DALL-E
OpenAI's image generator, now folded into ChatGPT and the gpt-image-1 Images API for text-to-image and edits
Freemium
About DALL-E
DALL-E was OpenAI's pioneering text-to-image system, but in 2026 the standalone DALL-E 2 and 3 models were retired and image generation now runs on the GPT Image line. You reach it inside ChatGPT, where it's the default image generator, or through the Images API via gpt-image-1 (with gpt-image-2 added in April 2026). The newer models are natively multimodal, so they render legible text, follow detailed prompts, and edit existing images far better than the old diffusion models did.
Key Features
- Text-to-image generation from natural language prompts
- Image editing and inpainting on existing images
- Strong in-image text and typography rendering
- Three output sizes including square and portrait/landscape
- Transparent backgrounds and PNG or JPEG output via the API
- Built into ChatGPT plus a programmatic Images API (gpt-image-1)
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Natively multimodal model follows complex prompts closely
- Available free inside ChatGPT with paid tiers for more usage
- Same model powers ChatGPT and the developer API
- Much better text rendering than the old DALL-E diffusion models
Room for improvement
- Original DALL-E 2 and 3 models were retired in 2026
- API is paid per token, so heavy generation adds up
- Still struggles with multiple faces and non-English scripts
- The DALL-E brand has largely been absorbed into ChatGPT image generation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DALL-E?
DALL-E is OpenAI's text-to-image system, now delivered through the GPT Image model line inside ChatGPT and the OpenAI API. The original DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3 endpoints were retired from the API in 2026, so when people say DALL-E today they usually mean GPT Image generation.
Is DALL-E free?
You can generate some images for free on the ChatGPT free tier with daily caps. ChatGPT Plus at around 20 dollars a month (as of 2026) raises the limits, and API usage is pay per image, roughly a few cents up to about 20 cents depending on quality and size.
What is DALL-E best for?
DALL-E shines for people already working inside ChatGPT who want to describe an image in plain language and iterate conversationally. It is strong at following detailed prompts, editing existing images, and producing usable text in images, which makes it handy for posters, mockups, and quick concept art.
Can DALL-E render readable text in images?
Yes. The GPT Image models behind DALL-E are noticeably better at spelling words correctly on signs, labels, and posters than earlier versions. It is not flawless on long paragraphs, but for short headlines and product labels the text usually comes out clean and legible.
Best For
Concept art and marketing visuals from a text promptEditing or extending an existing image inside ChatGPTGenerating images programmatically in apps via the Images APIProducing graphics with readable in-image text and logos
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