DALL-E creates images from text prompts. In 2026 it’s faster, has built-in editing tools and is available through OpenAI’s web apps and APIs. Here’s how you can sign up, write prompts, edit images, and manage licensing and exports in Australia.

Quick reference

Before you begin, check this quick list to get ready.

  • Sign up at https://chat.openai.com or https://openai.com/dall-e and verify your email/phone.
  • Choose access: free tier (limited generations), ChatGPT Plus subscription (paid) or API credits for heavy use. ChatGPT Plus has historically cost US$20/month (around AUD 30–35 depending on exchange rates).
  • Decide file output and size: DALL‑E commonly outputs PNG or JPG, with typical native resolution up to 1024×1024px; use upscaling tools for larger prints.
  • Start with a clear prompt, then refine using the DALL‑E editor (inpainting) or selection tool for variations.
  • Download highest-quality PNG for preservation; export JPG for web. Check commercial-use rules and attribution requirements if you plan to sell or publish images.
  • For official ID or government use — passports, licences or benefit applications — check Services Australia guidance at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au and follow their photo rules. Most ID processes require real photos, not AI-generated images.

Prerequisites

Sort out these basics first to avoid surprises and keep things running smoothly.

  • Device and browser: a modern desktop or laptop is best. Use Chrome, Edge or Safari on the latest version. Mobile apps on iOS/Android work fine for quick jobs, but big edits are easier on a larger screen.
  • Internet: aim for a stable connection. 10–20 Mbps is fine for generation; faster upload/download speeds (50+ Mbps) help when exporting large batches or working with high-res uploads.
  • Account and verification: create an OpenAI account at https://chat.openai.com. Verify with email and phone when prompted — this unlocks full access and reduces rate limits. Minimum age and verification steps may apply.
  • Payment and billing: have a card ready if you’re subscribing or buying API credits. Most Australian Visa and Mastercards are accepted. Organisations can set up billing through platform.openai.com for API keys and invoices.
  • Legal and identity awareness: governments, banks and many official services require original photographs. Don’t use AI images for passports, driver licences or similar ID unless an agency explicitly allows it. Services Australia and other agencies publish photo rules — check them first.
  • Storage and backup: decide where you’ll keep originals. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) or local backups. Keep PNG masters for any future edits.

Step-by-step: create your first image

  1. Create an account. Open https://chat.openai.com or https://openai.com/dall-e and sign up. Confirm your email and complete phone verification. Expect security checks if you use the API — you’ll register a billing card and accept terms.
  2. Choose how to access DALL‑E. You’ve got three common ways:
    • Free web access — limited daily generations, suitable for hobby testing.
    • ChatGPT Plus — paid subscription (historically US$20/month) that gives priority access, faster response times and often higher limits.
    • API keys — for developers and power users. Use the OpenAI API for batch generation, automation or integrating DALL‑E into apps. Create an API key at https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys and attach billing.
  3. Understand pricing and limits. ChatGPT Plus price has been US$20/month historically — convert to AUD at the time of purchase. API usage is billed by call — small images are cheaper than larger or edited variations. If you plan high-volume work, estimate monthly cost from sample runs (e.g., 100 images) before committing. Check https://openai.com/pricing for current rates and any regional billing details.
  4. Write a clear prompt. Your prompt shapes the image. Include subject, style, mood, lighting, and format. Keep it clear and specific. Examples:
    • “A 35mm film-style photo of a red Labrador running on Bondi Beach at golden hour — shallow depth of field, warm tones.”
    • “Vector infographic of Australian energy mix 2026 — clean, flat colours, labelled sections for solar, wind, gas and hydro.”

    Begin with a broad idea, then add details gradually. Use commas and short clauses. If the first image is off, tweak one variable — change the camera angle, colour palette or level of detail.

  5. Generate, review and iterate. Click generate and DALL-E will give you several options. Save any promising results, then use the editor to inpaint (replace or refine areas), create variations or expand the scene. Use the selection tool to mask parts you want changed and write new prompts for just that masked area.
  6. Edit and upscale. You can remove objects, adjust composition, or swap backgrounds using the editor. Choose the upscale option if you need higher resolution for print — upscaling smooths edges and increases pixel dimensions. Export a PNG for archiving and a JPG for web or client previews.
  7. Download and document. Name your files clearly and keep a note of the prompt, date, resolution, and edits. This helps with version control and usage rights later.

Prompt tips and examples

Basically, prompts are where most time is spent. Treat them like recipes. Keep them clear and structured.

  • Structure: subject — medium — style — lighting — mood — colour palette — camera/format. Example: “Portrait of an Aboriginal elder, oil painting style, Rembrandt lighting, muted earth tones, 3:4 vertical.”
  • Use adjectives sparingly. Too many can confuse the model.
  • Specify camera and lens only if you want a photographic look: “50mm, shallow depth of field” or “wide-angle, 16mm for dramatic perspective”.
  • For logos, trademarks or public figures: use caution. Some requests are restricted or produce a refusal for safety or copyright reasons.

Export, licensing and commercial use

After you create an image, think about how you’ll use it. DALL‑E images may be used commercially under OpenAI’s content and usage policies, but you need to follow any licence terms in effect at the time.

  • File types: export PNG for lossless quality; choose JPG for smaller web files. Keep the highest-quality master PNG for later edits.
  • Attribution: not always required, but clients and publishers sometimes ask for prompt logs, dates and model version as provenance.
  • Copyright and trademarks: avoid generating copyrighted characters or exact logos unless you control the trademark or have permission.
  • Official ID: don’t use AI images for passports, Medicare cards or driver licences — check Services Australia and state/territory agencies for exact photo rules.

Tips

  • Start with low-resolution tests to save credits, then upscale the final pick.
  • Keep a prompt library — copy prompts that work and tweak them rather than starting from scratch each time.
  • Use the editor for fine fixes — it’s often faster than re-prompting the whole scene.
  • Batch generation: if you need variations, generate 8–12 at once and review them together to choose the best candidate.
  • Be mindful of privacy — don’t upload personal photos of people without consent if you plan to transform or publish them.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Overloading the prompt with conflicting adjectives. Shorter, clearer prompts usually yield better results.
  • Using AI images where regulations demand originals — passports, visa photos and some legal documents.
  • Skipping backups. Always keep a PNG master and a prompt log (date, model version, prompt text).
  • Assuming unlimited use. Check the terms before selling stock images or licensing commercially — some restrictions apply to certain subject matter.
  • Neglecting accessibility: if you publish AI-generated images online, include descriptive alt text for assistive tech users.

Related Articles

DALL‑E in 2026 is fast and flexible — use the ChatGPT editor for conversational edits, keep prompts concise, and pick the access method that fits your use: free for hobby work, ChatGPT Plus for steady individual use, and API billing for scale. Keep records of prompts, file masters and the model version you used — that makes reuse, licensing and client work much simpler.

This article was created with AI assistance.