Introduction
Welcome to the PixAI tutorial for beginners! In this tutorial, we will explore the basic features of PixAI, an online tool that uses artificial intelligence to generate images from textual descriptions. We will start with an overview of PixAI and its interface, and then we will learn how to use the different models and Lora to generate images. We will also see how to refine the results using variations and upscales.
This tutorial is intended for beginners and does not require any prior knowledge of artificial intelligence or programming. We will focus on the simplest and most useful features to create interesting characters.
So, if you're ready to discover the wonders of PixAI, follow me in this step-by-step tutorial!
A. Presentation of the site
What is PixAI?
PixAI is a website that uses artificial intelligence to generate images from textual descriptions. With PixAI, you no longer need to be an expert in drawing or graphics to create complex characters or scenes. All you have to do is describe what you want to see, and the AI will materialize it for you.
Advantages of PixAI for beginners
PixAI has many advantages for beginners. First, you don't need a powerful computer to generate high-quality illustrations. Then, PixAI offers free credits every day, which allows you to use it without breaking the bank. Moreover, PixAI works entirely in your web browser, which means you don't have to install anything on your computer.
Limits of PixAI
However, PixAI also has its limits. Sensitive content is censored on the mobile app, and this censorship also applies to realistic models on the website. Moreover, you are limited to the resources of the site, although this is partly compensated for by the possibility of creating your own Lora.
Conclusion
Overall, PixAI is an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore the possibilities of AI in the field of image creation. With its practical and economic advantages, as well as its ease of use, PixAI is an ideal tool for budding creatives.
In this tutorial, we will focus on the most basic basics of PixAI, to help you create your first characters in complete simplicity. So, ready to get started?
B. Overview of the Interface
Please note that the Pixai.art interface has recently undergone a visual update, which may make some of my screenshots appear slightly different from what you see. However, the main elements haven't changed, so don't worry, this tutorial is still fully applicable.
In this section, we will take a quick tour of the PixAI interface, focusing on the most important elements for beginners. We will not detail everything in this section, and we will see how to use these elements in the next section.
1. Text/Prompt
The first thing you see when you open PixAI is a large text box in the middle of the screen. This is where you will describe what you want the AI to generate for you.
2. Model Selection
On the right side of the screen, you will see a catalog of models. This is where you will choose the model you want to use for your character.
3. Lora Selection
Still on the right side of the screen, you see another catalog. This is where you will add 'loras' to your character.
4. Other Useful Options
Size: Choose the size of your generated images, with predefined formats or by entering your own dimensions.
Number of images: Choose between 1 or 4 images generated at the same time, we recommend 4 for more choices.
Negative prompts: Enter what you do not want in your images, such as "no nudity" to avoid any inappropriate content.
There are other settings that you can use, but this tutorial is an introduction for beginners, so we are focusing on the most useful basic features to start using PixAI.art.
Now that you have a general idea of the PixAI.art interface, you are ready to start exploring its features and creating your own characters!
C. Creating a Character
Now that we have covered the basics of the PixAI interface, it's time to move on to the most exciting part: creating characters! In this section, we will see how to use the different elements of the interface to create your first character.
1. Model Selection
The first thing to do is to choose the model you want to use for your character. As we saw in the previous section, a model is a large database that will define the overall style of the illustration.
To choose a model, simply click on the model catalog on the right side of the screen and select the model you want to use.
You can access the entire catalog by clicking on "show more models" and then on "market".
There are different types of models available on PixAI, such as realistic models, manga-style models, cartoon models, etc. You can also find models that correspond to known characters or licenses, such as Honkai Impact, for example.
2. Prompt
Now that you are comfortable with the PixAI.art interface, it's time to move on to the most fun part: creating your own characters!
To do this, you will need to use "prompts", which are textual descriptions that will help the AI understand what you want. But don't worry, it's very simple!
The syntax of a prompt is as follows: you list the characteristics of your character from most important to least important, separating them with commas. For example, if you want your character to be a woman with blue eyes, long hair and a smile, you can type the following prompt: "woman, blue eyes, long hair, smiling".
Parentheses can be used to give more importance to a part of the prompt. For example, if you want your character to be in an environment with a large blue sky visible in the background, you can use parentheses to emphasize this part of the prompt: "character (with a large blue sky in the background)".
But sometimes, there can be confusion in the prompts, especially when you use multiple colors. For example, if you type "woman with blue eyes, red hair, and a white t-shirt," the AI might mix up the colors and make the t-shirt blue or red. To avoid this, you can use parentheses to clarify your prompt. In this case, you can type "woman with blue eyes, red hair, (with a white t-shirt)."
Now the t-shirt is white, without any illustration or logo on it.
In addition to prompts, you can also use "negative prompts" to help the AI understand what you do not want. For example, if you do not want nudity in your images, you can specify it in the section provided for this purpose.
When you first start using PixAI.art, it's normal to have a lot of ideas and want to create complex characters with specific accessories. However, it's important to keep in mind that some models are not designed to generate characters with uncommon objects, such as weapons like swords or guns, or sports accessories like golf clubs.
If you're having trouble generating a character with a specific accessory, you can try using a different model that may be more suited to your request. There are many different models on PixAI.art, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
However, there are also loras specifically designed to help generate characters with specific accessories. These loras can help the AI better understand what you want and generate more accurate results. This is the next step in the tutorial.
Don't forget that character creation is an iterative process. You may not succeed on the first try, but it's by experimenting and learning from your mistakes that you'll improve. So, take your time, try out different models and loras, and most importantly, have fun!
3. Improving with Loras
Once you have generated your first images, you will probably want to improve them by adding details or modifying certain elements. For this, you can use Loras.
Loras are smaller data sets than models, which allow the AI to better understand what you want. For example, you can add a Lora that corresponds to a particular style of manga, or a Lora that will make your character sexier.
To add a Lora, click on "show more Loras" on the right of the screen and then search among the most popular or type keywords to find ones that interest you.
You can use several Loras at the same time to get different results. In the free version, you are limited to the use of 3 Loras at a time, but this should be enough for most uses.
Note that the more different Loras you use, the more there may be incompatibilities. This may seem complex, but it is not. If you notice that a Lora is not working very well but could still add something positive, try playing with the weight of your Loras. Personally, when I use "Beautiful and Sexy" with "Add More Details", I sometimes decrease the weight of the first Lora and get better results.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to know in advance which model and which Lora work better than others. It is by experimenting and testing different combinations that you will learn to use them correctly.
You can always browse the PixAi gallery to see the Loras and models that other users use, of course. But I find it more fun to experiment on my own.
4. Variation and Upscaling
Now that you have a character that matches your description and the style of the model you have chosen, you may have improved it even further by using Loras. However, you may still have details to adjust or you may simply want to explore other variations of your character.
Fortunately, PixAI.art offers a handy feature for this: variation. This feature allows you to generate new images from an existing image, applying subtle or more significant variations.
To use the variation, simply click on the corresponding icon.
You will then notice that the reference image is present at the top right of your interface.
With the variation, you can obtain results even closer to what you want. In our example on the left, we obtained three new variations of our character, and we are particularly satisfied with the one at the top right and the one at the bottom left.
But that's not all! You can also improve the quality of your images by using the "upscale" option. This feature allows you to increase the resolution of your images for an even more professional result.
To use the upscale, simply click on the corresponding icon, then select the level of upscale you want to apply.
And there you have it, it's done !
Congratulations, you have generated your first illustration with PixAi !
5. Now it's your turn to play!
Now you understand what models, loras are for, and you know how to type a prompt, but you may not yet be able to create exactly what you want. Don't worry, it's completely normal!
Keep in mind that AI has infinite potential, so there is no miracle solution to master all the tools, all the models, all the loras at once. The solution is to test, test, and test again!
However, I will not leave you like that. Here are some tips to progress properly and master your prompts:
Start with simple things: avoid complicated positions, particular accessories, or finger signs. Try to create a character in the simplest way possible.
Find your favorite model and keep it: once you have found a model that matches the style you like, use it as much as possible to familiarize yourself with its reactions.
Test different words on the same model: each model can react differently to the same prompt. So, try different words and expressions to see what works best.
Start testing the loras: once you have mastered your model, start adding loras. At first, do not modify the weight, but if you notice that the result is too strong, gradually reduce it.
Continue to experiment: once you have mastered a model and a lora, try adding other loras to find good associations and have results that stand out from other users. This way, your personality will really be reflected in your works!
In conclusion, do not try to create the perfect character right away, do not be afraid to make mistakes, and take the time to experiment. With practice, and by going step by step, you will succeed in mastering the prompts and creating characters that you really like!
Bonus: Tips for Credits
Now that you know how to use models, loras, and prompts, you'll probably want to generate many illustrations to practice and improve. However, you'll need credits for that, and they can run out quickly if you're not careful.
Here are some tips to save credits and maximize your time using PixAI.Art :
1. Log in every day !
By logging in every day, you'll receive 10,000 free credits, which will give you 300,000 free credits per month.
A window automatically appears every day to allow you to collect your free credits, but if you close it before collecting them, don't worry, you can still go to your profile to retrieve them.
2. Publish your illustrations on your personal page
Each time you publish an illustration on your personal page, you receive 1,000 credits. You can publish as many illustrations as you want, but you can only earn 10,000 credits per day this way.
So that's another 300,000 credits per month, which means with the previous tip, you're already up to 600,000 credits!
3. Share your illustrations on social media
Once published on your personal PixAi page, you can then share your illustrations on your social networks three times a day to earn 1,000 credits per share.
This will give you 3,000 credits per day, or 90,000 per month, for a total of 690,000 FREE credits!
4. Use cheaper models
The "XL" models are much more expensive, so try to use cheaper models to save credits.
Using the Sunflower model, which is an XL model, will cost 3400 credits!
On the other hand, the Moonbeam model only costs 1800 credits per use.
5. Turn off Priority Mode
Priority Mode allows you to generate illustrations faster, but it costs twice as much as the normal mode. Try to generate illustrations in normal mode to save credits, especially during off-peak hours when there are fewer users on the site. However, if you notice that the generation is taking a long time due to high traffic, don't hesitate to reactivate the priority to speed up the process.
I hope these tips will help you save credits and maximize your time using PixAI.
Good luck and have fun!
Thank you for reading this tutorial. As a first-time author, I have tried to present the most fundamental concepts of AI in a clear and accessible way for beginners who have never used it before. Of course, no one becomes an expert in AI just by following a tutorial, but I hope that this has given you a solid foundation and an idea of how you can progress.
Remember that experimentation is key to learning, so don't be afraid to try new things and take risks. And most importantly, share your creations, even if they're not perfect. This will allow you to see your progress and receive useful feedback from the community.
Good luck on your journey of learning AI, and I can't wait to see what you'll create!