Mixer AI
Which picture generator to use: models compared
The best AI image generator depends on the job: a poster with lettering, an edit of your own photo, a product shot or a search for style. Below is a task-to-model table and the model specs: how many photos you can upload and what resolution you get.
Take the mug from the uploaded photo. Place it on a light wooden table by a window, with an open book and a eucalyptus sprig beside it. Soft morning light from the left, a gentle shadow. Keep the mug's shape, color and pattern as in the photo.
How to choose
Decide what you need: a new image from a description, an edit of your photo or a scene built from several references.
That sets the model and the number of input photos.
In the Mixer AI studio, open photo, pick a model from the table below and an aspect ratio.
Upload references within the model's limit: up to 16 for GPT Image, up to 8 for Nano Banana Pro.
Prompts for testing models
Vertical jazz festival poster. A double bass in the center under a warm spotlight on a deep blue background. Large lettering at the top: «Jazz Night», a small line at the bottom: «July 12, summer stage». Crisp letters, no other words. Graphic style, rich colors.
Fishing village on a rocky shore at dawn, mist over the water, warm light in the windows, boats at the pier, wide shot, cinematic light, muted cool tones.
Which AI image generator is best for your task
| Task | Model | Why | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster, packaging or label with lettering | GPT Image 2, Nano Banana Pro | Words on the image read better | Write the text word for word in quotation marks and check every character |
| Several people and objects in one scene | Nano Banana Pro | Keeps characters and objects distinct and follows long multi-part instructions | Up to 8 input photos; close-up skin can look too smooth |
| Change one detail in your photo | Nano Banana 2.1, GPT Image 2.5 | They change what you name and try to keep the rest; the edit can continue with follow-up instructions | Untouched details are not guaranteed to stay identical; compare with the source |
| A character or product from several angles | GPT Image 2, Seedream 5.0 Pro, Nano Banana 2 | They build multi-angle sheets on a clean background | With Seedream 5.0 Pro the face can drift from the reference |
| A series of frames in one shoot style | Seedream 5.0 Lite | Up to 14 references, output in 2K or 4K | Check object counts and text in the result |
| Finding a style, light and mood | Midjourney | Strong at the atmosphere of wide and establishing shots | Check hands and proportions in close-ups of people |
| An image with a transparent background for a layout | GPT Image 2.6 Economy | Transparent background in 1K | GPT Image 2, 2.5 and 2.6 also offer a transparent background only in 1K |
| Quick inexpensive drafts | Nano Banana 2 Lite, Seedream 5 Flash | Cost less for trying ideas | Check anatomy, object counts and text |
| Enlarge a finished image | Topaz Image | 2x or 4x upscale | Fix composition, faces and text first |
The table matches models to tasks. Form fields and the price are shown in the studio before you start.
Price at the same settings
Best AI image generator: model specs
| Model | Input photos | Resolution | Also |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPT Image 2, 2.5, 2.6 | up to 16 | 1K, 2K, 4K | Transparent background only in 1K; 2.5 and 2.6 offer Flare for quick images and Sunburst for precise edits |
| GPT Image 2.6 Economy | up to 16 | 1K | Transparent background |
| Nano Banana 2, 2.1 | up to 10 | 1K, 2K, 4K | Scenes from several references, many aspect ratios |
| Nano Banana Pro | up to 8 | 1K, 2K, 4K | Several characters and long instructions |
| Seedream 4.5, 5.0 Lite | up to 14 | 2K, 4K | Series of frames from many references |
| Seedream 5.0 Pro, 5 Flash | up to 10 | 1K, 2K | Pro for editing real photos and sheets; Flash for quick drafts |
| Midjourney v8.2, v8.1 | none | Fast, Fast HD | Stylize, chaos, weird, raw and tile settings |
| Midjourney v7 | one, as a reference only | Fast, Turbo, Draft, oref | The oref mode takes appearance from one reference photo |
Pro in a name does not mean 4K: Seedream 5.0 Pro tops out at 2K, while Seedream 4.5 and 5.0 Lite reach 4K.
AI image creation: generating versus editing
When generating, the model builds a new scene from a description. When editing, it takes your uploaded photo and changes what you asked for; untouched details may shift slightly, so compare the result with the source.
More references help only when each one adds something: a face, an outfit, an object, a place. Photos that disagree about light and appearance confuse the model.
Side-by-side comparisons of GPT Image 2.5 and Nano Banana Pro, Nano Banana 2 and Seedream 5.0 Pro, Midjourney and Nano Banana Pro are in the Related guides block at the bottom of the page.
Choose by task
FAQ
Which AI image generator is the best?
No single model is best for every task. For lettering use GPT Image or Nano Banana Pro, for editing your own photo Nano Banana 2.1 or GPT Image 2.5, for finding a style Midjourney.
Which AI is best at text in images?
GPT Image 2 and Nano Banana Pro. Give the lettering word for word in quotation marks and check every character: no model guarantees error-free text.
Which AI can edit my photo?
Any model in the specs table except Midjourney. Upload the photo and describe what to change and what to keep; untouched details may shift slightly, so compare with the source.
Are more references always useful?
No. Each file should add relevant information rather than contradict the others about appearance, clothing or light.
Why does Pro not always mean 4K?
Pro is a version name, not a resolution scale. Seedream 5.0 Pro tops out at 2K, while Seedream 5.0 Lite reaches 4K.