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How I Use AI to Generate Images in WordPress

I have been blogging for over a decade, and finding perfect images for blog posts has always been a challenge.

You need to go through stock images, check licenses, and in the end, you get an image that thousands of other blogs are already using. It takes up time you could have spent writing and publishing.

That’s why I have started using AI tools to create my own visuals, especially for blog illustrations, diagrams, and comparison charts. It’s a lot faster, and I can generate exactly what I need for each post.

With tools like ChatGPT, Nano Banana (Google Gemini), and Midjourney, I can brainstorm ideas and generate unique images. The terms of these services typically grant me full usage rights for these visuals.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use AI to generate images in WordPress using a few of my favorite tools. You’ll see how fast your visuals can come to life.

Using AI tools like DALL.E to make images for WordPress websites

TL:DR Summary:

If you are in a rush, here are the AI image generators I will discuss in the article:

ToolBest For
ChatGPTRefining images conversationally and generating high-quality visuals within a familiar AI chat interface.
Gemini (Nano Banana)Exploring creative styles for free with helpful, interactive prompt suggestions to improve your ideas.
All in One SEOGenerate images with AI inside the WordPress editor with advanced options to configure the image dimensions, quality, and style.
Uncanny AutomatorAutomating content creation workflows, like generating a featured image when a post is drafted from a form.
SeedProdCreating custom visuals while you are actively designing a landing page or WordPress theme.
AI Engine PluginA free, flexible option for users who want to connect their own API key from various AI providers.

Why I Use AI Tools to Generate Images for My WordPress Site

After years of relying on stock photos and free image sites, I found AI tools to be a faster, cheaper, and more creative way to make visuals for my posts.

Here’s why I prefer using AI-generated images:

  • Save money: No need for costly stock photo subscriptions or custom graphics.
  • Unique visuals: Every image is original, so my blog stands out from others that use the same stock photos.
  • Creative control: I can describe exactly what I want — from style to mood — and get the perfect image.
  • Full rights: Most AI tools, such as ChatGPT and SeedProd, allow me to use the images freely for my site or clients.
Generating images using ChatGPT that are better than stock photos

Mastering the Art of AI Prompts for Stunning Images

The quality of your AI-generated images depends almost entirely on the quality of your prompts. A vague request leads to a generic image. A detailed, descriptive prompt is your key to creating something truly special.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned for writing better prompts:

  • Be Specific and Detailed: Instead of “a dog,” try “a golden retriever puppy with floppy ears, sitting in a field of daisies during a sunny afternoon.” The more details you provide, the better.
  • Define the Style: AI can mimic various artistic styles. Include terms like “in the style of a Pixar animation,” “a watercolor painting,” “photorealistic,” “comic book art,” or “cyberpunk.”
  • Set the Mood and Lighting: Use words to control the atmosphere. For example, “dramatic lighting,” “soft morning glow,” “eerie, foggy night,” or “vibrant and cheerful.”
  • Mention the Composition: Guide the AI on how to frame the shot. Use phrases like “wide-angle shot,” “close-up portrait,” “view from above,” or “action shot.”

Let’s look at an example.

A simple prompt like “a robot working” might give you a basic image. But a more advanced prompt will produce something far more compelling:

“Photorealistic image of a friendly, humanoid robot with a polished chrome finish, carefully assembling a microchip on a futuristic workbench. The background is a clean, modern laboratory with soft blue ambient lighting. Close-up shot focusing on the robot’s hands.”

Experimenting with different combinations of these elements will help you discover what works best for your content.

In the next sections, I’ll walk you through exactly how I use these prompts in different tools:

1. How I Generate AI Images for WordPress Using ChatGPT

I use ChatGPT throughout the day, and one of my favorite features is the ability to generate images directly within the chat window.

For anyone new to this, ChatGPT is an AI tool by OpenAI that responds to natural language prompts. Here’s my step-by-step process:

📝 Note: ChatGPT offers AI image generation even for the free plan. However, the free plan is a bit slower, and there is a limit on the number of images you can generate.

1. Write a Descriptive Prompt: I open ChatGPT and type a detailed description of the image I want. For example, “Create a children’s storybook-style illustration of a computer desk at night.” You can get creative with styles, colors, and even moods.

Using ChatGPT to enter a prompt for generating an image

2. Edit and Refine: One feature I really like is the ability to edit images. You can just type a new prompt like “make the background darker” or “change the style to watercolor,” and it will regenerate the image based on your feedback.

Editing the AI-generated image by giving a new prompt in ChatGPT

3. Download the Image: Once you’re happy with the image, hover your mouse over it and click the download icon that appears. This will save the final version to your computer.

4. Upload to WordPress: I switch over to my WordPress admin area and go to Media » Add New to upload the image. You can also add it directly to a post using the Image block.

Uploading the generated AI image to WordPress Media Library

2. Generate AI Images Using Gemini (Nano Banana)

Another powerful and free tool I use is Google’s Gemini. It’s great for brainstorming and creating high-quality images quickly.

I particularly love their newer Nano Bana model, which makes advanced AI image generation accessible to everyday users.

1. Go to Google Gemini: First, head over to Gemini. You’ll need to sign in with your Google account.

2. Write Your Prompt: In the text box, type your image description. As you type, ImageFX will highlight certain words and suggest alternatives, which it calls “expressive chips.” This is a neat way to explore different creative directions.

Using Nano Banana in Gemini to generate AI images

3. Generate and Download: Click ‘Generate’ to see the results. You can then select your favorite image and click the download icon to save it. From there, you can upload it directly to your WordPress media library.

3. Generate AI Images Inside WordPress Using All in One SEO

For a truly integrated workflow, I like to use All in One SEO (AIOSEO). It is the best WordPress SEO plugin on the market with comprehensive AI features like a text and image generator.

Plus, it enables you to generate llms.txt and llms-full.txt files, which make your content more easily crawlable by AI bots.

I prefer using AIOSEO’s AI image generator because it comes with easy options to adjust image dimensions, quality, and style. This is a huge time saver because I don’t even have to leave the WordPress editor to generate an image.

Note: The AI assistant and AI image generator features are available even with the free version of AIOSEO. However, you will need to purchase AI credits to generate images. I recommend upgrading to a paid plan, which includes generous AI credits as part of the plan.

Here is how to use AIOSEO’s AI Image generator.

1. Add an image block: Simply add the image block to your content like you would normally do and click on the ‘Generate with AI’ button.

Generate Image With AI - AIOSEO

2. Write a prompt: Describe the image you want to generate. Feel free to be as descriptive as possible.

3. Configure image options: AIOSEO lets you select image style, dimensions, and quality options. Utilize these settings to fine-tune your AI image.

Configure AI image options - AIOSEO

4. Generate Image: Finally, click on the ‘Generate image’ button to get the image. You will see an image preview in the popup, and the actual image will be downloaded into your WordPress media library. Click on the ‘Insert Image’ button to add it to your post.

Insert AI generated image

5. Edit Images with AI: You can also edit images with the AI. Simply add the image you want to edit and then click on the ‘Edit with AI’ button in the toolbar.

AIOSEO - Edit image using AI

I used this feature to create a comic book-style character of myself using a profile photo. However, there are endless possibilities for reusing images by editing them with AI in various ways.

Overall, I have found All in One SEO’s AI image generator a lot easier to use as it fits right into my workflow inside WordPress.

4. Automatically Generate AI Images in WordPress with Uncanny Automator

I’ve also used Uncanny Automator to connect ChatGPT with my WordPress site. It’s one of my go-to tools for setting up automated tasks, especially when I want to turn ideas into blog posts with very little manual work.

This plugin works with OpenAI’s GPT models, including image generation. I’ve set up a simple automated workflow using its drag-and-drop recipe builder.

Note ⚠️: For this workflow, you will need to visit the OpenAI developer platform website and add payment information to purchase credits. API access is separate from your ChatGPT Plus account.

1. Create a Trigger: I start by setting up a trigger. For this, I use WPForms, a top-rated form builder that works perfectly with Automator. The trigger is “A user submits a form.”

2. Set Up the Action: Next, I add an action to send a prompt from a form field to OpenAI (DALL·E) to generate an image.

3. Automate Post Creation: I add another action to create a new post. Uncanny Automator pulls in the AI-generated image using smart tokens and automatically sets it as the featured image for the new post.

Setting featured image token with Uncanny Automator for AI image

This setup has helped me publish full posts, with images and text, in just a few clicks. It’s incredibly useful for creating quick drafts or starting content ideas.

Example blog post created using Uncanny Automator with AI image and text

If you’re curious about how to set this up, check out our full guide on creating automated workflows in WordPress using Uncanny Automator.

5. Use SeedProd to Generate AI Images in WordPress

If you’re using SeedProd to build pages or themes like I do, then you’ll love the built-in AI image generator. It’s available in the premium version and makes it easy to create custom visuals right inside the editor.

How We Use SeedProd: At Awesome Motive, we use SeedProd to design and build entire websites for some of our brands, like Duplicator and Charitable. Its AI Assistant helps our team quickly generate custom graphics and hero images that perfectly match the brand’s style, speeding up our design process.

1. Activate SeedProd Pro: First, you need to install and activate the SeedProd plugin. You’ll need the Pro version to access the AI Assistant.

2. Add an Image Block: Inside the SeedProd builder, drag the Image block from the left panel and drop it onto your page preview.

Adding an Image block inside SeedProd builder

3. Launch the AI Generator: Click on the Image block to open its settings, then click the ‘Add with AI’ button to launch the tool.

Using the Add with AI option in SeedProd

4. Write a Prompt: A panel will appear where you can describe the image you want. Be specific about the style, colors, and subject. Click ‘Generate Image’ to see the result.

Typing a prompt to generate an AI image inside SeedProd

5. Insert the Image: When the preview appears, just click ‘Insert’ to add it directly to your page layout. You can also generate variations or edit parts of the image using the brush tool.

Inserting the AI-generated image into the SeedProd layout

When you’re happy with the image, click ‘Save’ and ‘Publish’ to make it live on your site.

6. Use AI Engine to Generate AI Images in WordPress (Free Plugin)

If you’re looking for a free way to generate AI images in WordPress, then AI Engine is worth checking out. I’ve used it for a while, and it connects to major AI platforms like OpenAI, Google, and others.

Just a heads-up — AI Engine tries to do a lot. That makes it powerful, but also a little overwhelming at first. Here’s how to get started with just the image feature:

1. Install and Activate: First, install the AI Engine plugin from your WordPress dashboard.

2. Enable the Image Module: After activation, go to Meow Apps » AI Engine. I suggest enabling only the ‘Images Generator’ setting for now to keep the interface clean and focused.

Choose AI modules

3. Add Your API Key: Switch to the ‘Settings’ tab. This is where you’ll choose your preferred AI provider and paste in your API key. The plugin links to tutorials if you need help finding your key.

Choose platform

4. Generate an Image: Once set up, go to Tools » Generate Images in your admin sidebar. You’ll see a simple prompt field where you can type a description and click ‘Generate’. The images are saved to your media library.

Write a prompt to generate an image

The legal landscape around AI-generated content is still evolving. However, most AI image tools grant you broad usage rights for the images you create through their terms of service. This typically allows you to use them for both personal and commercial projects.

AI tools are trained on massive datasets. This means they may occasionally generate content that accidentally resembles copyrighted work or registered trademarks.

You are still responsible for how you use the final images. Always review them to ensure they are unique and don’t infringe on existing intellectual property, especially for commercial use.

Pro Tip💡: When in doubt, keep your prompts original and avoid referencing specific brands, logos, living artists, or real people by name.

I believe AI gives people, especially those without design skills, a powerful way to express themselves. It opens doors for creators who just want to tell their story, share an idea, or make something beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI Images

Here are answers to some common questions about using AI-generated images.

Is it safe to use AI images on client websites or for commercial projects?

Generally, yes, as most major AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, AIOSEO, and SeedProd grant broad commercial usage rights. However, you should always review the output for potential copyrighted elements or brand likeness before publishing on commercial or client sites.

What are the usage rights for images from ChatGPT and SeedProd?

Both ChatGPT (OpenAI) and SeedProd state in their terms that you own the content you create, including images. This means you are free to use them on your WordPress website, social media, eBooks, and more.

What about images from the AI Engine plugin?

The AI Engine plugin is an interface that connects to a third-party AI service. The usage rights for the images you create are determined by the terms of the service you connect with your API key (like OpenAI or Google). Typically, these services grant you full rights to use the images you generate.

Additional Resources to Continue Your AI Journey

Now that you know how to generate AI images in WordPress, you might be wondering what else AI can do for your site.

From SEO to content writing, there’s a lot more you can explore:

I hope this guide gave you a good starting point for using AI images on your website. It’s amazing how far these tools have come — and what they make possible for creators of all skill levels.

Don’t forget to check out our image SEO guide and these simple tips to optimize images for speed so your visuals look great and load fast.

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18 CommentsLeave a Reply

  1. I started with Midjourney, but over time it became difficult to work with because so many people were using it that it became unmanageable on Discord, and almost every prompt I tried was rejected. I also tried other tools, but after ChatGPT-4O was officially released, I started using it along with the paid version. If I need a specific image, it’s no problem; it just sometimes requires a bit more time adjusting the prompts. However, the longer I use this tool, the easier it seems, as I now have a good sense of what output I can typically expect. So, for me, ChatGPT has recently become an excellent helper for graphic creation. You really need the paid version, though, as otherwise, you run out of tokens quickly.

  2. Thanks for putting this educative piece together. While the potential of AI image generation is undeniable, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s still an evolving technology. There may be limitations in terms of the level of detail or creative control achievable compared to working with a human artist. Ensuring the images align perfectly with your vision might require some trial and error.

    • creating images through ai and using it for the websites is good and makes the final version of the website faster.
      however, I feel the same about the stage of ai and how it creates pictures based on different commands. for long term and for precision and exact requirements of images, we still need himan touch.
      ofcourse, no denying the impact that ai is creating in different technological spheres.

  3. I don’t directly use individual AI tools. Well, I tried MidJurney a few times, but it’s practically not functional for free now. However, what I really appreciate are the tools in the Seed Prod page builder. I’ve been using it for about two months, and the image generation tools are absolutely fantastic. It saved me a lot of time searching for images with a free license.

    • Yes Jirí, seedProd’s AI image generation is impressive especially for beginners. But how do you find the quality of the images compared to established stock photo services? I’m curious to see how AI-generated visuals evolve and potentially become the new standard.

      • I think images generated by seedprod are good enough to include in the website specially while in the production mode.
        This gives a sense of how the website will look like.
        but once we have exact look and feel of the website, one would need to make specific details images to suit the requirements of the website which I don’t think ai is capable to produce with such precision.

      • Honestly, Dayo Olobayo, sometimes quality isn’t my top priority when it comes to images. There are situations on my blog where I just need to add some graphics, and I don’t really worry too much about whether the image meets a specific quality standard. I run a tech blog, so I’m perfectly fine with the current quality since the images serve more of an informational purpose for me. Of course, if I were a photographer or in a similar field, I’d probably be more concerned with quality. But for a tech blog, I’m completely satisfied. If I were looking for high-quality images, I’d probably approach it differently.

  4. Hello, thanks for this great article. I had always struggled to find unique photos to use on my blog because the royalty free photos on Unsplash and Pixabay are commonly used by many bloggers.
    It was a game changer to find a guide for generating AI photos for WordPress with DALL.E 2 on this article. This has greatly saved a lot of my time which I use to spend creating and designing photos manually on my computer. I obtained a nice look for my blog posts with AI photos and saved a lot of time . Much credit to WPBeginner.

  5. Good, but I heard Google may not rank the generated AI Images of search page especially in image search results tab. Is this true ?

    • If the images are relevant to the content and are not copying someone else’s work, then the ranking should not have any negative impacts.

    • Google currently doesn’t have any tools to distinguish what was generated by AI and what was done by a person in Photoshop. Google doesn’t have such perfect technology. Additionally, as mentioned, it’s about the relevance of the content, not whether the image is from a stock photo, from AI, or if you made it yourself.

  6. thanks for the article.
    can we olso optimize an image create by an AI before loading it into WordPress or we can load it directly after been generated by the AI?
    Thanks

    • The images would be added to your site but there are plugins to optimize images after they have been uploaded to your site of the images are too large :)

      Admin

  7. AI is unarguably making blogging stuffs easier and faster. That means I can just be generating images directly from my WordPress site, this is incredible.

    But can we use the plugin Imajinn AI to write text over that image for SEO benefits ??

    • Unless we hear otherwise the Imajinn plugin is not currently designed for adding text to the images, you would need to manually add the text into the image with an image editor.

      Admin

    • I think text over images doesn’t serve any purpose as such in terms of search engine optimisation.
      for best seo image practices we need to add alternate text , caption and title of the image for the concerned images. this infact helps in seo for images.
      However for requirements to add text on the images different image editors can be used.

  8. it’s good to see that we can create our own image by artificial intelligence tools for our websites.
    Imajinn ai plugin gives the ability to generate ai images directly inside the dashboard, how can we optimize this image right there for its size and other features?
    does it come with such options or we would need to go manual way of resizing and reducing the file size and also what about different file formats? does it gives such options?
    Thanks for the guide for making image options for websites easy.

    • Unless we hear otherwise, the plugin does not currently allow for you to pick specific file types or sizes, you would need to use an image optimization plugin for now.

      Admin

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