OpenAI added DALL-E 3 in 2023, its most advanced AI image generator yet, to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise subscriptions.
Since I started using DALL-E 3 within ChatGPT, I’ve been able to create incredibly detailed and accurate images from just a few words.
To help you get started, I’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide on how to use DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT to create AI images.
Before going through the steps, let’s have a quick overview of what is DALL-E 3.
What is DALL-E 3?
DALL-E 3 is the newest and most advanced text-to-image generation tool developed by OpenAI.
This version excels at capturing multiple variations and details, transforming your textual descriptions into highly accurate images.
Unlike other AI tools that may overlook specific words or details, DALL-E 3 adheres closely to the user’s prompts, ensuring that your ideas are faithfully represented.
Now that you know what DALL-E 3 can do, check out my detailed DALL-E 3 review. Let’s move on to how to access and use this powerful tool.
How to Use DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT to Create AI Images: Step-by-Step Guide
Accessing DALL-E 3 requires a ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise subscription. Here’s how you can access and start creating stunning AI images in eight simple steps:
- Step 1: Visit the ChatGPT Website
- Step 2: Log In
- Step 3: Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus
- Step 4: Switch to GPT-4
- Step 5: Enter Your Image Prompt
- Step 6: Generate the Image
- Step 7: Refine and Edit the Image
- Step 8: Save the Image
Step 1. Visit the ChatGPT Website:
Open chat.openai.com in your browser.
Step 2. Log In:
Enter your email address or use a quick login option like Google, Microsoft, or Apple to access your account.

Step 3. Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus:
- After logging in, look for the “Upgrade plan” option located at the bottom left corner of the ChatGPT interface. Click on it to navigate to the subscription page.

- Select the ChatGPT Plus option, which costs $20 per month and includes access to DALL-E 3, GPT-4, and other premium features.
Step 4: Switch to GPT-4
Once your subscription is active, click on the dropdown menu in the ChatGPT interface and select “GPT-4” or “GPT-4o” for optimal performance.

With secured access, you’re ready to create your first AI image with DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT.
Step 5: Enter Your Image Prompt
- Directly enter your image prompt into the ChatGPT interface with as much detail as possible.
- Example: “A picturesque mountain landscape at dawn, with mist rolling over the peaks and a small cabin nestled in the valley.”

Step 6: Generate the Image
- Submit your prompt to generate your AI image.

Step 7: Refine and Edit the Image
- If needed, refine your prompt and regenerate the image.
- Example: “Add a river running through the valley, reflecting the colors of the sunrise.”

Step 8: Save the Image
- Download the image if you are satisfied with the results.

Now that you can create and edit DALL-E images in ChatGPT, let’s focus on how to get the best results from DALL-E 3 by optimizing your prompts.
How to Get Good Results with DALL-E?
DALL-E 3 excels at turning your words into vivid images, so the more precise your input, the better your output. Here are some strategies to optimize your image creation:
Craft Detailed Prompts: Include specifics like colors, objects, and actions.
- Example: “A vibrant sunset over the ocean with a sailboat silhouette.”
Use Descriptive Language: Use adjectives to convey mood and characteristics.
- Example: “A fluffy gray cat on a velvet armchair in a cozy living room.”
Experiment with Styles: Specify whether you want a realistic, abstract, or artistic style.
- Example: “A watercolor painting of a bustling Parisian street café.”
Iterate and Learn: Refine prompts based on initial results for better outcomes.
- Example: “A misty forest path lined with ancient oak trees and a gentle stream.”
Incorporate Contextual Elements: Add context or a narrative to enhance depth.
- Example: “A young wizard practicing spells in an ancient library.”
By following these strategies, you can enhance the quality and creativity of your DALL-E 3 outputs. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations that might affect your results and how to work around them.
What are the Limitations of Using DALL E 3?
While DALL-E 3 is one of the best AI generator tools, it does come with some limitations. Here are the key restrictions you should be aware of:
- No Violent Images: Not suitable for storytelling that requires such themes.
- Public Figures: Creates images but avoids discussions about them.
- Copyright Concerns: You own the images, but be cautious about generating copyrighted material.
- No Image Uploads: Replicating specific characters is tough without uploads.
- Limited Image Manipulation: Lacks blending and reliable element movement.
Understanding how DALL-E compares to other AI tools can help you make the most of its capabilities. Let’s see how it stacks up against Midjourney.
Is DALL-E 3 Better than Midjourney?
Choosing between DALL-E 3 and Midjourney can feel like picking between two amazing tools in an artist’s kit. Each has its strengths, so let’s break down where each one shines to help you decide which is best for your needs.
| Feature | DALL-E 3 | Midjourney |
| Abstract Images | Great variety of outputs | All outputs follow a similar style |
| Images with Text | Stellar result; text blends naturally | Poor performance; text not well-integrated |
| Faces | Good overall output for faces | Hyper-realistic and superior face rendering |
| Ease of Use | Requires less time to design prompt | May require more detailed prompting |
| Special Features | Excellent at handling text in images | Offers image blending, masks, and more |
| Versatility | Currently focused on image generation | Broader range of image manipulation features |
| Best For | Users needing variety and text integration | -Users focusing on hyper-realistic faces and advanced image editing |
Visual Representation of DALL-E 3 Vs. Midjoruney
I provided DALL-E 3 and Midjourney with the same prompt: “Show a tug-of-war during a sports tournament.” Here’s how each AI visualizes the scene differently.
My take:
Overall, DALL-E 3 is fantastic when it comes to integrating text and providing a variety of output styles. If you’re working on designs that need text elements, DALL-E 3 is your go-to.
On the flip side, Midjourney nails at creating realistic faces in Images and offers a bunch of cool image manipulation tools. So, if you need advanced editing features and lifelike faces, Midjourney is where it’s at.
Explore More How-to Guides
For additional inspiration and practical advice, explore more how-to guides below:
- How to Use Playground AI to Generate AI Images
- How to Use AI Tools to Create Art
- How to use Leonardo AI to Generate Stunning Art
- How to Use ChatGPT on iPhone
- How to Use Hotpot AI Art Generator
FAQs
Does ChatGPT have an image generator?
Is Dall E3 available for free?
Can you sell DALL-E 3 images?
Does DALL-E 3 have a limit?
Does DALL-E run on GPT-3?
Wrap Up
Once you’ve learned how to use DALL-E 3 in ChatGPT to create AI images, you can produce high-quality images effortlessly, with just a few prompts.
Give it a try and watch your ideas come to life in a whole new way! In the meantime, if you want to learn more about AI have a look at the AI glossary!
