Before you start generating images, either create or log into an account on DALL•E 2’s website. You can do this on mobile or the web. 

Once you’re logged in, you’re ready to start creating. At the top of the webpage is the search bar. You will also find other images created by DALL•E 2 artists underneath it. If you need some inspiration, you can roll your mouse over each one to see what words the artists used to generate the image. 

Once you’re ready to give your own idea a try, type a phrase into the search bar. 

For example, “a modern painting of a dancing cat with hot sauce in the background spouting off fireworks.” 

You may be thinking that the wording is oddly specific, and it is. Since the AI is reliant on your words, I’ve found it best to be as particular as possible when describing the image.

You can also designate an art style for the image by mentioning it in the search phrase. Also, make sure to be clear about the positioning of your subject(s) if you want something in the foreground versus the background. Otherwise, DALL·E 2 will just populate everything through its own interpretation.

Select “Generate” when you’re satisfied with your search term and DALL•E 2 will produce four different images for you to preview. If you’re not satisfied with the images, it’s good practice to identify any common denominator between the four and tweak your search phrase accordingly.

For example, you may want to move a subject to the foreground or background, or reorder the terms in the phrase so that one thing comes before the other. 

If you’re satisfied with the output, select the image that you’d like to save. 

Once you’ve made a selection, the image will appear in full size. From here, you can save the image to your DALL•E 2 gallery by selecting the save button on the top right corner. You can either save to your “Favorites” collection, which will constantly appear in a window to the right of your DALL•E 2 workspace, or to a specific collection you’ve started — Pinterest-board style. 

There is also an option to download the artwork in the upper right corner of the image. Your creation will save to your device and you’ll be able to send it to friends and family. Or, you can print the photo to have on display.  

If inspiration hasn’t struck you quite yet or you’re feeling overwhelmed, hover your mouse over an image or concept you like from the main page gallery and select “Click to try.” 

From there, DALL·E 2 will create similar variations which you can customize with your own text description(s).

If you lack inspiration, let the software be your muse. Above the search bar, select the “Surprise me” button. From there, a phrase will appear in the search bar. You can either hit the button again for a different result, modify the phrase with your personal touch, or keep it as is and generate.

The other day, my colleague Sabrina Ortiz was trying to create a piece with a Corgi and a Yorkie. DALL·E 2 had no problem recognizing the word “Corgi” but struggled to process “Yorkie” or “Yorkshire Terrier”. Instead, “Yorkie dog” did the trick. Sometimes, you’ll need to phrase things as if you’re explaining them to a five-year-old.