AI Image Generation and Simple Drawing Programs: Tools for Every Device

March 31, 2025
Nicholas Harmes - Cursor and Claude-3.7 sonnet
Creative Tools
15 min read

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital creativity, two distinct yet complementary approaches have captured the imagination of artists and enthusiasts alike: AI-powered image generation and traditional drawing programs. On one hand, tools like ChatGPT's image generation feature allow users to create stunning visuals from simple text prompts, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. On the other hand, simple drawing programs reminiscent of MS Paint offer a hands-on, intuitive way to craft images pixel by pixel. Whether you're looking to explore the cutting-edge of AI art or prefer the control and nostalgia of classic drawing tools, this article has you covered. We'll delve into top alternatives to ChatGPT's image generation across various devices and platforms, followed by a roundup of MS Paint-like programs for PC, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and web browsers. By the end, you'll be equipped to choose the perfect tool for your creative journey.

AI Image Generation Alternatives to ChatGPT

With the recent release of ChatGPT's image generation feature, many users are diving into the world of AI-generated art. However, if you're seeking alternatives that offer different styles, more control, or cost-effective options, there are plenty of tools available. Below, we explore alternatives that work across a range of devices—iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and PC.

Web-Based Tools (Accessible from Any Device)

Web-based tools are accessible from any device with a modern browser, making them perfect for users on iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, or PC. Here are some top options:

DALL-E

  • Description: Developed by OpenAI, DALL-E generates imaginative images from text prompts.
  • Key Features: Excels at creating surreal and creative visuals based on your descriptions.
  • Cost: Offers a limited number of free credits; paid plans required for extended use.
  • Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive web interface.
  • Output Quality: High-quality, particularly for abstract or conceptual images.

Midjourney

  • Description: A tool for generating artistic images from text prompts.
  • Key Features: Known for its unique, stylized, and visually striking outputs.
  • Cost: Subscription-based.
  • Ease of Use: Accessed via Discord, which might feel unconventional for some users.
  • Output Quality: Exceptional for artistic and high-quality artwork.

Craiyon (formerly DALL-E mini)

  • Description: A free, simplified alternative for text-to-image generation.
  • Key Features: Basic image creation with no upfront cost.
  • Cost: Free, though outputs include watermarks and lower resolution.
  • Ease of Use: Straightforward web interface.
  • Output Quality: Decent but less polished than premium tools.

NightCafe Creator

  • Description: A versatile platform with multiple AI art generation methods, including text-to-image.
  • Key Features: Daily free credits and extensive customization options.
  • Cost: Free credits daily; paid plans unlock additional features.
  • Ease of Use: User-friendly with advanced settings for more control.
  • Output Quality: Good, especially when fine-tuned.

Artbreeder

  • Description: Specializes in breeding and evolving images, ideal for portraits and landscapes.
  • Key Features: Allows creative mixing and evolution of images.
  • Cost: Free with some limitations; paid plans available.
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive web-based platform.
  • Output Quality: Strong for specific styles like portraits.

Deep Dream Generator

  • Description: Focuses on artistic transformations and supports text-based image generation.
  • Key Features: Produces dreamy, surreal visuals.
  • Cost: Free and paid options available.
  • Ease of Use: Easy-to-navigate web interface.
  • Output Quality: Unique and artistic, great for abstract creations.

Mobile Apps (for iOS and Android)

For users who prefer generating images on the go, these mobile apps are designed for iOS and Android devices with user-friendly interfaces.

StarryAI

  • Description: A mobile app that creates art from text prompts.
  • Key Features: Offers various art styles tailored for mobile use.
  • Cost: Free with in-app purchases for extra features.
  • Ease of Use: Simple and optimized for smartphones.
  • Output Quality: Good-quality artwork for mobile-generated images.

WOMBO Dream

  • Description: Generates artwork from text and image inputs on your phone.
  • Key Features: Quick and easy creation of abstract art.
  • Cost: Free with optional in-app purchases.
  • Ease of Use: Very beginner-friendly.
  • Output Quality: Decent, especially for abstract and artistic designs.

Desktop Applications (for MacOS, Windows, and Linux)

Desktop applications offer more power and customization, making them ideal for users on MacOS, Windows, or Linux who want greater control over their image generation.

Stable Diffusion

  • Description: An open-source text-to-image model that runs locally.
  • Supported OS: MacOS, Windows, Linux.
  • Key Features: Highly customizable and runs on your own hardware.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Ease of Use: Requires technical setup (e.g., installing dependencies), best for users comfortable with some configuration.
  • Output Quality: High-quality and adaptable to your specifications.

Runway ML

  • Description: A desktop app supporting various AI models, including text-to-image generation.
  • Supported OS: MacOS and Windows (limited Linux support).
  • Key Features: Polished interface with tools for creatives and developers.
  • Cost: Free tier with limited features; paid plans for full access.
  • Ease of Use: More accessible than Stable Diffusion, with a user-friendly design.
  • Output Quality: Good, with options for post-processing.

Simple Drawing Programs Like MS Paint for Each Device

If you're looking for simple, user-friendly drawing tools similar to MS Paint for various devices, there are plenty of options available. Below, I've outlined programs that are either pre-installed or easily accessible for PC (Windows), MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and web browsers. These tools are designed for basic image creation and editing, offering a straightforward experience perfect for quick sketches or simple graphics.

PC (Windows)

MS Paint

  • Description: A classic, pre-installed drawing tool that's been a staple on Windows for decades.
  • Key Features: Basic drawing tools (brush, pencil, shapes), simple color palette, and easy image editing (crop, resize).
  • Cost: Free (pre-installed on Windows).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: It is MS Paint—simple, no-frills, and perfect for beginners.

Paint.NET

  • Description: A free, slightly more advanced alternative to MS Paint.
  • Key Features: Layers, effects, and additional tools while still keeping a simple interface.
  • Cost: Free (download from the official website).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Maintains an intuitive layout and ease of use, with just enough extra features for flexibility.

MacOS

Preview

  • Description: A pre-installed app primarily for viewing PDFs and images, but it includes basic editing tools.
  • Key Features: Markup tools (lines, shapes, text) for quick sketches or annotations on existing images.
  • Cost: Free (pre-installed on MacOS).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Offers simple editing and drawing capabilities without overwhelming complexity.

Seashore

  • Description: A free, open-source drawing app built for MacOS.
  • Key Features: Basic brush tools, layers, and a familiar interface inspired by older graphics editors.
  • Cost: Free (available via the official website or Mac App Store).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Provides a lightweight, Paint-like experience tailored for Mac users.

iOS

Notes App

  • Description: A pre-installed app on iPhones and iPads with a built-in drawing feature.
  • Key Features: Pen, marker, and pencil tools with color options, optimized for touch or Apple Pencil.
  • Cost: Free (pre-installed on iOS).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Simple and accessible for quick sketches directly on your device.

Adobe Fresco (Free Version)

  • Description: A drawing app with a free tier, designed for touchscreens.
  • Key Features: Basic brushes and tools, with a clean interface (premium features optional).
  • Cost: Free (with in-app purchases for advanced features).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Offers a straightforward drawing experience, ideal for casual use.

Android

Google Keep

  • Description: A note-taking app pre-installed on many Android devices, with a basic drawing option.
  • Key Features: Simple pen and highlighter tools for quick sketches within notes.
  • Cost: Free (pre-installed or downloadable from Google Play Store).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Provides an easy, no-fuss way to doodle or mark up images.

Sketchbook

  • Description: A free drawing app available for Android devices.
  • Key Features: Basic brushes, colors, and a minimalist interface suitable for beginners.
  • Cost: Free (available on Google Play Store).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Delivers a simple, touch-friendly drawing experience without overwhelming options.

Linux

Pinta

  • Description: A free, open-source drawing program designed as an MS Paint alternative for Linux.
  • Key Features: Familiar tools (brush, shapes, text), layers, and basic image editing.
  • Cost: Free (installable via package managers like apt or from the official website).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Mirrors MS Paint's simplicity and functionality, tailored for Linux users.

Web-Based Options (All Devices)

JS Paint

  • Description: A web-based recreation of the original MS Paint, accessible from any browser.
  • Key Features: Nearly identical to MS Paint, with pixel-perfect tools and a retro interface.
  • Cost: Free (visit jspaint.app).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: It's a direct homage, working seamlessly on any device with a browser.

Sumopaint

  • Description: A web-based drawing tool with a simple yet slightly expanded feature set.
  • Key Features: Brushes, shapes, and basic effects, all in an easy-to-use online interface.
  • Cost: Free (available at sumopaint.com; premium options available).
  • Why It's Like MS Paint: Keeps things simple while adding a few extra tools, accessible anywhere.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs

Both AI image generation tools and simple drawing programs have their unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your creative goals, device, and preferences. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

When to Use AI Image Generation Tools:

  • Generating Inspiration: AI tools like DALL-E or Midjourney are perfect for sparking new ideas or creating complex scenes quickly from text prompts.
  • Artistic Exploration: If you're looking to experiment with surreal or abstract art without needing advanced technical skills, AI tools offer a low-barrier entry point.
  • Time-Saving: For users who need high-quality visuals fast, AI can generate impressive results in seconds.

When to Use Simple Drawing Programs:

  • Precise Control: Programs like MS Paint or Pinta are ideal for users who want full control over every pixel, whether for detailed edits or learning basic digital art skills.
  • Quick Sketches or Annotations: If you need to jot down a quick idea or mark up an existing image, these tools offer a hands-on, intuitive experience.
  • Nostalgia and Simplicity: For those who appreciate the straightforward, no-frills approach of classic drawing tools, these programs provide a familiar and accessible option.

Combining Both Approaches:

Many creators find value in using both types of tools. For example, you might generate a base image with an AI tool like Stable Diffusion and then refine it manually using a drawing program like Paint.NET or Sketchbook. This hybrid approach allows you to leverage the strengths of both AI and traditional methods for truly unique creations.

Conclusion

Whether you're captivated by the possibilities of AI-generated art or prefer the hands-on simplicity of classic drawing tools, there's a wealth of options available across every device and platform. From web-based AI tools like DALL-E and Midjourney to mobile apps like StarryAI and WOMBO Dream, and desktop powerhouses like Stable Diffusion, the world of AI image generation is at your fingertips. Meanwhile, simple drawing programs like MS Paint, Preview, and Pinta offer timeless, user-friendly ways to create and edit images manually.

The key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Try out a few tools, explore their features, and see which ones ignite your creativity. Whether you're generating surreal landscapes with a text prompt or sketching a quick doodle on your phone, the perfect tool is out there waiting for you. Happy creating!

Last updated: March 31, 2025

Reference: Original Article on X (Twitter)

Report completed on March 30, 2025