Free tools for designing characters with AI

Would you like to start creating your AI character today, without investing a cent? ...Well, these three free mobile and web apps are your best starting point.

Each one offers a unique set of features for you to experiment, iterate, and unleash your creativity. Below, you'll find a detailed description, a step-by-step user guide, advanced tips, and a comprehensive comparison so you can choose the option that best suits your creative style.

1. Dream by WOMBO

Overview (≈200 words)
Dream by WOMBO is the ideal entry point for beginners into AI character creation. Its minimalist interface and simplified process allow you to generate high-quality illustrations with just a few taps. While it doesn't offer extensive customization options, it makes up for it with speed and surprising results.

Key Features

• Instant Prompts: Just write your description and choose a style (e.g., Fantasy, Synthwave, Dark), no complicated menus.
• Multiple exits: Generates up to 6 variants in each cycle so you can select your favorite.
• Direct export: Save to JPG or share on social media with one click.

How to use it (step by step)

1. Download and install Dream by WOMBO on Android or iOS.
2. Open the app and tap “Create.”
3. Type your prompt with the formula “AI character: [detailed description].” For example: “AI character: Futuristic female archer with transparent helmet, glowing arrows, and sunset cyber city background.”
4. Choose an art style.
5. Wait 5–10 seconds and swipe to see the variants.
6. Long press on the final image to save or share it.

2. StarryAI

Overview (≈250 words)
StarryAI combines ease of use with intermediate customization options. Its strong point is the ability to adjust sharpness and abstraction, as well as transform your own photo into a AI character thanks to its Avatar feature. Plus, the built-in community provides you with constant inspiration.

Key Features

• Granularity and Vision Style: Sliders to define level of detail and degree of abstraction.
• Avatar from selfie: Upload your photo and let AI do a comic-style portrait or digital painting.
• Community exploration: Browse public creations, download prompts, and save your favorites.

How to use it (step by step)

1. Access StarryAI from the web or install the mobile app.
2. Sign up with your email or social media account.
3. Click “Generate” and type your prompt: “AI Character: Samurai warrior in black armor, with a red dragon tattoo on his arm and morning fog all around.”
4. Adjust “Granularity” (low for quick sketches, high for defined textures) and “Vision Style” (painterly, realistic, abstract).
5. If you want an avatar, activate “Selfie Avatar” and upload a photo of yourself.
6. Click “Generate” and, after a few seconds, review the generated options.

3. NightCafe Creator

Overview (≈250 words)
NightCafe Creator is a portable art studio: it offers several AI engines (Stable Diffusion, VQGAN+CLIP, DALL·E mini) and a system of daily free credits that allow you to generate dozens of AI characters free of charge. Its public gallery and reward system make experimentation addictive.

Key Features

• Multiple engines: Choose the one that best suits your style (realistic, pictorial, dreamlike).
• Daily credits: You receive 5–10 credits every 24 hours to keep creating non-stop.
• Gallery and votes: Publish your creations; each “like” gives you extra credits.

How to use it (step by step)

1. Visit nightcafe.studio and create a free account.
2. In the dashboard, select “Create” and choose your preferred AI engine.
3. Type your prompt: “AI character: noir detective with gray trench coat, felt fedora, lit cigarette, and light rain on the street.”
4. Defines the resolution (512×512 to 2048×2048 px) and the number of “Steps” (20–60 recommended).
5. Click “Create” and wait for processing (30–60 seconds).
6. Save locally or share on the platform to earn votes.

Comparison and recommendations

Feature	Dream by WOMBO	StarryAI	NightCafe Creator
Ease of use	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
Style Options	+12 fixed styles	Sharpness and avatar adjustment	+20 AI engines
Loading references	No	Yes (avatar)	Yes (image upload)
Maximum resolution	1024×1024 px	1024×1024 px	2048×2048 px
Free credits	Unlimited	Limited (20/month)	Daily renewal (5–10)
Community and inspiration	Minimum	Moderate	Activate and rewards

• For absolute beginners: Dream by WOMBO offers extreme simplicity and immediate results.
• For intermediate creators: StarryAI provides control and the fun of creating your own avatar.
• For advanced experimenters: NightCafe Creator offers a variety of models and a credit system that rewards your participation.

Pages: 1 2 3