Recraft

Recraft is an AI image generator and editor with reference-image support, API access, and outputs ranging from SVG and Lottie to common raster formats and PDF. It suits people who need flexible output formats and want to guide generation with existing images. Its free plan makes it possible to start without a subscription, while limited commercial use and credit-based tiers call for a close look at intended use and volume.

Overview

Recraft combines text-to-image generation with image editing and reference images. That mix gives designers and other visual creators room to make new images and work from existing ones in the same product. API access also makes it relevant to developers integrating image generation into a workflow.

The output range is a practical strength: SVG and Lottie sit alongside PNG, JPG, PDF, and TIFF. That can suit projects that need both vector or animation outputs and standard image files. Commercial use is limited, however, so anyone producing work for business or clients should check whether the permitted use fits before relying on Recraft.

Key features

• Text-to-image generation: Generate images from text prompts, with credits setting the scale of use across plans.
• Reference images: Bring an existing image into the process to guide generation, useful when a prompt alone is not enough direction.
• Image editing: Edit images as well as create them, making Recraft a broader option than a generation-only tool.
• Multiple output formats: Export SVG, PNG, JPG, PDF, TIFF, and Lottie. This range is useful for varied design handoffs, though the right format still depends on the project.
• API access: Developers can access Recraft programmatically; the platform listing identifies API access.

Pricing

Recraft uses a freemium model. The Free plan costs nothing and provides 30 daily credits, a no-cost way to assess whether its generation, editing, and formats meet your needs. The daily allowance sets a clear ceiling for regular use.

Paid plans are organized by credit volume: Basic includes 1,000 credits, Pro 2k includes 2,000, Pro 4k includes 4,000, and Pro 8k includes 8,000. Each has custom pricing. The higher tiers suit heavier credit needs, but without a price to compare, it is difficult to judge their cost relative to the free allowance. The plan details also give no seat counts or renewal terms.

Recraft identifies 1,000 monthly AI credits, while the Free plan is described as providing 30 daily credits. These are different allowances, so choose based on the plan’s stated quota rather than assuming the monthly amount applies to every tier. Limited commercial use may also constrain the value of any plan for business work.

Platforms

API is the stated platform. That makes Recraft a fit for programmatic access, while people looking for a named desktop or mobile app should compare alternatives with those platforms explicitly listed.

Who it's for

Recraft is best suited to visual creators who need image generation plus editing, want reference images to guide results, or value having SVG, Lottie, and standard image formats together. Its API access also makes it worth considering for developers. The free tier is a sensible starting point for occasional exploration; users with larger workloads can compare the paid credit tiers, keeping their custom pricing and limited commercial use in view.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Reference-image support, text-to-image generation, and editing cover several stages of image work.
• Pro: SVG, Lottie, and four common document or image formats provide flexibility for different output needs.
• Pro: A free plan with 30 daily credits gives newcomers a way to begin without paying.
• Con: Commercial use is limited, which may rule it out for some paid or client work.
• Con: The Basic and Pro tiers have custom pricing, making paid-plan cost harder to assess in advance.
• Con: API is the only stated platform, so users seeking an expressly listed web, desktop, or mobile app may prefer another option.

Alternatives

For more ways to compare tools by category, browse AI image generators, AI Pattern Generators, AI Vector Generators, AI Art Generators, Graphic Design Software, or AI Mockup Generators.

• Adobe Firefly is another freemium option with a free plan and Android, iOS, web, and API platforms; consider it if those platform choices matter.
• FLUX offers a free plan across API, web, desktop, Linux, and self-hosted platforms. Its FLUX.2 [max] plan is priced at $0.07 a month, with additional megapixels and reference images charged at $0.03/MP and a 4 MP maximum output.
• Leonardo.Ai has a free plan with 150 fast tokens per day, a 150-token bank, and one personal collection; it may suit someone comparing daily token access.
• SeaArt AI includes a free plan with 130 Stamina per day and two simultaneous tasks, plus a free trial.
• Ideogram offers 10 weekly credits for eligible free accounts and a Plus plan at $20 a month with 1,000 monthly credits and eight running or queued generations.
• ImagineArt provides 100 daily credits on its free plan, with Pro models and more generations available through a paid subscription.
• SwarmUI is a free and open-source option under the MIT License for readers who prioritize those terms.
• PixAI offers a free plan with 10,000 daily credits and a Starter plan at $9.99 a month.

Verdict

Choose Recraft if you need text-to-image generation or image editing with reference images and multiple output formats. The free plan offers a way to start with 30 daily credits. Check the limited commercial use and compare each plan’s credit allowance with your workload; look elsewhere if you need a stated paid price or a named web, desktop, or mobile platform.