I Signed Up to an AI Data Training Side Gig and This Is What Happened Quick LinksWhy Can't AI Write Text in Images? Are There Workarounds for Illegible Text in AI Images? Key Takeaways AI struggles with writing text due to historical inputs and limited training data. It's technically in its early days. Use specific prompts, synonyms for the word "text," and alternative text-adding tools. Keep the text short, fix any issues with other tools, and consider using an AI tool specifically for creating accurate text. ✕ Remove Ads
If you've used generative AI tools to create images, you'll probably have encountered problems with writing text in the pictures. Knowing why this happens will go a long way toward avoiding it, and so will knowing the workarounds.
Why Can't AI Write Text in Images?
The biggest reason why AI can't write text is due to historical inputs. While AI is pretty good at generating images in general, some aspects -- such as text -- have not been used to the same level to train LLMs (large language models). Because of this, AI isn't as skilled at generating text in images.
While already quite advanced, AI tools are still technically in their early days. Moreover, some AI tools are running out of training data. It's still possible that generative tools may get better at generating text, but for now, you'll have to try a workaround.
Are There Workarounds for Illegible Text in AI Images?
Although generating text in AI images is quite challenging, it's not impossible. Here's what I've found works for me...
✕ Remove Ads 1. Give the Generator More Specific Prompts
When I first started using AI, my prompting skills were substandard at best. I made the same ChatGPT prompting mistakes that many people make, and I also did this with other generative AI tools. My biggest mistake was giving vague prompts like "please create an image of a street scene".
Unsurprisingly, I got substandard results. I think that the best way to use generative AI is to think of your prompt as a creative brief. The more specific you are, the better. Here's one prompt I tried, for example:
Create an image of the exterior of an Italian café. I want it to have the writing "Café" as a sign, and it should be on a sunny day.
As you can see from the image below, ChatGPT did a relatively good job. I do not think this would have been the case if I just said "Create an image of an Italian café's exterior".
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I also suggest creating simpler images; from personal experience, these seem to work better. For example, the image above has fewer elements than what I tried below -- meaning that there's less for the AI to try and figure out.
2. Use Variations of the Word "Text"
I've often found that slightly changing the language in my prompts can make a huge difference. After trying the term "text" multiple times, it started to feel like going in circles, so I sought to try different synonyms.
For example, instead of "text", you can try:
Title Letters Written words Sign ✕ Remove Ads
If none of these work, keep trying alternatives. What does and doesn't yield success might vary depending on what you're trying to create. For example, you probably wouldn't use "sign" if you were trying to design a birthday card. Experimenting with different AI prompt ideas is the key here, and different generators might also work in different ways.
3. Add Text Using Alternative Tools
I wouldn't recommend adding text via alternative tools if the words are supposed to be part of your image, but this is a good idea if you're trying to create more of a graphic. It'll work if you want to design a card, graphic, book cover, or something along those lines.
If you're going to do this, I suggest making sure that there's enough space in the image. You can use whichever tool you want to add text to your images. I personally recommend Canva or Adobe Photoshop Express, but other apps that let you add text to your smartphone images will also work for content you generate with AI.
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You should also make sure that the text goes well with your AI-generated image. Use fonts that match the mood you're trying to convey, and reshape everything in a way that you feel is necessary.
4. Keep the Text Succinct
Each time that I've tried generating text in my AI images (and failed), it's often when I try to add too much text. To be honest, this happens whenever I try to create anything with more than 10 characters. In the same way that I suggest keeping your images simple, I think you should do everything you can to keep your text succinct.
To put this to the test, I tried another prompt:
Please generate an image of a bank with the text "bank" on the outside. I want it to be in a downtown city area and a modern structure, like what you would see in a US city.
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As you can see below, the AI tool did a relatively good job at listening to me. However, I noticed some defects in one part of the picture. So, I suggest telling the AI that you only want one or two signs to limit the chances of this happening. These issues also seem to happen to me when the text is smaller, so you may want to keep that in mind.
5. Use a Tool to Fix the Words
In the same way that you can remove blemishes in photos you take with a camera, you might want to try using a tool that'll help you fix the words in your images. There are plenty of apps that fix gibberish text in AI-generated images, such as Storia Lab.
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When using these tools, you can normally select the text and change what it says accordingly. Some apps are free, but in other cases, you'll need a paid subscription. If you generate a lot of images with AI, it might be worth purchasing a monthly or annual plan for access whenever you need it.
6. Use an AI Generator That Produces Accurate Text
You've probably heard of Midjourney, DALL-E, Firefly, and similar AI image generators. But did you know that there are specific AI art generators that produce accurate text within images?
Since one of Ideogram's specialties is generating legible text, it makes complete sense to at least try the app for a few of your creations. Ideogram has a Magic Prompt feature that expands on your original one, meaning that you can get even more accurate results. Beyond the free plan, paid subscriptions start at $8 per month.
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Despite generative AI's shortcomings in creating images with legible text, you will find a couple of workarounds if you're willing to think outside the box. Sometimes, the best option is to give your tool more detailed prompts but fewer words to deal with. You may also want to fix the issues in your images with other software, or use tools specifically designed for creating accurate text.
