How to Use AI to Generate Images in WordPress

I have been blogging for over a decade, and finding perfect images for blog posts has always been a challenge.

You need to go through stock images, check licenses, and in the end, you get an image that thousands of other blogs are already using. It takes up time you could have spent writing and publishing.

That’s why I have started using AI tools to create my own visuals, especially for blog illustrations, diagrams, and comparison charts. It’s a lot faster, and I can generate exactly what I need for each post.

With tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Midjourney, I can brainstorm ideas and generate unique, copyright-free images — all inside WordPress.

Creating original images doesn’t just make your content look better — it can also improve your SEO. Search engines prefer pages with fresh media, especially when it’s relevant to your topic.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use AI to generate images in WordPress using a few of my favorite tools. You’ll see how fast your visuals can come to life.

Why I Use AI Tools to Generate Images for My WordPress Site

I’ve spent years trying different ways to get visuals for my blog posts — stock photos, free image sites, and even custom graphics when the budget allowed.

The problem? Stock image subscriptions can get expensive quickly. And while free options like Unsplash are handy, those same photos show up on hundreds of websites.

Creating your own images is ideal, but not everyone is a photographer or illustrator. That’s where AI stepped in and completely changed the game for me.

With tools like ChatGPT (which now includes DALL·E) and other AI models, I can turn a short sentence into a one-of-a-kind visual. 🎨

These tools use deep learning to generate original artwork from text descriptions — it’s like sketching with words.

The results are surprisingly good. AI-generated images feel more tailored, more creative, and far less overused than traditional stock photos.

Here’s an example I made with DALL·E that mimics a standard office desk with a sunset backdrop — the kind you’d usually search for on a stock photo site.

And here’s another one, also generated with ChatGPT, but in a comic book style.

This one uses more vibrant colors, looks stylized, and is perfect for creative or playful content.

The best part is that these AI images are copyright-free. I can use them in blog posts, landing pages, or anywhere I need a fresh visual, without worrying about licensing.

In the next section, I’ll walk you through exactly how I use AI image tools inside WordPress — step by step.

You’ll see three different methods I’ve tested, and you can pick whichever one fits your style or workflow best. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite:

1. How I Generate AI Images for WordPress Using ChatGPT Plus

I use ChatGPT throughout the day, and one of my favorite features in the ChatGPT Plus plan is the ability to generate images right inside the chat window.

For anyone new to this, ChatGPT is an AI tool by OpenAI that responds to natural language prompts.

To get started, I just open ChatGPT, type in a description like “a hand-drawn style chart showing blog post engagement over time,” and ask it to generate an image.

I usually keep my prompts simple but specific. For example, I might say: “Create a children’s storybook-style illustration of a computer desk at night.” You can get creative with styles, colors, and even moods.

There’s also a ‘Surprise Me’ button that suggests prompts if you’re stuck or just exploring ideas.

Here’s an example of an image I created using ChatGPT for one of my tutorials. I added style instructions, colors, and scene details, and the results were surprisingly good.

One feature I really like is the ability to edit images. You can just type a new prompt like “make the background darker” or “change the style to watercolor,” and it will regenerate the image based on that.

It even lets you download images in formats like PNG or JPEG, which is perfect for uploading to your WordPress site.

After you’re happy with the image, just click ‘Generate’ again to download the final version.

Then I switch over to the admin area of my WordPress site and go to Media » Add New to upload the image.

You can also add it directly to a blog post. Just open the post, insert an Image block, and upload it from your computer.

Here’s how that looks inside the WordPress block editor when I’m writing a new post or updating an existing one.

2. Automatically Generate AI Images in WordPress with Uncanny Automator

I’ve also used Uncanny Automator to connect ChatGPT with my WordPress site. It’s one of my go-to tools for setting up automated tasks, especially when I want to turn ideas into blog posts with very little manual work.

This plugin works with OpenAI’s GPT models, including image generation. That means I can automatically create AI images and insert them right into my posts without ever leaving WordPress.

Using the drag-and-drop recipe builder, I’ve set up workflows that send prompts to ChatGPT through a simple form.

I use WPForms for this — it’s a top-rated drag-and-drop form builder that works perfectly with Automator. (Check our WPForms review to learn more)

From there, Uncanny Automator pulls in the AI-generated image and text using smart tokens. I can even set it to use the image as the featured image for the post automatically.

Here’s what that setup looks like inside the recipe builder:

This setup has helped me publish full posts, with images and text, in just a few clicks. It’s incredibly useful for creating quick drafts or starting content ideas.

Another bonus: the plugin automatically uploads the AI images to my WordPress media library, so I don’t have to do that manually either.

If you’re curious about how to set this up, check out our full guide on creating automated workflows in WordPress using Uncanny Automator.

What is the License for Images Generated by ChatGPT?

You retain the copyright for any image generated by a prompt you provided through ChatGPT.

This means you are free to use these images anywhere you like, including on your WordPress website, YouTube videos, eBooks, social media, and more.

3. Use SeedProd to Generate AI Images in WordPress

If you’re using SeedProd to build pages or themes like I do, then you’ll love the built-in AI image generator. It’s available in the premium version and makes it easy to create custom visuals right inside the editor.

To get started, install and activate the SeedProd plugin. You’ll need the Pro version to access the AI Assistant, and AI credits are available for purchase directly from your SeedProd account.

Once the plugin is active, open the SeedProd builder and create a new page or theme layout. You can follow one of our tutorials if you need help:

• How to create a custom WordPress theme
• How to create a landing page

Inside the builder, drag the Image block from the left panel and drop it into the page preview on the right.

Click the Image block to open its settings.

Then, you need to click the ‘Add with AI’ button to launch the image generator.

You’ll see a prompt panel where you can describe the image you want. Be specific — include the style, colors, and subject. Or use one of the suggested prompts if you’re just testing things out.

Once you’re ready, click ‘Generate Image’ and wait a few seconds for it to appear.

When the image preview appears, click ‘Insert’.

This will add it to your page layout.

You can also generate alternate versions of the same image.

Just click the image and select ‘Edit with AI’.

Next, click the ‘Variations’ button, then ‘Generate Variations’.

This will create multiple options for you to choose from.

If you prefer one of the new versions, just click ‘Insert’ to use it.

If not, click ‘Back’ to return to your original image.

If you want to edit just one part of the image, use the brush tool. Erase the area you want to change, then describe the update in your new prompt.

Click ‘Generate new image’, and SeedProd will give you two versions based on your edit.

Choose the one you like.

Then, simply hit ‘Insert’ to update it on the page.

When you’re happy with the image, click ‘Save’ and ‘Publish’ from the top right corner to make it live on your site.

That’s it — your AI-generated image is now live on your WordPress page.

Who Owns the Images You Create with SeedProd’s AI Assistant?

Good news — you do. All the images you create with SeedProd’s AI are yours to use anywhere on your WordPress site, no licensing worries.

4. Use AI Engine to Generate AI Images in WordPress (Free Plugin)

If you’re looking for a free way to generate AI images in WordPress, then AI Engine is worth checking out. I’ve used it for a while, and it packs a ton of features — from text generation to chatbots, and yes, image generation too.

The plugin works with major AI platforms, including OpenAI, Anthropic, HuggingFace, Google, and Perplexity, among others. You’ll need to connect your own API key from whichever platform you want to use, and usage will depend on your plan or available credits with that provider.

Just a heads-up — AI Engine tries to do a lot. That makes it powerful, but also a little overwhelming at first. If you’re new to AI tools, I recommend starting small and keeping an eye on your credit usage if you’re using the same key for multiple features.

To get started, install and activate the AI Engine plugin from your WordPress dashboard.

After activation, go to Meow Apps » AI Engine in your WordPress sidebar. Here, you’ll see a list of features. I suggest enabling only the ‘Images Generator’ setting for now — it keeps the interface clean and focused.

Next, switch to the Settings tab. This is where you’ll choose your preferred AI platform and paste in the API key.

I’ve tested it with OpenAI, but feel free to use whichever provider you’re most comfortable with. The plugin links to setup tutorials if you’re not sure where to get your key.

Once the setup is done, go to Tools » Generate Images in your admin sidebar. You’ll see a simple prompt field where you can type a description and click ‘Generate’.

You can also play around with templates, pick from different styles, and experiment with the models supported by your AI provider. It’s flexible if you want more control over how your images turn out.

Any images you generate are stored in your WordPress media library, and you can use them in your posts and pages.

Who owns the images?

You own the license to the images and can use them freely on your website or anywhere you want.

Copyright and Ethical Considerations for Using AI Images on Your Website

Most AI image tools give you full rights to use the images you create.

These tools are trained on massive datasets. Sometimes, they may generate content that accidentally resembles copyrighted work or registered trademarks.

That means you’re still responsible for how you use those images, especially if you’re creating content for commercial purposes.

I believe AI gives people, especially those without design skills, a powerful way to express themselves.

It opens doors for creators who just want to tell their story, share an idea, or make something beautiful.

So go ahead and create responsibly, but don’t hold back your imagination. Your next visual might be the one that brings your content to life for someone else.

Continue Your AI Journey: Helpful Guides to Explore

Now that you know how to generate AI images in WordPress, you might be wondering what else AI can do for your site. From SEO to content writing, there’s a lot more you can explore:

• How to use AI for SEO in WordPress
• How to use AI to boost your marketing
• How to use AI for your lead generation campaigns
• How to write content using an AI content generator
• How to write powerful headlines using AI

I hope this guide gave you a good starting point for using AI images on your website. It’s amazing how far these tools have come — and what they make possible for creators of all skill levels.

Don’t forget to check out our image SEO guide and these simple tips to optimize images for speed so your visuals look great and load fast.

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