How to Create Your New Product Images Using AI

While AI-generated images might not start perfectly, they give designers a new perspective and a foundation to improve upon. Most designers now use design tools, whether AI-based or traditional graphic design platforms.

AI image generation offers designers inspiration and details. It streamlines the process for the final image. In this article, we’ll explain how to create AI generated product images to show all product details, maintain high quality and stay within the product context.

What are product images?

Product images visually represent ideas and concepts that become tangible products. Consider the sleek design of a smartphone, the distinct contours of a car, or the ergonomic shape of a chair. Each results from product design.

People often call this "industrial design." It merges aesthetics with functionality, turning ideas into visual displays. This field influences various sectors, from electronics and furniture to packaging. Products such as phones and food emerge from this design process.

The product design industry has significant value, with billions circulating in 2022.

Professionals craft these products. We have industrial designers, product engineers, UX/UI specialists, and graphic designers responsible for this craft. Their vision and skills shape products, steering consumer choices and driving business growth. These experts determine a product's appearance, usability, and ergonomics.

Can you use AI for product images?

In recent years, both design and Artificial Intelligence (AI) started to influence creative processes. While machine learning and neural networks have achieved progress in design creation, it’s key to understand the strengths and weaknesses of AI generated product images.

Think of AI for product images as sketching with a pencil: you create initial lines and shapes, but it's not the final piece. AI provides this basic sketch. Its algorithms study patterns, textures, and styles to produce designs that might surprise you. However, these designs often serve as a starting point.

You might need to adjust details like size, intricate features, or a particular style manually. While AI can create appealing drafts, you might need to address the technical aspects of a product image. Consider factors like format, resolution, or color calibration. Software suites like Adobe or Figma help here. Designers use these platforms to refine the AI-generated base, ensuring the final product looks and works well.

In addition to product images, branding is crucial for differentiating products. Using tools like AI logo generators can transform branding. These tools allow businesses to design logos that align with their brand values and aesthetics.

In summary, AI can help create product images, but combining it with human creativity often produces optimal results.

Important Considerations for AI-generated Product Images: 

1. Direct Printing Issues: AI outputs might need refinement. Ensure they're print-compatible.
2. AI as a Starting Point: Use AI designs as beginnings, not end solutions.
3. Copyright Concerns: Check AI outputs for design similarities to avoid unintentional overlaps.
4. Tool Strengths Vary: Different AI tools offer different benefits. Select one that fits your needs.
5. Use an Iterative Approach: Generate multiple AI designs and refine your choice.
6. Resolution Concerns: Ensure AI-generated images meet resolution standards for your platforms.
7. Maintain Color Consistency: Verify AI outputs for color accuracy, especially with brand-specific colors.
8. Add Emotion & Context: AI doesn't provide a human touch. Add emotion and context after generation.
9. Provide Feedback: AI tools improve with input. Offer regular feedback for better future results.
10. Consider Costs: AI can make design faster, but refining might increase costs.
    
    

2 key steps to generate the best AI images

1. Provide Sample Images

Many AI tools respond better and work more accurately with sample images.

When you give these platforms a visual reference, they can more closely match the look you want. This ensures the generated image aligns with your vision.

Sample images guide the AI, reduce uncertainty, and can make the process faster. If you have a specific inspiration or vibe in mind, a sample image can direct the AI toward your goal.

2. Improve Your Prompts

Your AI's output quality often depends on your prompt's clarity. If it's too vague, you might receive results that don't match your expectations; if it's too detailed, you might limit the AI's creative scope.

Strive for a balanced prompt that gives clear guidance but also allows for AI creativity. Think of it like instructing a human artist: provide a clear vision but let them add their unique touch.

Here's essential information to offer for precise results:

1. Art Style: Do you want an artistic touch for your image? Explore these styles: Bauhaus, Expressionism, Impressionism, Surrealism, Pop Art, Minimalism, Cubism, or Neo-expressionism.
   
   
2. Image Quality: Image mood can change with its quality. Choose from these words: High-Definition, Blurred, Photorealistic, Matte Finish, or Grainy Retro.
   
   
3. Camera Specifics: Each camera offers a unique touch. Choose from these signature looks. Sony α7 III, the depth of a Nikon D850 DSLR 4k, the vibrancy of a Canon EOS R5, or the elegance of the Hasselblad for precision and perspective.
   
   
4. Main Image Components: Identify the focal point of your image. It might be an Animal, Icon, Emblem, Shape, Nature Element, Geometric Pattern, or a Human Silhouette.
   
   
5. Background Elements: The right backdrop sets the mood. Options include a Table Setup, Rustic Wooden ambiance, scattered Coffee Grains, Water Ripples, or Mountainous Horizons.
   
   
6. Colors: Dive into color choices. Beyond basic shades, consider hues like Mint Green, Dusky Rose, Midnight Blue, or Golden Ochre. Colors convey the story of an image.
   
   

AI tools to generate product images

Visual content holds great importance in today's digital era. Many businesses use AI tools to produce distinct and captivating product images.

These tools, powered by artificial intelligence, combine creativity, efficiency, and accuracy. Here are some AI tools that excel in this field:

1. Dall-E: This tool can generate various images from text prompts. Dall-E is known for its detailed images, though some might need adjustments for exactness. Its outputs can be abstract at times, but its prompt responsiveness is unmatched.
   
   
2. Midjourney: Midjourney creates visuals with a balance of clarity and detail. Its user-friendly interface attracts many, but it might not meet the needs of those wanting highly detailed images.
   
   
3. Jasper Art: Jasper Art specializes in artistic creations. While it focuses on art, its wide range of styles and easy controls make it a top pick for creative businesses.
   
   
4. Starry AI: For space-themed visuals, Starry AI is the go-to. Its high-quality outputs showcase its excellence, but its specific theme might not fit all products.
   
   
5. Dream by Wombo: Dream by Wombo offers abstract and surreal images, ideal for businesses wanting to stand out. Its vibrant colors are a highlight, but its abstract style might not suit every brand.
   
   
6. Nightcafe: Nightcafe offers many features, catering to diverse design needs. Its wide style range ensures quality, but newcomers might find its many features a bit much.
   
   
7. SynthesysX: SynthesysX stands for clarity and accuracy in AI-generated images. Users should be clear with their prompts to get high-quality images that match their vision.
   
   
8. Pixray Pixel Art Generation: Pixray brings a retro feel with its pixelated images. Its style is unique, and for businesses wanting a nostalgic touch, Pixray is the ideal choice.

Image editing tools to transfer your AI-generated product image

With the rise of AI-generated images, effective image editing and transferring become essential. High-quality images need tools for refinement, adaptation, and optimization for various platforms and purposes. 

Here are top editing software options for AI-generated product images:

1. Nuxeo Platform: Designed for consumer packaged goods companies, Nuxeo integrates digital assets. It's more than just editing; it's a hub for asset management. Brands appreciate its organization, retrieval, and deployment of many images in structured workflows. The platform integrates with many digital tools for a cohesive editing experience.
   
   
2. Blender 3D Computer Graphics Software: Blender is a versatile free open-source 3D creation suite. It offers animation, rigging, and video editing. Its large community provides many tutorials and support.
   
   
3. Inkybay: Ideal for print businesses, Inkybay is a top web-to-print solution. It streamlines the design-to-print process. Users can edit designs and preview them on actual products, ensuring print accuracy.
   
   
4. Autodesk Suite: A leader in design, Autodesk offers tools like AutoCAD and Revit for specific design needs. Known for accuracy, Autodesk's tools benefit from its long-standing industry reputation.
   
   
5. Onshape: Onshape automates workflows and emphasizes collaboration. Teams can work together in real-time, speeding up projects. Its cloud-based nature allows access from any device.
   
   
6. Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe's Creative Cloud, especially its mobile version, stands out. Whether you're traveling or drafting a quick concept on a tablet, tools like Photoshop and Illustrator offer great flexibility.
   
   
7. CATIA: Popular in the automotive industry, CATIA is known for detailed designs and simulations. As cars evolve, CATIA's tools help designers envision mobility's future. It supports everything from surface modeling to electronic systems design.
   
   
8. KRFTWRK: For app & website design, KRFTWRK is a top choice. Its user-friendly interface and features help designers create responsive designs. The tool ensures apps and websites work well on all devices.
   
   
9. SOLIDWORKS: SOLIDWORKS turns users into 3D artists. It's popular for 3D modeling and sculpting. Its uses range from aerospace and construction to bio-medical design.
   
   
10. Figma: Figma excels in collaborative product design. Real-time design, feedback, and iterations make it popular among global teams. Its cloud-based nature means no heavy downloads, just efficient designing.

Final thoughts

AI tools aren't perfect and aren't quite ready to churn out final designs ready for printing or production. 

Instead, they're a wonderful boost and guide to get creatives inspired. Because of their idea generation capabilities, they're like a virtual brainstorming buddy. 

But, like all things tech, they have their quirks. So, always double-check, refine with your human touch, and let's keep blending tradition with innovation for those dazzling product shots!