Criterion IdeogramStable Diffusion (Stability AI)
CategoryAI Image GeneratorsAI Image Generators
In one sentenceAn AI image generator with unusually reliable text rendering, plus editing, upscaling and short video generation.Stability AI's open-weight image models, also available through a credit-based API.
Problem it solvesMaking images that contain legible words, logos and typography — something most image models still struggle with — and editing them without leaving the browser.Teams that need control, privacy or customisation cannot always use closed cloud generators; Stable Diffusion can be self-hosted and fine-tuned.
Free planYesYes
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Android, APIWindows, Linux, macOS (local), API
Pricing (summary)A free plan provides a weekly credit allowance for Google, Apple and Microsoft sign-ins; paid plans and purchased credits unlock more generations, premium models and video. API usage is billed in the same credit system. Verify current plans on Ideogram's pricing page.
Checked 2026-10-18
Model weights are free under the Stability Community Licence for individuals and organisations under $1M annual revenue; larger companies need a custom Enterprise licence. The hosted API is pay-as-you-go at $0.01 per credit with a small starter credit grant.
Checked 2026-10-23
Strengths
  • Strong text-in-image rendering compared with most generators
  • Free weekly credits for common sign-in providers
  • Image editing, upscaling and video in the same workspace
  • Open weights allow local and private use
  • Huge ecosystem of community tools
  • Free commercial use under $1M revenue
Limitations
  • Video and premium apps require a paid plan or purchased credits
  • Free-tier images are tied to the account type and credit allowance — check the current terms
  • Generated lettering still needs proofreading before commercial use
  • No major new image model found in 2026; recent focus is audio
  • Licence is revocable and requires registration for commercial use
  • Hosted API prices were raised in Aug 2025 and current per-model figures were not verified
  • Local use needs technical skills and a GPU