Image Generation

AI concepts

About 1 min read

A technology in which artificial intelligence analyzes text or reference images to generate new visual outcomes. Moving beyond simple image combinations, it implements original images at the pixel level, reflecting composition, art style, lighting, and more based on trained data.

Also known as

Image GenerationAI ImageAI Art

Detailed explanation

Image generation is a technology where AI forms new images by taking text prompts (Text-to-Image) or existing images (Image-to-Image) as inputs. While Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) were used in the past, Diffusion models that restore images by removing noise and DiT methods combining Diffusion with Transformer architectures are currently mainstream. Midjourney, DALL-E 3, Stable Diffusion, and Flux.1 are representative models, and technologies like ControlNet or LoRA allow precise control over specific compositions or styles. Beyond simple creation, it is innovating workflows across industries, including marketing, game asset production, and prototyping.

Why it matters in tool selection

Image generation tools differ significantly in the aesthetics of their output and prompt adherence depending on the model. In commercial projects, beyond just creating pretty images, 'controllability' to adhere to brand guidelines and the 'copyright and commercial use rights' of the generated images serve as core criteria for tool selection.

What to check

Is it a license that allows commercial use? (Required to check licenses for each model)
Is it possible to perform detailed editing and maintain consistency through ControlNet, LoRA, etc.?
Does it accurately understand complex prompt instructions (such as including text)?
Can it be automated into existing workflows through API integration?

Examples

Representative examples include a marketer entering a prompt like 'an electric vehicle advertisement image set against a futuristic night view of Seoul' to produce drafts in seconds, or a game designer inputting a character's basic sketch and applying ControlNet to generate character concept art in various styles.

Confusing terms