Your first AI image

This guide will show you how to create images using different types of input (text, sketches, or existing images) with the Freepik AI tools.

Create an image using a text prompt

The AI Image Generator creates images from a short description. You only need to:

Type your idea into the prompt field.

Choose a style, aspect ratio, and generation settings.

You can also include a character, object, apply specific color palettes, and more.

Click Generate.

If your prompt needs refining, click AI prompt to get help from AI.

Once your image is ready, you can:

Download it.
Add it to Favorites.
Copy the prompt.
Move the asset.
Save as template.
Move to trash.
Edit it with other Freepik AI tools.
Publish it to your profile.
Use it to make a video.
Create Variations.

All generated images are saved automatically. You can access them anytime from the Recent creations section in the AI Suite or the History tab inside the Image Generator.

Use an image as a starting point

This method lets you upload one or more images as visual input. The tool will not generate a prompt automatically, so you’ll need to write your own. Steps:

Select the Upload option in the text prompt field.

Drag, upload, or select one of the suggested inspiration images.

Click Use image to add them to your project.

Write your own prompt manually.

Adjust the style, aspect ratio, model, and other settings if needed.

Click Generate to create your image.

This method is great for generative AI images with a specific look, layout, or theme in mind.

After generating your image, you can download it, upscale it, make it a video, or turn it into a mockup using other Freepik AI tools.

Option 2: Upload image to describe (auto-generated prompt)

This option uses AI to generate a prompt based on the content of your uploaded image. You can review or adjust the description before generating. Steps:

Click inside the prompt field and select Upload image to describe.

Upload the image you want to use.

Choose how you want it described: Plain text or JSON format.

Review or edit the suggested prompt.

Click Generate to create your image.

After generating your image, you can download it, upscale it, make it a video, or turn it into a mockup using other Freepik AI tools.

Use reference features to guide your image

In the AI Image Generator, you can enhance your prompt by adding reference features. These give you more control over how your image looks, helping you define style, structure, or subject more clearly.

To access them, open the References section below the prompt and click + Add. You’ll see several types of inputs you can apply using preset images or by uploading your own.

Available reference types

Style: Applies a specific look to your image. You can choose a preset or upload an example that reflects the visual style you want.
Character: Adds a character to your image. You can use one of your saved characters or upload a new one to keep the subject consistent across generations.
Object: Lets you include a specific object in your scene. Choose from suggested presets or add your own one.
Color: Controls the image’s color palette. You can use a predefined combination or create one manually to match the mood or branding.
Camera: Changes the framing or angle of your image. Available options include portrait, low-angle, tilt-shot, drone view, panoramic, and more.
Effects: Adds visual adjustments that influence the image’s overall look. These cover areas like color, lighting, mood, and action.
Structure: Uses the layout or composition of another image as a base. This helps align the result with a specific arrangement or framing.

These references work together with your prompt to guide the result. You can use one or combine several to match your visual goals more precisely.

Generate AI images with Reimagine

The Reimagine tool lets you use AI to transform an existing image into a new one. Instead of starting with a blank prompt, you give the AI a visual reference to build from.

It's useful when you want to:

Keep the structure or layout of the original.
Explore new styles or themes.
Improve lighting, color, or framing.
Create variations without starting over.

This process is also called image variation or image-to-image generation.

Follow these steps:

Go to the Freepik homepage, open the AI Suite, click on Other, and then select Reimagine.

Upload an image or select one from your recent creations.

The tool will automatically generate a prompt based on your image.

Click on any highlighted word to edit it.

Choose a suggested word or select Custom to type your own.

Select a model: Flux, Nano Banana, or Classic Fast.

(Optional) Enable Keep Composition to preserve layout and framing.

Select a Style if needed.

Choose the Imagination level: Subtle, Vivid, or Wild.

Set the number of images to generate.

Choose the aspect ratio.

Click Reimagine to generate your new images.

Once your variations are ready, you can:

Download them
Publish to your profile
Edit them again in any Freepik AI tool

This tool is perfect if you're looking to learn how to create image-to-image AI content with full control over the visual direction.

Create AI images using Sketch to Image

Sketch to Image is a real-time AI tool that turns hand-drawn sketches into fully rendered images. It combines your sketch with a written prompt that guides the style, subject, or mood.

With this tool, you can:

Steps to create a variation

Draw using the freehand feature.
Add icons or shapes from the built-in library.
Upload your images for reference.

Follow these steps to create your first image:

Go to the Freepik homepage, open the AI Suite, click on Other, and select Sketch to Image.

Choose a preset visual or click Start from scratch for a blank canvas.

Use the drawing tools on the left to sketch your idea. You can adjust brush size, use Erase to remove parts, and Select to duplicate elements, bring them to the front, send them to the back, or delete them.

Add icons or upload images using the Add button (+).

Type a prompt describing the style, subject, or mood of your image.

Choose your model, aspect ratio, and other generation settings.

Set the Imagination level to control how much the AI follows your sketch.

Click Generate to create the image.

Tips for better results

Use clear, defined shapes instead of loose sketches. This helps the AI interpret your structure more accurately.
Write a specific prompt that includes details like style, lighting, subject, or color.
Add icons or upload reference images to guide composition and enrich your sketch.
Use Get inspiration if you want the AI to generate a prompt for you based on your sketch.
Try Variations after generating your image to explore different visual interpretations of your original sketch.

Usage limits and content rights

Remember that each generation uses credits. The amount may vary depending on the selected image AI models.

If you're on a Premium+ or Pro plan, image generation and editing are unlimited across all models, including the adjustments and tools shown on this page. This does not include the Skin Enhancer tool, Character, Style, or Object LoRAs training, which still consume credits.

All generated content is subject to Freepik's Terms and Conditions for AI Products. You're welcome to use AI-generated images for personal or professional use as long as they don't infringe on third-party IP rights.

At the end of your process, you can check the Inspiration tab in the AI Image Generator. There you'll find prompts and images created by other users.

It's a useful way to explore styles, see what's possible with AI, and reuse existing prompts.

Want to create an AI-generated video? Learn how to make your first AI video in just a few steps.

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