What's the best image resolution for AI art?
Optimal resolution depends on the model and your intended use.
Native resolutions by model:
| Model | Base Resolution | Aspect Ratios |
|---|---|---|
| SDXL | 1024x1024 | 1024x1024, 1152x896, 1216x832 |
| SD 1.5 | 512x512 | 512x512, 768x512, 512x768 |
| Flux | 1024x1024 | Flexible up to 2048 |
| Midjourney | 1024x1024 | Any via —ar flag |
| ChatGPT Images | 1024x1024 | 1536x1024, 1024x1536; custom sizes through the API |
Important rules:
- Generate at native resolution first
- Upscale afterward for larger sizes
- Going too high causes artifacts and duplicated elements
- Maintain model’s trained aspect ratios for best quality
For print:
- Generate at native resolution
- Upscale using AI upscalers (Real-ESRGAN, Topaz)
- Target 300 DPI for final print size
For web:
- 1024x1024 is usually sufficient
- Compress final images for faster loading