AI image generators
Craiyon: review, pricing, data and alternatives
Craiyon lets people creating visuals generate images from descriptions and retouch photos using written instructions. It also supports background removal, image enlargement, conversion to vector drawings, and short video animation. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs $120 per year. Access and transparency score: 66/100, #13 of 38 in its category.
| Access | 30/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 10/30 | |
| Trust | 26/40 |
What is Craiyon?
Craiyon lets people creating visuals generate images from descriptions and retouch photos using written instructions. It also supports background removal, image enlargement, conversion to vector drawings, and short video animation.
According to its documentation, Craiyon lets you:
- create an image from a description
- retouch a photo with a written instruction
- remove a background
- enlarge an image
- turn an image into a vector drawing
- animate an image into a short video
We file it under AI image generators, the category of tools to create images from text, and it also overlaps with aI photo editing. The category lists 38 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Craiyon LLC, based in United States. The service launched in 2021, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: graphic designers, social media managers, and marketers. The need it covers is simple to state: create images from text.
Craiyon is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does Craiyon cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs $120 per year (Supporter, billed annually; equivalent to USD 10 per month), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is close to the category median ($10 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
The publisher does not clearly state where data is hosted. Assume your content may leave your region.
For professional use, check that a data processing agreement (DPA) is offered, and do not send customers' personal data or confidential documents without one.
Exporting your content: yes (details on the official site). Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
Craiyon runs on: web browser.
Interface languages: French, English, and Spanish.
There is no public API: the tool is used only through its interface.
How we scored it
Our 66/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 30/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 10/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 26/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
Craiyon against other tools in the aI image generators category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craiyon | Yes | $120 per year | No | 66 |
| RunDiffusion | Yes | $8.79 per month | Yes | 81 |
| Krea | Yes | $5 per month | Yes | 78 |
| Ideogram | Yes | $15 per month | Yes | 75 |
| Stable Diffusion | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 75 |
| Adobe Firefly | Yes | $9.99 per month | Yes | 73 |
| FLUX | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 73 |
| Leonardo.Ai | Yes | $12 per month | Yes | 71 |
Verdict
Craiyon is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Established since 2021
Limitations
- Data hosting not disclosed
- No API
Avoid if…
- You handle sensitive personal data without a processing agreement
- You plan to automate it or connect it to an agent
Alternatives
- RunDiffusionfree tier
- Kreafree tier
- Ideogramfree tier
- Stable Diffusionfree tier
- Adobe Fireflyfree tier
- FLUXfree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is Craiyon free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs $120 per year.
Where is Craiyon data stored?
The publisher does not clearly say so in its public documentation.
Does Craiyon have an API?
No, no public API so far.
What are the alternatives to Craiyon?
In the same category: RunDiffusion, Krea, Ideogram, and Stable Diffusion.
Craiyon or RunDiffusion: which one to choose?
Craiyon starts at $120 per year, RunDiffusion at $8.79 per month, only RunDiffusion offers an API, and our score is 66/100 for Craiyon and 81/100 for RunDiffusion. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score