🎨 How to Use ChatGPT-4o for AI Image Generation: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Artificial intelligence has come a long way in the last few years, and one of the most exciting areas of development has been AI image generation. Earlier this year, OpenAI quietly upgraded ChatGPT’s image generator, replacing its older DALL·E 3 model with a brand-new system called GPT-4o (the “o” stands for omni).

This model is a game-changer. It’s not just about creating abstract art or quick sketches anymore — GPT-4o can now generate photorealistic pictures, complex illustrations, legible text inside images, and even cinematic scenes with impressive accuracy. Whether you’re a designer, a student, a content creator, or simply someone who enjoys experimenting with AI tools, this feature opens up incredible possibilities.

🎨 How to Use ChatGPT-4o for AI Image Generation: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how you can use GPT-4o inside ChatGPT to create stunning images. We’ll cover everything from basic text prompts to advanced widescreen visuals, artistic reinterpretations, and even comic panels. Along the way, we’ll highlight best practices, limitations, and useful tips to help you get the most out of the tool.


📑 Table of Contents


1. What is GPT-4o Image Generation?

GPT-4o is OpenAI’s most advanced multimodal model. “Multimodal” means it can process text, images, and even audio or video context. For our focus here, the key upgrade is its image generation engine, which has replaced DALL·E 3 inside ChatGPT. (Although the latest version of ChatGPT v5 is releases if you want to learn more … GPT-5 real-world applications that Prove It’s More Than Just a Chatbot)

Here’s what makes GPT-4o different from older models:

  • Legible Text Rendering – You can now create images with readable text, like signs, posters, or skywriting.
  • Improved Realism – Photographs look more natural, with better skin textures, lighting, and proportions.
  • Complex Prompt Handling – It understands prompts with multiple subjects, environments, and artistic instructions.
  • Custom Ratios – Ability to generate square, vertical, or widescreen images.
  • Artistic Reinterpretation – Can reimagine your uploaded photo in styles such as Studio Ghibli, Van Gogh, or Cyberpunk.

2. Plans and Usage Limits

OpenAI currently has three tiers of access for image generation:

  • Free Plan – Limited to 3 image generations per day.
  • Plus Plan ($20/month) – 50 images every 3 hours.
  • Pro Plan ($200/month) – Unlimited image generation.

💡 Tip: If you’re just experimenting, the free plan is fine. But if you’re serious about design work or content creation, the Plus plan gives much more breathing room.


3. How to Access ChatGPT for Image Generation

You can use GPT-4o image generation in several ways:

Regardless of device, you’ll need an OpenAI account. Once logged in:

  1. Select GPT-4o from the model dropdown (top left corner).
  2. In the query box, choose Create Image.
    • If you don’t see it, click the three-dot menu under “Tools.”
  3. Type your prompt and press Enter.

Images usually take a few seconds (sometimes minutes) to generate.


4. Writing Prompts That Work

Think of your prompt as giving instructions to an artist. The more detail you provide, the better the results.

A good structure includes:

  • Subject – What is the main focus? (e.g., “a red rose,” “a futuristic city”)
  • Setting – Where is it happening? (e.g., “in a forest,” “inside a spaceship”)
  • Mood & Style – What feeling should it convey? (e.g., “serene,” “dramatic lighting,” “cyberpunk style”)
  • Details – Any artistic direction? (e.g., “high resolution,” “comic book panel,” “black and white photo”)

Example prompt:

Create an image of a blue sky with white clouds and the words “Hello People” written in skywriting.


5. Adding Text Inside Images

This is where GPT-4o shines compared to older AI models. To add text inside images, place the words inside quotes.

Example:

Create an image of a computer chip with the phrase “Hello World” integrated into the circuitry design.

The text will appear as part of the image rather than garbled symbols (a problem with older AI tools).


6. Creating Widescreen and High-Resolution Images

By default, ChatGPT generates square or vertical images. If you need a horizontal format, add the word “widescreen” at the start of your prompt.

Example:

Create a widescreen image of a fantasy RPG forest with medieval characters preparing for an epic quest.

  • Standard images: 1024 × 1024 px
  • Widescreen images: 1536 × 1024 px

Though as you can see not it created stunning image in a matter of time but that are only meant for web, now what if you want to increase its resolution…. but unfortunately ChatGpt doesnot provide that. Wait… wait… why worry when there is a free soltuion for that too…. find it here  3 Best AI Upscaling Tools to Boost Image Quality up to 400x for Free and AI Enhance and Upscale Images to 4K 8K for Large Prints: Aiarty Image Enhancer


7. Using Photographic Styles

You can mimic different photography techniques by adding descriptive keywords:

  • “high-resolution photo”
  • “black and white photo”
  • “long exposure image”
  • “close-up photograph”

Examples:

  • Create a high-resolution photo of a city skyline reflected in a river.
  • Create a close-up photograph of morning dew on a red rose.

8. Making Comic Panels and Story Sequences

GPT-4o can generate sequential panels, which is great for comics or storyboarding.

Example prompt:

Sequential comic panels depicting: (1) a spaceship captain navigating through an asteroid field, (2) the crew engaging in a laser battle, (3) a dramatic escape to an uncharted planet.

💡 Adding “widescreen panels” produces better results for this type of prompt.


9. Designing Game Landscapes and Character Concepts

Game developers and hobbyists can use ChatGPT for quick concept art.

Examples:

  • Create a widescreen image of a vibrant side-scrolling landscape with whimsical mushroom-like structures.
  • Create a widescreen RPG scene with an enchanted forest, medieval village, and characters preparing for a quest.

This is especially useful for brainstorming level designs or character ideas.


10. Reimagining Famous Art Styles

One fun use of GPT-4o is reinterpreting existing works in different artistic styles.

Example 1 (text only):

Create a widescreen image reimagining the Mona Lisa in a cyberpunk setting with Mona Lisa as a humanoid robot.

Example 2 (with uploaded photo):

Reimagine this photo in the artistic style of Studio Ghibli.

Simply click + Add Photos and Files to attach your own picture.


11. Uploading Your Own Photos for Transformation

By uploading your own images, you can transform them into different styles. For example:

  • Family photo → turned into a Pixar animation.
  • Your pet → painted like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
  • A vacation shot → reimagined in watercolor or anime style.

This feature makes personal experimentation especially fun.


12. Exploring Fashion and Lifestyle Prompts

Fashion designers and content creators can also experiment:

Examples:

  • Create an image of a runway show blending futuristic tech with haute couture.
  • Create a widescreen image of an urban fashion scene with bold streetwear trends.

These prompts can inspire clothing design, marketing visuals, or even social media campaigns.


13. Best Practices for Better Results

  • Be Specific – Add details about style, lighting, and mood.
  • Iterate – If the first attempt isn’t perfect, tweak your prompt.
  • Use Widescreen for Stories – Comic panels and cinematic scenes look better in wide format.
  • Combine Elements – Mix photography terms with artistic styles for unique effects.
  • Check Resolution – Remember widescreen = 1536 × 1024 px.

However this articles covers all aspects of ChatGPT image generation but still on this site there are many articles which explained many other features you can get a complete list of CHATGPT articles here.


14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can free users generate unlimited images?
No. Free users are limited to 3 image generations per day.

Q2. How long does it take to create an image?
Usually between 15 seconds and 1 minute, depending on complexity and server load.

Q3. Can GPT-4o copy copyrighted artwork exactly?
No. It creates new images based on your description but cannot reproduce copyrighted works verbatim.

Q4. Are generated images free to use commercially?
Yes, according to OpenAI’s current terms, images you generate belong to you. Still, double-check if you’re using them in commercial projects.

Q5. Can I make animations or only still images?
Currently, ChatGPT with GPT-4o only supports still images, not videos.


15. Final Thoughts

AI image generation with ChatGPT’s GPT-4o is one of the most powerful creative tools available today. Whether you want to design game art, craft comic panels, explore fashion concepts, or simply play around with reimagining your photos, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Remember, success lies in crafting the right prompt. Start with a clear idea, describe it in detail, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The more you play with prompts, the more control you’ll gain over the outputs.

GPT-4o is still evolving, but right now it already stands as one of the most versatile, reliable, and fun AI image generators you can use.


⚠️ Disclaimer

AI-generated images can sometimes produce inaccurate or unexpected outputs. Always double-check before using them for professional or commercial purposes. Respect copyright when reimagining well-known works or characters.


Tags

chatgpt 4o image generation, dall e replacement, ai art generator, gpt 4o prompts, openai image creation, widescreen ai images, comic panel ai, fashion ai design, studio ghibli ai art

Hashtags

#ChatGPT #GPT4o #AIArt #ImageGeneration #AIDesign #Dalle3Replacement #OpenAI

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Daniel Hughes

Daniel Hughes

Daniel is a UK-based AI researcher and content creator. He has worked with startups focusing on machine learning applications, exploring areas like generative AI, voice synthesis, and automation. Daniel explains complex concepts like large language models and AI productivity tools in simple, practical terms.

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