Discontinued · 2026-05-12
OpenAI removed the DALL·E models from the API on May 12, 2026 (announced November 14, 2025); the recommended replacements are gpt-image-2, gpt-image-1 and gpt-image-1-mini. Image generation inside ChatGPT is no longer branded DALL·E.
DALL-E
OpenAI's pioneering text-to-image AI family translating natural language descriptions into detailed images, with industry-leading text rendering accuracy and deep ChatGPT integration.
DALL-E is a family of text-to-image generative AI models developed by OpenAI, representing one of the foundational systems in the history of modern AI image generation. The original DALL-E was revealed on January 5, 2021, demonstrating that large language model architectures could be extended to the visual domain.
The name "DALL-E" is a portmanteau of Salvador Dalí and WALL-E — a nod to the creative imagery the system was designed to produce.
DALL-E 2 (April 2022) delivered higher resolution outputs and introduced two landmark editing capabilities: inpainting (filling selected masked regions with AI-generated content) and outpainting (extending an image beyond its original boundaries). DALL-E 3 (September 2023), deployed natively within ChatGPT for Plus users, made a critical advance: trained on significantly more detailed image captions, it follows complex, multi-element prompts with substantially greater fidelity. DALL-E 3 also markedly improved text rendering within images, achieving 95-100% text accuracy in benchmarks.
The ChatGPT integration gives DALL-E 3 a unique workflow advantage: ChatGPT acts as an automatic "prompt engineer," expanding user descriptions into richer, more detailed prompts before passing them to the image model.
In March 2025, OpenAI transitioned ChatGPT's primary image generation from DALL-E 3 to GPT-4o's native image generation — a fully integrated multimodal system. DALL-E 3 remains available via the API with a planned deprecation date of May 2, 2026.
DALL-E's user base spans content creators, marketers, educators, product designers, researchers, and developers building image generation pipelines via the API.
Key Features
- High-fidelity text-to-image generation with complex multi-element prompt following
- Inpainting: fill specific masked regions with AI content that blends seamlessly with surroundings
- Outpainting: extend image borders in any direction with contextually consistent new content
- Industry-leading text rendering accuracy of 95-100% for words and typography within images
- ChatGPT automatic prompt enhancement that expands brief descriptions into detailed generation prompts
- Multiple output format options: square, landscape, portrait at 1024x1024 to 1792x1024 resolutions
- Standard and HD quality settings for fine detail and compositional consistency
- Image variations generation from a source image while preserving core concept
- API access for programmatic image generation, editing, and variations in applications
- Seamless integration with ChatGPT, OpenAI Playground, and the REST API ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DALL-E free to use?
DALL-E 3 is available through ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and Microsoft Copilot (free with limitations). The standalone DALL-E API charges per image generation based on resolution. ChatGPT Plus users get DALL-E 3 integrated directly into conversations, while Microsoft Copilot users can generate images for free using DALL-E 3 through Bing Image Creator with daily limits.
Does DALL-E support Korean language prompts?
Yes, DALL-E 3 supports Korean language prompts when used through ChatGPT. ChatGPT translates and interprets Korean descriptions into optimized prompts for DALL-E, producing accurate image results. This makes it one of the most accessible AI image generators for Korean speakers, as you can describe your desired image entirely in Korean and receive high-quality results.
Who is DALL-E best suited for?
DALL-E is ideal for content creators, marketers, educators, and casual users who want quick, accurate image generation without a steep learning curve. Its exceptional text rendering in images makes it perfect for creating social media graphics, presentations, and educational materials. ChatGPT integration means anyone already using ChatGPT can generate images seamlessly.
What is the biggest advantage of DALL-E?
DALL-E 3's greatest advantage is its unmatched prompt understanding and text rendering capability. It accurately interprets complex, detailed text descriptions and generates images that closely match user intent. Unlike other generators, it can render readable text within images reliably. The seamless ChatGPT integration allows conversational image creation and iterative refinement through natural dialogue.
Is DALL-E easy to use for beginners?
Yes, DALL-E is the most beginner-friendly AI image generator available. Through ChatGPT, you simply describe what you want in natural language, and DALL-E creates it. No technical prompt engineering knowledge is needed. ChatGPT even helps refine your description for better results. The conversational approach makes image generation as simple as having a chat conversation.
How DALL-E compares
DALL-E next to the other Image Generation tools listed here. Pricing is what the vendor charged on the verification date, not an estimate.
| Tool | Pricing | Free tier | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| DALL-E (this page) | Discontinued · 2026-05-12 | — | 2026-10 |
| Adobe Firefly | Freemium · Free plan with limited daily generations across image, video and audio (no monthly credit… | Yes | 2026-10 |
| Artbreeder | Freemium · A free plan exists, and free features (Splicer images, slow Collager) keep working once… | Yes | 2026-10 |
| Craiyon | Freemium · Free with no account needed: a limited number of images (the count is not published),… | Yes | 2026-10 |
| Flux | Freemium · No subscriptions — the pricing page states "No subscriptions, no seat fees. | Yes | 2026-10 |
| Ideogram | Paid · As of 28 October 2026 the pricing page lists no free plan. | No | 2026-10 |
| Krea AI | Freemium · Free plan: $0/month with 100 units per day, LoRA training limited to 50 images, upscaling… | Yes | 2026-10 |
Alternative Tools
Other Image Generation tools you might like
Adobe Firefly
Image GenerationAdobe Firefly is a commercially safe generative AI image tool trained on licensed content, deeply integrated into Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Express for professional creative workflows.
Artbreeder
Image GenerationCollaborative AI art tool for breeding and blending images with genetic algorithms
Craiyon
Image GenerationFree AI image generator accessible in any browser with no account needed
Flux
Image GenerationFlux is a state-of-the-art AI image generation model by Black Forest Labs, offering open-source Schnell and Dev variants alongside the commercial Pro model for photorealistic, high-fidelity image creation.
Ideogram
Image GenerationIdeogram is an AI image generation platform renowned for its industry-leading text rendering accuracy, enabling designers and creators to produce images with legible typography, logos, and posters effortlessly.
Krea AI
Image GenerationKrea AI is a real-time AI image generation and enhancement platform with a live canvas that generates visuals as you draw or type, plus powerful upscaling and video generation tools.
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