1.2 – Getting Started with ChatGPT Image Generation Lesson

Lesson Overview

This lesson introduces the practical steps to start generating images using ChatGPT’s built-in tools. If you’ve used ChatGPT for text, switching to image creation opens new creative possibilities—whether you need quick prototypes, artwork for a presentation, or unique visuals for social media content. Here, you’ll learn what subscription options are available (including free and paid plans), how to confirm your account is ready, and how to find the image generation tools within the ChatGPT interface.

Understanding these basics allows any user—whether completely new to ChatGPT or already familiar with its chat side—to unlock powerful image capabilities. The lesson also covers what kinds of prompts produce better image results, and how conversational follow-ups can help you fine-tune your images step by step. This foundational knowledge supports everything else you’ll do later in the course, from more advanced prompt writing to uploading reference photos and refining your generated visuals.

Real-world uses for this skill include creating quick concept images for client pitches, generating product mockups, designing backgrounds or creative elements for digital marketing, and building visual content without needing any prior design skills.

Who This Is For

If you’re starting with AI-powered image generation, this lesson is designed to help you set up and feel comfortable with the basics.

• Designers wanting to experiment with AI-driven artwork
• Marketers and content creators needing fast, custom visuals
• Educators or trainers adding images to lessons and slide decks
• Entrepreneurs and business owners testing product ideas visually
• Anyone curious about what ChatGPT image features can do

Where This Fits in a Workflow

Getting ChatGPT’s image generation set up is the essential first step before you can create or request AI images on demand. This process fits at the very beginning of using AI for any creative or visual project. For example, if you’re building a marketing campaign, you’ll need to ensure your account is ready, choose your plan, and understand how to enter your first prompts before moving on to more refined image creation or editing.

In practice, you might start by setting up ChatGPT, generating a few initial images from ideas, and then refining those results further—or sharing them with a colleague for feedback. These basics create a strong foundation for more advanced use cases throughout the course.

Technical & Workflow Benefits

Manually searching for stock photos or struggling with basic image editors can be time-consuming and restrictive, especially if you need specific styles or concepts. By using ChatGPT’s image features, you can quickly generate tailored visuals just by describing what you want, saving many steps compared to traditional methods.

With the Plus plan’s unlimited access, there’s no waiting to purchase credits or approvals—making iterations much faster and lowering barriers for experimentation. Being able to request changes conversationally (“Make it a watercolor style,” “Add a sunrise background”) helps users feel in control and puts powerful design capability in everyone’s hands. This workflow is ideal for anyone needing rapid creative output, or for those who don’t have access to professional design tools.

Practice Exercise

Try getting started with ChatGPT’s image generation using the following steps:

1. Sign in to chatgpt.com with your account—either on the free or Plus plan.
2. In the chat interface, type a prompt like: “Create an image of a dog reading a book in a library.”
3. After the image appears, follow up in the chat and ask, “Can you make the library background look like it’s at sunrise?”

Once you’ve completed this, compare your original image with the revised version. What changed about the mood or visual details after refining your prompt? Consider how the conversational approach to requesting changes feels compared to using traditional design software.

Course Context Recap

This lesson forms the foundation for the entire AI-Powered Image Creation With ChatGPT course. Previously, you were introduced to what’s possible with AI-generated images using ChatGPT. Here, you’ve learned how to access the image tools, choose a subscription option, and generate your first visuals. Up next, you’ll discover how to craft stronger image prompts that consistently get the results you want—which will help you create more compelling and accurate images as you progress through the course. Continue to explore each lesson for deeper skills and creative possibilities.