Since OpenAI unveiled DALL·E 2, curiosity has been brewing about its cost and accessibility. As another browser-based AI image generator in the market, DALL·E 2 has gained popularity for its ability to create AI-generated images and art using simple text prompts.
So, is DALL·E 2 available for free, or does it come with a price tag? In this article, we will address this query and provide insights on how you can access and use DALL·E 2 without breaking the bank. Read on for all the details!
Can You Use DALL·E 2 for Free?
Yes, you can use DALL·E 2 for free, but there are limitations to its usage. OpenAI offers DALL·E 2 as a public beta since November 2022, allowing anyone to sign up and try it on their website or through the API.
Initially, new users are granted 50 free credits for their first month, enabling you to experiment with the AI art generator. However, in subsequent months, you will receive only 15 free credits.
With the free credits, there are restrictions on the number of images you can generate. Some users reported that the initial 50 credits can create approximately 200 images, while the subsequent 15 credits allow for around 60 images. If you require additional credits beyond the allocated free ones, you have the option to purchase more at an additional cost.
Furthermore, there are limitations on the functionalities available with the free version. You can only generate a limited number of images per day, usually up to 10 images. You are also restricted to using the default model with a specific vocabulary size and resolution.
How Much Does It Cost to Use DALL·E 2?
Using DALL·E 2 to create images is based on a simple pricing structure tied to the resolution you desire. Here’s the breakdown as of July 2023:
- For high-resolution images at 1024×1024 pixels, each image costs $0.020.
- If you opt for a slightly lower resolution of 512×512 pixels, the price per image is $0.018.
- For lower-resolution images at 256×256 pixels, the cost per image is $0.016.
If you need more credits to generate additional images or avoid running out, DALL·E 2 also offers credit packs for purchase. For example, you can buy a credit pack for $15, which provides you with 115 credits. These credits can generate a corresponding number of images based on your chosen resolution.
For those with higher demand, DALL·E 2 also allows you to purchase up to 11,500 credits in one go. This option ensures you have ample credits to create numerous images without interruption.
Do keep in mind that prices and credit pack details mentioned here can change in the future, so it’s advisable to check the official OpenAI website for the most up-to-date information on credit options and their corresponding costs.
Can I Use DALL·E Api for Free?
The DALL·E API is not available for free. While it offers developers the ability to integrate the image-generating capabilities of DALL·E into their applications, services, and websites, it comes with a pricing structure.
The cost of using the DALL·E 2 API is based on the resolution of the generated images. As mentioned above, the pricing is as follows: $0.02 per image for 1024×1024 resolution, $0.018 per image for 512×512 resolution, and $0.016 per image for 256×256 resolution.
Volume discounts may be available for organizations working with OpenAI’s enterprise team. OpenAI’s intention in providing the DALL·E API is to allow developers to explore various use cases and unleash the creative potential of the AI system in different industries. However, using the API requires creating an OpenAI API account, which can also involve associated costs.
What is the Free Version of DALL·E?
The free version of DALL·E refers to the original DALL·E system released by OpenAI in January 2021. It is a 12-billion parameter version of GPT-3, specifically trained to generate images from text descriptions. This version is still accessible on OpenAI’s website without any waitlist or sign-up requirements.
The free version of DALL·E has certain limitations compared to DALL·E 2. It can only generate images with a resolution of 64×64 pixels and has a vocabulary size of 512. As a result, the generated images may have lower detail and less visual fidelity than those produced by DALL·E 2. Additionally, the free version lacks certain capabilities such as outpainting, inpainting, and variations on existing images.
Furthermore, you are limited to generating up to 100 images per month without incurring any charges. If additional image generation is required, you can choose to upgrade to a paid plan or request more quota from OpenAI.
Conclusion
DALL·E 2 is an amazing AI image generator that you can try for free, thanks to OpenAI’s credit system. However, it is not completely free to use and requires a paid plan for more extensive or commercial use.
If you are looking to use it on a permanent basis, we would recommend paying for additional credits. However, if you only want to use the tool casually, the allotted free credits each month should be sufficient enough. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below!
