DALL-E

What is DALL-E?

DALL-E is OpenAI’s AI image generation technology, integrated directly into ChatGPT. Originally launched as a standalone model in 2021, it has evolved through DALL-E 2, DALL-E 3, and now the GPT Image family — with GPT Image 1.5 (released December 2025) as the current flagship.

The key advantage of DALL-E over competitors is its integration with ChatGPT. Instead of crafting precise prompts, you simply describe what you want in natural conversation, and ChatGPT generates and refines images iteratively. This makes it by far the most approachable AI image generator for non-technical users.

Note: DALL-E 3 is scheduled for API deprecation in May 2026, fully replaced by the GPT Image models. In ChatGPT, GPT Image 1.5 is already the default.

Key Features in Detail

GPT Image 1.5. Released in December 2025, this is OpenAI’s latest image model. It generates images 4x faster than its predecessor, renders text with unprecedented accuracy (handling dense, small text that other models struggle with), and supports resolutions up to 4096x4096 via the API. It is 20% cheaper than the previous gpt-image-1 model.

Conversational Image Creation. The killer feature. Describe what you want in plain language through ChatGPT, see the result, and refine it through conversation. “Make the sky more dramatic.” “Add a person on the left.” “Change the font to something bolder.” No prompt engineering required.

Image Editing. Upload existing images and edit them while preserving lighting, composition, and identity. GPT Image 1.5 is particularly strong at maintaining brand consistency across edits — logos and branded visuals stay accurate through modifications.

Text Rendering. The best in the industry. While all AI image generators struggle with text to some degree, GPT Image 1.5 handles it significantly better than Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Adobe Firefly. This makes it the top choice for creating images that include readable text — posters, social media graphics, presentations, and mockups.

Three Quality Tiers. Choose between Low (fastest, cheapest), Medium (balanced), and High (best quality) to match your needs. This gives more control over the speed-quality-cost tradeoff than DALL-E 3’s simpler Standard/HD options.

Content Provenance. All generated images include C2PA metadata, providing a verifiable record that the image was AI-generated. This is increasingly important for transparency and compliance.

Pricing

Free (via ChatGPT) — 2-3 images per day with a 24-hour rolling window. Enough to try the technology, but very limited for regular use.

ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) — Approximately 50 images per 3-hour period. The sweet spot for most users who want regular access to image generation alongside all other ChatGPT features.

ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) — Enhanced limits with priority access. For power users who generate at scale.

API Pricing (GPT Image 1.5) — Starting at approximately $0.02 per image (low quality, square) up to $0.19 per image (high quality). Volume-friendly for developers building image generation into products.

Who is DALL-E Best For?

Non-technical users who want to create images without learning complex tools or prompt syntax. The ChatGPT conversation interface is unmatched for accessibility.

Content creators who need images with readable text — social media posts, presentation slides, infographics, and marketing materials. No other AI image generator handles text this well.

ChatGPT subscribers who already pay for Plus or Pro. Image generation is included — there is no separate cost, making it effectively free for existing subscribers.

Developers building image generation into applications. The API is well-documented, reasonably priced, and supports multiple quality tiers.

Quick iteration workflows — when you need a good image fast rather than a perfect image slowly. The conversational refinement loop is faster than any competitor.

DALL-E vs Alternatives

vs Midjourney — Midjourney produces more aesthetically refined, artistic images. DALL-E is more accessible (no Discord needed), better at text rendering, and easier to iterate through conversation. Choose Midjourney for art, DALL-E for accessibility and text.

vs Stable Diffusion — Stable Diffusion is open-source with full customization (LoRAs, fine-tuning, local hosting). DALL-E requires zero setup and is easier to use. Choose Stable Diffusion for control, DALL-E for convenience.

vs Adobe Firefly — Firefly is trained on licensed content, offering the strongest commercial safety guarantees. DALL-E has better text rendering and easier conversational workflow. Choose Firefly for commercial safety in the Adobe ecosystem, DALL-E for general use.

For most people who want to create AI images without a learning curve, DALL-E through ChatGPT is the fastest path from idea to image.