Create confidently with AI image generators

A woman reviewing artwork and working in Copilot image creator

Artificial intelligence is transforming creative fields, from writing and music to design and visual art. One of the most exciting developments is the rise of AI image generators, which allow anyone to turn ideas into visuals with just a few words. Whether you're a designer, marketer, educator, or simply curious, learning how to use AI to create images opens up a world of creative possibilities. Microsoft Copilot is a great starting point for beginners. It’s intuitive, accessible, and designed to help you create confidently—even if you’ve never used AI tools before.

How AI image generators work

At the heart of AI image generation are generative AI models, often powered by diffusion models. Copilot uses 4o image generation for even richer detail and composition. There are two main ways to generate images in Copilot:

Text-to-image: You describe what you want, and Copilot creates it from scratch.
Image-to-image: You provide a base image, and Copilot transforms or enhances it.

Understanding these basics helps you create AI images that match your vision.

Where does Copilot fit in with current AI image generation models?

AI image generators have made significant strides, with popular models enabling users to create vivid, imaginative visuals from simple text prompts. Still, they have limitations—such as difficulty with fine details, realistic human features, or maintaining consistency across multiple images. Copilot enhances this experience by integrating image generation powered by 4o image generation, a multimodal model capable of understanding and generating both text and images. This tool is a great entry point for beginners to AI image generation, offering an intuitive interface and impressive results with minimal effort.

Generate images with Copilot

Getting started generating images with Copilot is simple. Here’s how to generate AI images in a few steps:

Open Copilot or the Copilot app.
Type a prompt describing what you want (e.g., “a futuristic city at sunset”) or upload an image for reference.
Select “Enter”—and watch your idea come to life!

You can refine your prompt or try variations to explore different styles and compositions.

A happy artist sketching a cyberpunk cityscape inspired by an AI image generator

AI art created via Copilot

Prompt like a pro

To generate images with AI that closely match your imagination, it’s important to prompt Copilot well. Prompt engineering is the art of crafting effective prompts. A good prompt is clear, descriptive, and specific, rather than vague or broad. For example, the prompt “Generate an image of a dog” could be improved by adding specific features or characteristics in the dog and the surroundings: “Generate a photorealistic image of a golden retriever puppy chasing a ball in a field of sunflowers on a sunny day.”

Here are some tips for engineering your AI prompts for Copilot to better reflect your imagination:

Describe clear details (e.g., “bustling city with neon signs,” “open meadow filled with blue and yellow flowers”)
Include style cues (e.g., “watercolor,” “photorealistic,” “abstract”)
Mention composition (e.g., “close-up,” “wide shot,” “bird’s eye view”)
Use adjectives to guide mood and detail (e.g., “bright blue sea,” “moody, dark storm clouds”)

Learning how to generate AI images with better prompts leads to more satisfying results.

Create AI images responsibly

AI-generated images can be incredibly realistic, and being a responsible creator means understanding both the power and the limits of these tools. Some general guidelines to help create AI images responsibly include:

Disclose AI use when sharing images
Avoid creating misleading content
Respect copyright by not mimicking specific artists without permission

The future of AI image generation

The future of AI image generation is full of exciting possibilities. Emerging trends like video generation, 3D asset creation, and hyper-realistic rendering are pushing creative boundaries further than ever. As these technologies evolve, you can expect greater realism, more intuitive controls, and enhanced customization options. Copilot is growing too, ready to support your journey with smarter, more flexible tools.

Create boldly with AI

Ready to explore the world of AI image generation? Copilot makes it easy to experiment, learn, and create—whether you're just starting out or refining your skills. Try Copilot today and let your imagination take control!

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.