Which is the Best: Canva's Text to Image or Dall-E's Imagen?

Written by Design with Canva - January 14, 2024


Welcome to this exciting blog post where we will dive into the world of AI text to image generators! Today, we will be comparing two of the most popular platforms: Canva's Text to Image and Dall-E's Imagen.

Have you ever wondered which AI generator is the best when it comes to turning text into beautiful images? Well, you're in luck! In this article, we will explore the features and capabilities of Canva's Text to Image and Dall-E's Imagen, and ultimately determine which one reigns supreme.

Navigating Canva's Text to Image and Dall-E's Imagen

If you're interested in trying out these AI generators for yourself, here's how you can access them. On Canva's website, simply click on the "Apps" option in the left panel. You should see "Text to Image" listed there. If not, you can easily search for it using the search bar. Once you've found it, go ahead and click on it.

On the other hand, if you're looking for Dall-E's Imagen, you can also access it through Canva's editor. In the left menu, you'll find an icon labeled "Apps." Click on it and search for "Dall-E." Once you've found it, click on the icon to open the app in a new window.

If you prefer a different approach, you can also access these apps directly from the editor by clicking on the "Apps" icon in the left menu. From there, you can search for the specific app you're looking for, whether it's "Text to Image" or "Imagine."

Exploring Canva's Text to Image

Let's dive into Canva's Text to Image first. Once you've opened the app, you'll find a box where you can enter your text prompt. Take a moment to think about what you want to see transformed into an image. Canva's Text to Image offers various styles for you to choose from, so make sure to check out the different options before proceeding.

One important thing to note is the aspect ratio selection. Depending on your desired design or project, you might want to choose a specific aspect ratio. Canva's Text to Image allows you to do just that.

Now, before you start creating your image, take a quick look at the "Create Your Image" button. Below it, you'll notice a message stating "Use one of 50 credits." This is because I'm currently using a Canva free account, which provides 50 lifetime text to image uses or credits. However, if you have a Canva Pro account, or other specialized accounts, you'll have more credits available for use. Canva Pro users, for example, receive 500 text to image uses per month.

Experience Dall-E's Imagen

Now, let's explore Dall-E's Imagen. As you open the app, you'll notice a simpler layout compared to Canva's Text to Image. You'll find a box where you can enter your text prompt, and a "Generate" button to bring your image to life.

Similar to Canva's Text to Image, Dall-E's Imagen also has a credit system. However, the number of credits available differs based on your account type. Canva Pro, Canva for Teams, Canva for non-profits, and Canva for Education users receive 25 credits per month.

Keep in mind that when using these AI generators, submitting a prompt will result in the generation of multiple images. Canva's Text to Image, for example, generates four images with just one credit. Whereas, both Dall-E's Imagen and Imagine generate two images per prompt submission.

Putting them to the Test

Now that we've explored how to access these AI generators, let's dive into their performance. In order to compare the two platforms, I tested them using various prompts and topics across 15 different subjects. I carefully rated and compared the images generated by Canva's Text to Image and Dall-E's Imagen.

For each prompt, I awarded a point to the platform that performed the best in terms of meeting the keyword requirements and delivering on the intended image. The keywords in the prompts helped guide my evaluation and comparison of the generated images.

Let's take a closer look at some of the prompts to see how the platforms fared.

3D Models

  • Canva's Text to Image: The middle image stands out for its creativity, but the other two images better represent the 3D render keyword.
  • Poster

  • Dall-E's Imagen: Despite the gray area in the image, it applies the poster aspect ratio, meeting the prompt's requirements.
  • A Sadhu

  • Dall-E's Imagen: Although the first option doesn't look like the others, it portrays the dreadlock hairstyle associated with a Sadhu.
  • Cute Robot

  • Canva's Text to Image: It successfully creates a cute robot, while also showcasing the jungle and flowers mentioned in the prompt.
  • Portrait of a Sadhu

  • Imagine: Its depiction of the Sadhu, along with attention to detail in the hairstyle, earns it the point.
  • Landscape

  • Dall-E's Imagen: Although the other two platforms create realistic landscapes, Dall-E's Imagen stands out as the most photorealistic.
  • Realistic Chameleon

  • Imagine: It successfully blends realism and detail, creating the most realistic image of the chameleon.
  • Bohemian Beige Living Room

  • Canva's Text to Image: Balancing beauty and attention to detail, it creates the most realistic and appealing living room.
  • Anime Drawings

  • Canva's Text to Image: It creates the most accurate and aesthetically pleasing anime drawing, capturing the essence of the prompt.
  • Oil Painting

  • Canva's Text to Image: With its rich textures and attention to detail, it closely resembles an actual oil painting.
  • Surreal Object

  • Canva's Text to Image: Crafting a surreal armchair in the shape of a strawberry, it captures the creativity of the prompt.
  • Coloring Book Image

  • Canva's Text to Image: Its image could easily be transformed into a delightful coloring book page, making it the winner for this prompt.
  • Final Results

    After evaluating all 21 prompts and tallying the points, we have a clear winner! Canva's Text to Image comes out on top with 11 points. Dall-E's Imagen follows closely behind with 7 points. Lastly, Imagine from Google secures 3 points.

    This battle was conducted fairly and the results were based on the overall performance and adherence to the given prompts. While beauty is subjective, the points were also awarded based on how well the platforms integrated the keywords from the prompts into the generated images.

    Now that you know the clear winner, why not try out Canva's Text to Image for yourself and see what amazing images you can create? And remember, don't forget to unleash your creativity and have fun exploring these AI generators!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. How do I access Canva's Text to Image and Dall-E's Imagen?

    To access Canva's Text to Image, simply visit Canva's website and click on the "Apps" option in the left panel. From there, you can search for "Text to Image" and click on it to open the app. Dall-E's Imagen can be accessed in a similar manner, either through the Canva editor or directly through the Apps option in the left menu.

    2. How many credits do I have for using these AI generators?

    The number of credits available to you depends on your Canva account type. Canva free users receive 50 lifetime text to image uses or credits. Canva Pro, Canva for Teams, Canva for non-profits, and Canva for Education users receive 500 text to image uses per month. For Dall-E's Imagen, Canva Pro, Canva for Teams, Canva for non-profits, and Canva for Education users receive 25 credits per month.

    3. Can I use these images for commercial purposes?

    While these AI generators provide incredible images, it's important to consider copyright and licensing. It is always recommended to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the platforms and ensure that you have the necessary rights or permissions to use the generated images for commercial purposes. For specific legal questions, it is best to reach out directly to Canva for accurate guidance.

    4. How can I improve my text prompts for better image generation?

    To maximize the effectiveness of your text prompts, consider being clear and specific about the desired image. Including keywords related to the subject, style, and other relevant details will help guide the AI generators in creating images that meet your expectations.

    5. How can I stay up to date with the latest Canva templates?

    To stay connected and receive new Canva templates every week, make sure to follow my Canva profile. You can find the link in the description of this blog post.

    And that concludes our exploration of Canva's Text to Image and Dall-E's Imagen! We hope you found this journey informative and inspiring. Now go forth, unleash your creativity, and create stunning images with these fantastic AI generators!

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