After initially rolling out ChatGPT's image generation feature for free, OpenAI has recently implemented temporary rate limits due to overwhelming demand straining their GPU resources.
I actually found a bug myself when trying out the new image generation feature. Despite using ChatGPT Plus, the images were generated with DALL-E, yet there was no indication that they were DALL-E images.
CEO Sam Altman jokingly remarked that the company’s GPUs are "melting" under the load. OpenAI is working to enhance efficiency to manage the surge in requests and hopes these limitations will be short-lived.
So, what’s a user to do if they want realistic images put don’t want to pay the subscription price?
Meet Playground. Not affiliated with Apple Intelligence’s Image Playground, this site offers a variety of AI image generation possibilities, many of which are free. While there is a paid “Pro” option, users can generate mind-blowing images for free.
it's super fun seeing people love images in chatgpt.but our GPUs are melting.we are going to temporarily introduce some rate limits while we work on making it more efficient. hopefully won't be long!chatgpt free tier will get 3 generations per day soon.March 27, 2025
What is Playground AI?
Playground is a platform available via browser and app that enables users to create custom designs and graphics.
Playground AI has developed advanced text-to-image generative models, notably Playground v2.5 and Playground v3. Playground v2.5 is a diffusion-based text-to-image model that excels in producing highly aesthetic images with resolutions up to 1024x1024 pixels. It supports various aspect ratios, including portrait and landscape orientations.
Playground v3, the site’s latest model, introduces an integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance text-to-image alignment. The AI's unique approach improves the model's ability to adhere to textual prompts, perform complex reasoning, and accurately render text within images.
Users can start generating images with a completely empty canvas or explore a range of templates for logos, art, stickers, wallpapers, and more.
1. Album art or book cover
Prompt idea: “Create art for my new album that’s all about cats.”
One of my favorite aspects of Playground is the on-image text. It’s clear and accurate. Combined with the fun fonts available, users can add personality to their creations.
In this album art the placement of the three cats at the bottom of the frame draws the eye upward and ties the image together nicely. Their realistic poses make them feel like friends and the overall vibe is cohesive.
2. Interesting art
Prompt idea: “A surreal painting of a young man writing with a quill inside an ornate gold frame, hanging in a library. Ink spills out of a pen into the real world.”
Although the AI made the “pen” in this image a pencil, overall, this image is incredible. The ornate gold frame is beautifully rendered and contrasts nicely with the muted tones of the background.
The shadows, lighting, and depth all contribute to a very believable and cinematic scene.
3. Image with fun font for a friend
Prompt idea: “Create a fun note with an ice cream sandwich and bold, vibrant colors for me to send to a friend.”
This image is a lot of fun. The hot pink milkshake with bright toppings stands out against the dotted background. Despite the message being a little “blah,” the rest of the image is playful and exciting.
The typography looks great, and it is cleverly incorporated within the image. The clean composition gives this image a polished look.
4. Children’s book illustrations
Prompt idea: “Create an image of a little girl walking her cat in the rain.”
The idea of a cat in a tiny raincoat being walked by a child in matching rainy-day gear is adorable and that’s why this image is so much fun to me.
The AI really made this feel like a page out of a children’s storybook. The soft watercolor effect and loose linework give it a warm, storybook aesthetic.
5. Products
Prompt idea: “Minimalist coffee cup mockup on a beige background.”
I could see this image being used for a small business like a coffee shop or local café. It’s cute and realistic while adding a touch of whimsy. It’s almost hard to believe this was created with AI.
6. Sports
Prompt idea: "A flat lay of a white baseball jersey with black piping, paired with a tan leather baseball glove featuring red lacing, and a classic white baseball.”
Once again, the AI image generator hit it out of the ballpark. (Sorry, I couldn't resist). This looks like a very realistic image of a baseball uniform. I could see this type of prompt used by someone who has an Etsy shop or some kind of hobby with fashion or sports.
7. Memes
Prompt idea: “A cute gray tabby kitten sitting upright on a cozy, blue-patterned bed with soft lighting.”
What’s almost as good as cats? Memes about cats! Playground even has AI templates to help you get started making your own memes.
The realistic images rival subscription-level images of big tech chatbots.
Final thoughts
If you were disappointed by the news that OpenAI is not allowing its enhanced image generator within the free tier of ChatGPT-4o yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t generate great-looking AI images for free.
Whether starting from a template or using your own prompts, Playground might just be what you’ve been missing.
Another perk of the site is the community. Users can share their designs, prompts, and templates. But that also means that anything you make is free for others to use or alter. Some may see that as a downside to the site, however I see it as an opportunity to enjoy the endless possibilities of AI image generation.
More from Tom's Guide
- What happens when you feed Gemini 2.5 ChatGPT’s best prompts? I found out
- I used ChatGPT Vision and Deep Research to rid my kitchen of sugar ants for good — here’s how I did it
- I just tested ChatGPT-4o's enhanced image generator with 7 prompts — here's the results [Update]
- I've made Gemini my primary AI tool instead of ChatGPT — here's 5 reasons why
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