Best AI tools to generate custom images
The best AI tools for generating custom images are Runable, 123RF, PicLumen, Upscayl, and AIWriteBook. These platforms differ primarily in their specialized focus, ranging from general-purpose AI agents and stock content integration to dedicated image upscaling and book design assistance. By selecting based on your specific platform needs and licensing requirements, you can effectively match your creative project to the most suitable technological capability.
Top picks at a glance:
- Runable — Users needing a versatile AI agent for diverse reasoning tasks.
- 123RF — Designers requiring a library of stock assets alongside AI generation.
- PicLumen — Collaborative creators looking for community sharing and discovery.
- Upscayl — Artists who need to enhance the clarity of existing digital files.
- AIWriteBook — Authors seeking a centralized hub for book production and cover design.
| Tool | What it does | Pricing | Free tier | Refunds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runable | A general AI agent that reasons, adapts and routes through whatever capabilities are needed to deliver your outcome. | Free tier; paid from $15/mo | Yes | None stated |
| 123RF | A stock content platform offering photos, vectors, videos, audio, and fonts, plus AI-powered creative design tools. | From $16.1/mo | No | — |
| PicLumen | An AI image and video generation platform combining creation tools with a community sharing and discovery space. | Free tier; paid from $6.09/mo | Yes | None stated |
| Upscayl | An AI image upscaler that turns fuzzy photos into clear works of art. | Free tier; paid from $24.99/mo | Yes | — |
| AIWriteBook | An AI-powered platform that helps users write, create, and publish books. | Free tier; paid from $12/mo | Yes | 7 days |
* pricing not verified against the vendor's pricing page.
How to choose
When selecting an AI image tool, first consider your budget and the necessity of a free tier. While Runable, PicLumen, Upscayl, and AIWriteBook offer free options, 123RF requires a paid subscription starting at $16.10 per month. Evaluate where you need to work; if you require mobile flexibility, choose between Runable, PicLumen, or AIWriteBook, whereas desktop users may prefer Upscayl. Check the specific licensing limitations, as 123RF restricts merchandise resale and PicLumen limits commercial rights on its basic plan. Finally, review subscription terms carefully. If you value flexibility, note that AIWriteBook offers a 7-day refund window, while Runable, PicLumen, and Upscayl explicitly state that they do not offer refunds, and most require in-app cancellation for auto-renewing plans.
Runable
Best for: Users needing a versatile AI agent for diverse reasoning tasks.
This platform acts as a general AI agent that reasons and adapts to determine the best path for your outcome. It is available across web, mobile, and desktop-mac platforms. Users should note that the provider states no refunds are available for its subscription plans.
Image & Video creation
Pricing, in their words: “MonthlyAnnually · Save 25%” (pricing)
Subscription terms they state: states no refunds (source)
123RF
Best for: Designers requiring a library of stock assets alongside AI generation.
This tool integrates AI-powered creative design features into a comprehensive stock content platform containing photos, vectors, and audio. It is accessible via the web and utilizes an auto-renewing subscription model. Note that standard licenses prohibit the use of generated content on merchandise for resale.
Image Generator
Pricing, in their words: “PLUS Team From $16.10 /month per seat” (pricing)
Subscription terms they state: cancel in-app · auto-renews (source)
Limits the vendor states:
- Standard licenses may not be used on merchandise for resale purposes.
PicLumen
Best for: Collaborative creators looking for community sharing and discovery.
PicLumen combines text-to-image generation with a social space for sharing and discovering content. It supports web and mobile devices, though it lacks an API. Be aware that the basic plan restricts commercial rights and public content cannot be used commercially.
Transform text prompts into eye-catching images with AI.
Pricing, in their words: “Lite US$7.59 US$6.09/mo Billed yearly. ex.tax” (pricing)
Subscription terms they state: cancel in-app · auto-renews · states no refunds (source)
Limits the vendor states:
- No commercial rights on Basic plan
- Public content cannot be used commercially
Upscayl
Best for: Artists who need to enhance the clarity of existing digital files.
This utility focuses on AI image upscaling, transforming fuzzy inputs into sharp, clear outputs. It runs on web and all major desktop operating systems. The service does not offer refunds for model output dissatisfaction or unused credits.
Generate AI Images
Pricing, in their words: “Upscayl Cloud offers a range of pricing options to suit your needs.” (pricing)
Subscription terms they state: cancel in-app · auto-renews (source)
Limits the vendor states:
- no refunds for unused credits
- no refunds for model output dissatisfaction
AIWriteBook
Best for: Authors seeking a centralized hub for book production and cover design.
This platform assists users throughout the book creation and publishing process, specifically enabling the generation of book covers. It offers an API and supports web and mobile access. Users benefit from a 7-day refund window, though credits generally do not roll over.
Cover generation with unlimited variations
Pricing, in their words: “Paid subscriptions are billed in advance on a monthly or annual basis. By subscribing, you authorize us to charge your payment method for the recurring fees.” (pricing)
Subscription terms they state: cancel in-app · auto-renews · 7-day refund window (source)
Limits the vendor states:
- Cannot roll over credits (unless on Pro plan)
Which one for your situation
- You are a mobile content creator who needs an adaptable AI to route complex image requests. → Runable: It functions as a general AI agent that reasons and adapts to route through whatever capabilities are needed to generate your images.
- You are an author publishing a novel and need a professional cover design. → AIWriteBook: It is a specialized platform designed specifically to help users write, create, and publish books, including cover creation features.
- You have a collection of blurry, low-resolution photographs that need to be made clear. → Upscayl: It is an AI image upscaler dedicated to turning fuzzy photos into clear works of art across desktop and web platforms.
FAQ
Is there a free tool to generate custom images?
Yes — Runable, PicLumen, Upscayl, AIWriteBook offer a free tier.
What is the cheapest paid option to generate custom images?
PicLumen starts at $6.09/month.
Which of these have an API?
AIWriteBook document a developer API.
How do I cancel these subscriptions?
123RF: cancel in-app; PicLumen: cancel in-app; Upscayl: cancel in-app; AIWriteBook: cancel in-app. Runable does not state a cancellation route on the pages we read.
Can I get a refund?
Runable states it does not offer refunds; PicLumen states it does not offer refunds; AIWriteBook states a 7-day refund window. The others (123RF, Upscayl) do not state a refund policy on the pages we read.
Do these subscriptions auto-renew?
123RF, PicLumen, Upscayl, AIWriteBook state that paid plans renew automatically. Check the billing page before subscribing; the rest do not state it either way.
Sources
Every fact above was read from the vendors' own pages: