The hype around Ghibli-style AI-generated art has exploded with the introduction of GPT-4o’s image generation capabilities. Social media platforms are flooded with dreamy, nostalgic visuals reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films. However, the massive demand has overwhelmed OpenAI’s servers, leading to long wait times – even for paid users. But don’t worry! If you’re eager to create your own Ghibli-inspired AI art without the hassle of long waits or paid subscriptions, there are several free alternatives available. In this article, we’ll explore a bunch of free AI tools like Grok 3 and Gemini 2.0, which you can use instead of ChatGPT to create Ghibli Studio style images.
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How to Create Ghibli-Style Images Using ChatGPT?
OpenAI’s latest multimodal model, GPT-4o, has introduced stunning Ghibli-style image generation features. Users can now use ChatGPT to create images accurate to specific styles using simple text prompts, as well as convert existing photos to anime or other stylized images.
Steps to Use:
- Open ChatGPT and log in to your account.
- Click on the (…) below the prompt window and choose ‘Create Image’.
- Type in a detailed prompt specifying Studio Ghibli’s art style.
- Click on the upward arrow or press Enter and wait for the AI to create your image.
- Once generated, you can directly save the artwork to your device.
Sample Prompt: “A young girl with a red umbrella walking through a misty Ghibli-style village, with warm glowing lanterns, and a magical, nostalgic atmosphere.”
Ghibli-style Image Generated by ChatGPT
To convert an existing photo into a Ghibli-style image, simply upload your image as input along with a prompt, “Convert this into a Ghibli-style image”.
Sample Input Image
Ghibli-style Image Generated by ChatGPT
As you can see, the image quality of GPT-4o rivals top-tier AI tools! However, the biggest drawback is its usability owing to increased demand. Free-tier users are limited to just three images per day, while Plus and Pro users sometimes face a 20–30 minute queue for image generation. That’s why we have compiled this list of ChatGPT alternatives you can use for free to create Ghibli-style images.
Also Read: 10 Image Generation Prompts to Try Out on GPT-4o
Free Alternatives to ChatGPT for Ghibli-Style Art
There are a lot of AI-powered tools out there that can create Ghibli-style images for you. Some of these tools can create Ghibli-style images directly from text prompts, while others can convert your existing images into visually stunning replications of Ghibli-style art. In this section, we’ll explore some of the free tools from both of these categories.
1. Grok
Developed by xAI, Grok is an advanced AI tool that allows users to generate Ghibli-style images from text prompts and transform existing photos into anime-inspired art. It also lets you refine your images further through follow-up prompts.
Steps to Use:
- Open the Grok app or visit the website, and sign up or log in.
- Select the Grok 3 Model for advanced image generation.
- Click on ‘Create images’ and type in your prompt after the word Draw.
- Watch the model in action and download the image once ready.
Sample Prompt: “A hand-drawn Ghibli-style city at dusk, with glowing lanterns and a cozy feel.”
Ghibli-style Image Generated by Grok 3
Now let’s try it out for image-to-image conversion. I’m simply going to upload an image and ask Grok 3 to “transform it into Ghibli-style art”.
Input Image
Ghibli-style Image Generated by Grok 3
2. Gemini 2.0 Flash
Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model is now capable of creating highly detailed and cinematic visuals, including Ghibli-style images from scratch. You can even ask the chatbot to refine the generated image through follow-up prompts.
Steps to Use:
- Visit the Gemini platform and log in with your Google account.
- Provide a detailed prompt mentioning Ghibli style and wait for the AI to create the image.
- Download the artwork once generated.
Sample Prompt: “Create an image of a young girl walking through a magical forest in Studio Ghibli’s art style, with soft lighting and a whimsical atmosphere.”
Ghibli-style Image Generated by Gemini 2.0 Flash
3. Qwen2.5-Max on Qwen Chat
Alibaba’s Qwen Chat, now powered by Qwen2.5-Max lets users generate high-quality Ghibli-style art from text descriptions. The best part is that you don’t need to create an account or log in to use this feature!
Steps to Use:
- Open Qwen Chat in your browser.
- Click on the ‘Image Generation’ icon below the prompt window.
- Enter a detailed description in the prompt window, and don’t forget to mention you want the image in Ghibli style.
- The model generates the image in just about 3-5 seconds, and you can save it directly to your device.
Note: If a signup window pops up in between, simply choose ‘Stay logged out’ and continue.
Sample Prompt: “A young boy riding a train through a misty valley, illustrated in Studio Ghibli’s art style.”
Ghibli-style Image Generated by Qwen Chat
Also Read: GPT 4o vs Gemini 2.5 Pro vs Grok 3 for Image Generation
4. Fotor
Fotor is a web-based image editor that provides a dedicated “Ghibli AI Generator,” allowing users to transform photos into Ghibli-style artwork with a single click.
Steps to Use:
- Sign up or log in to Fotor’s Studio Ghibli AI Generator.
- Click ‘Upload Image’ and select your photo.
- Apply the filter – Ghibli Style 1, Ghibli Style 2, or Ghibli Style 3 – from the available options.
- Watch your image get created and click ‘Download’ to save your transformed image.
Sample Input Image
Ghibli-style Image Generated by Fotor
5. Artbreeder
Artbreeder is an AI-powered platform that enables users to blend and modify images to create unique artistic styles. It offers tools to create Ghibli-inspired visuals with customizable features.
Steps to Use:
- Sign up or log in at Artbreeder and click on the Prompter tool.
- In the description box, explain the image and mention that you want it in Ghibli Studio style.
- Click on ‘generate’ and download the image directly once generated.
Sample Prompt: “A countryside scene in Studio Ghibli’s style, with rolling green hills and a small cottage.”
Ghibli-style Image Generated by Artbreeder
6. insMind
insMind is a free AI art generator featuring a Ghibli filter that allows users to convert their photos into anime-style illustrations with soft lighting and hand-drawn textures. While the free plan lets you generate one image, you can buy more credits at affordable rates.
Steps to Use:
- Visit insMind’s Studio Ghibli filter page.
- Click ‘Upload your photo’ and choose the photo you wish to Ghibli-fy.
- Select the Ghibli filter of your choice, from Ghibli, Ghibli2, and Ghibli Pro, and apply it to your image.
- Sign up for a free account or log in to your existing account to generate the image.
- Once generated, you can see the download options on the bottom right of the page.
Sample Input Image
Ghibli-style Image Generated by insMind
7. Craiyon (formerly DALL-E Mini)
Craiyon is a simple, web-based AI tool that generates different types of artistic images from text prompts. It is free and easy to use, without even needing to log in. But it offers limited editing options and is not very good at converting images into Ghibli-style.
Steps to Use:
- Visit Craiyon’s website.
- Enter your text prompt mentioning Ghibli style.
- Click on ‘Draw now’ to generate the image.
Sample Prompt: “A happy village, soft lighting, anime studio Ghibli lighting, Sunlight gently bathes a bustling village, illuminating a picturesque scene in what looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli film”
Ghibli-style Image Generated by Craiyon
Comparison of AI Tools that Generate Ghibli Style Images
Here’s a table comparing all of the above image-generation tools based on the quality of their Ghibli-fied images, their speed, features, and limitations.
| Tool | Image Type | Quality of Output | Speed | Limits/Wait Times | Unique Features |
| ChatGPT | Generation & Editing | Very high-quality (GPT-4o) | Slow during peak times | Free users limited to 3/day, wait times for pro users | Ghibli-style image generation built-in |
| Grok | Generation & Editing | High-quality, detailed | Fast | May have usage limits | Works via X (Twitter), advanced editing options |
| Gemini 2.0 | Generation | High-quality, detailed | Fast | Requires Google login | Strong photorealistic capabilities |
| Qwen2.5-Max | Generation | High-quality, anime-styled | Fast | Free usage but may have daily limits | Strong anime and stylized art generation capabilities |
| Fotor | Editing | Good, stylized filters | Fast | Some filters require payment | One-click Ghibli filter, no sign-up required |
| Artbreeder | Generation | Unique blended styles | Moderate | Free users have limited edits | Can mix multiple artistic traits |
| insMind | Editing | Decent, but less detailed | Fast | No significant limits | Simple and free, preset Ghibli filter |
| Craiyon (DALL-E Mini) | Generation | Basic, often lacks detail | Fast | No limits, but quality varies | Completely free, simple interface |
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to generate Ghibli-style images from scratch or transform your own photos into whimsical anime-inspired artwork, there are plenty of free tools available. If you want both image generation and editing, Grok and ChatGPT are your best bets. If you’re only looking to edit existing photos, Gemini 2.0, Qwen2.5-Max, and Artbreeder provide easy-to-use filters and AI-powered enhancements. Finally, for pure text-to-image generation, Craiyon, Fotor, and insMind are excellent options. So go ahead, try out these tools and share your images with us in the comment section!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I generate Ghibli-style images for free using AI?
A. Yes! Several AI tools, including ChatGPT, Grok, Qwen2.5-Max, Gemini 2.0, and Craiyon, allow you to create Ghibli-style images for free. However, some tools may have limitations on the number of images you can generate daily.
Q2. Which AI tool creates the most accurate Ghibli-style images?
A. ChatGPT (GPT-4o), Grok, and Qwen2.5-Max provide some of the most detailed and high-quality Ghibli-style images.
Q3. Do I need a powerful computer to generate AI images?
A. No, all the tools mentioned in this article run in the cloud, so you only need a stable internet connection and a web browser or mobile app.
Q4. Can I upload my own photos and convert them into Ghibli-style art?
A. Yes! Fotor, Artbreeder, insMind, and ChatGPT allow image-to-image transformation. Simply upload a photo and select the Ghibli-style filter or provide a conversion prompt.
Q5. Are there any AI tools that don’t require an account to generate images?
A. Yes! Craiyon, Qwen2.5-Max, and some features of Fotor allow you to create Ghibli-style images for free without even signing up.
Q6. How long does it take to generate a Ghibli-style image using AI?
A. It depends on the tool. Qwen2.5-Max and Gemini 2.0 can generate images in just 3-5 seconds, while ChatGPT and Grok may take longer due to high demand.
Q7. Can I customize the generated images?
A. Yes! Some tools like Grok, Gemini 2.0, and Artbreeder allow further modifications. You can refine colors, details, and styles through additional prompts or editing features.
Q8. Which tool is best for beginners?
A. If you’re new to AI-generated art, Craiyon and insMind are the easiest to use, as they have simple interfaces with minimal setup required.
Sabreena is a GenAI enthusiast and tech editor who's passionate about documenting the latest advancements that shape the world. She's currently exploring the world of AI and Data Science as the Manager of Content & Growth at Analytics Vidhya.
