images from your imagination.

DALL-E Pricing: What You Pay and What You Get

DALL-E 3 Through ChatGPT Plus

ChatGPT Plus is 20 per month and includes unlimited DALL-E 3 image generation. You can create as many images as you want without paying per image. This is an excellent value for professional users.

DALL-E API Pricing

If you are integrating DALL-E into applications, OpenAI offers API access with pay-as-you-go pricing. Standard image generations cost 0.040 per image, with higher resolutions costing more. For businesses and developers, this offers significant flexibility.

GPT Image 1.5 Pricing

The latest GPT Image 1.5 is available through ChatGPT Plus and via API with similar usage-based pricing starting at 0.040 per standard image.

Best Uses for DALL-E

Marketing and Advertising

DALL-E excels at creating marketing graphics, social media images, and promotional materials. Its text rendering makes it ideal for creating images with headlines, slogans, or product names integrated into the visual.

Professional Design Work

Designers use DALL-E to generate concepts quickly, create mockups, or produce background images for layouts. The quality is professional-grade.

Content Creation

Bloggers, YouTube creators, and content creators use DALL-E to generate blog post images, thumbnail concepts, or video backgrounds. The speed and quality make content creation faster.

Product Visualization

Entrepreneurs and designers create product mockups, visualize concepts before development, or generate lifestyle product photography.

Educational Materials

Teachers and educational content creators use DALL-E to generate illustrations, diagrams, and visual aids for lessons.

Book and Publication Design

The exceptional text rendering makes DALL-E perfect for generating book covers, illustration concepts, and publication designs.

Who Should Use DALL-E

Designers and creative professionals: If you create visual content professionally, DALL-E is an excellent tool to accelerate your workflow and generate concepts quickly.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners: You can create professional marketing materials without hiring an expensive designer.

Content creators: Bloggers, YouTubers, and social media creators need visual content. DALL-E produces it fast and for a reasonable cost.

Marketing professionals: Create ad copy illustrations, promotional graphics, and social media content quickly and cost-effectively.

Educators: Generate educational materials, illustrations, and visual aids to enhance teaching.

Anyone needing images: If you need pictures for any purpose and do not have budget for stock photos, DALL-E is an excellent alternative.

DALL-E vs Midjourney vs Dream: Which Should You Choose

Your question mentioned Midjourney and Dream in the context of OpenAI image tools. To clarify: neither Midjourney nor Dream are OpenAI products. Only DALL-E is developed by OpenAI. Here is how to choose between them:

Choose DALL-E if you:

• Need excellent text rendering in images
• Want the easiest tool to use
• Value integration with ChatGPT and conversational refinement
• Need fast generation speeds
• Want full ownership rights without concerns
• Create professional marketing and business content

Choose Midjourney if you:

• Prioritize photorealism and artistic quality
• Want extensive customization and style options
• Are willing to learn some prompt engineering
• Create emotional, dramatic, or artistic visuals
• Want access to variations and aspect ratio controls

Choose Stable Diffusion if you:

• Want maximum control and customization
• Need to run AI locally on your computer
• Prefer open-source solutions
• Are technically skilled
• Want free options without subscriptions

Tips and Tricks for Better DALL-E Images

Be Specific in Your Descriptions

Vague prompts produce vague results. Instead of “a dog,” write “a golden retriever running through a sunny meadow with wildflowers, warm afternoon light, happy expression, photorealistic style.”

Include Art Style References

Specify the artistic style you want: “oil painting,” “watercolor,” “3D render,” “photograph,” “illustration,” “concept art,” etc. This dramatically affects the final result.

Describe Lighting Explicitly

Lighting sets the mood. Mention “soft morning light,” “dramatic sunset,” “cool blue lighting,” or “harsh midday sun” to get the atmosphere you want.

Use Composition Language

Guide the framing: “wide angle shot,” “close-up detail,” “bird's eye view,” “from below looking up,” etc.

Mention Resolution and Quality

Add “high quality,” “detailed,” “professional,” “4K,” or “sharp focus” to ensure the output quality you expect.

Refine Through Conversation

Do not just generate once and leave. Converse with ChatGPT. Ask for adjustments, different angles, color changes, or style variations. The iteration process creates better results.

Provide Negative Descriptions

While DALL-E does not support explicit negative prompts, you can say what you do not want in your written description: “without watermarks,” “minimal text,” “no people,” etc.

Common Questions About DALL-E

Is DALL-E free?

DALL-E 3 is included with ChatGPT Plus at 20 per month. You get unlimited generations. The standalone API charges 0.040 per standard image. There is no completely free version of DALL-E 3, though OpenAI occasionally offers free credits to new users.

Can I use DALL-E images commercially?

Yes, absolutely. You own all images you generate, and you can use them for any commercial purpose including selling, licensing, or incorporating them into products.

Is DALL-E better than Midjourney?

Neither is objectively better. DALL-E is superior for text rendering and ease of use. Midjourney is superior for photorealism and artistic aesthetics. The best choice depends on your specific needs.

How long does DALL-E take to generate an image?

DALL-E typically generates images in 15-30 seconds, making it one of the fastest options available.

Can DALL-E create images of real people?

DALL-E can create realistic human images but it cannot create exact reproductions of specific real people based on their name or description. This is by design to prevent misuse.

What are the limitations of DALL-E?

DALL-E cannot generate images of specific real people, cannot create images violating copyright, and has some limitations with extreme photorealism (Midjourney edges it out here). It also cannot create violent, explicit, or hateful content.

Does DALL-E work without ChatGPT?

DALL-E 3 is integrated into ChatGPT Plus, so you need ChatGPT access. However, OpenAI offers DALL-E through its API for direct integration into other applications.

Can I download and use DALL-E locally?

DALL-E itself cannot be downloaded and run locally. However, open-source alternatives like Stable Diffusion can be run on your own computer.

What is the difference between DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3?

DALL-E 3 is significantly more powerful. Key improvements include integration with ChatGPT, superior text rendering, better prompt interpretation, and higher overall image quality. DALL-E 3 is the recommended version.

Does DALL-E preserve copyright?

DALL-E is trained on images with proper licensing and respects copyright. It will not generate images that replicate copyrighted works, though some artistic styles may resemble known artists.

The Future of DALL-E and AI Image Generation

In 2026, OpenAI has released GPT Image 1.5, which represents a major advancement in image generation capabilities. The technology continues to improve at a rapid pace. Future versions will likely offer:

• Even higher quality and more photorealistic outputs
• Better control and customization options
• Faster generation speeds
• Better understanding of complex, detailed prompts
• Improved video generation capabilities
• Integration with more applications and platforms

The competition in AI image generation is fierce, with Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and others continuously improving. This competition benefits users by driving innovation and quality improvements across all tools.

Start creating now. You have learned exactly which AI tool OpenAI developed for image generation and how it compares to alternatives. Stop waiting and start generating stunning images with DALL-E 3 or GPT Image 1.5 today. The technology is here, it is powerful, and it is accessible to you right now.

Conclusion: DALL-E is the OpenAI Image Generation Solution

To directly answer your original question: DALL-E is the AI tool developed by OpenAI for generating images. Currently available as DALL-E 3 integrated into ChatGPT and the newest GPT Image 1.5, it represents some of the most advanced image generation technology available.

DALL-E combines ease of use with exceptional quality, particularly excelling at text rendering and prompt interpretation. It is integrated with ChatGPT, offering conversational refinement and seamless access. You own all images you create, giving you complete commercial rights.

While other tools like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion have their strengths, DALL-E stands out for professional applications, marketing content, and anyone prioritizing ease of use and text-in-image quality.

The choice between DALL-E and alternatives depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired output style. But if you are asking which tool OpenAI developed, the answer is clear: DALL-E, and it is an excellent choice for nearly any image generation need.

Take action today. Whether you choose DALL-E 3 through ChatGPT Plus or the latest GPT Image 1.5, you have access to world-class AI image generation. Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus and start creating professional-quality images from your text descriptions within minutes. Your next great visual creation is just a few words away.