Studio Ghibli’s enchanting style has captured the hearts of millions around the world. From the dreamy watercolor textures and lush, magical landscapes of Spirited Away to the nostalgic charm of My Neighbor Totoro, Ghibli art isn’t just animation—it’s pure visual poetry. If you’re an art enthusiast looking to recreate that mesmerizing style without spending a dime, you’re in luck. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve rounded up the Top 12 Ways to Make Trending Ghibli Art for FREE. Read on to learn how you can transform your photos and digital canvases into enchanting Ghibli-inspired masterpieces using entirely free tools and resources.
1. Use ChatGPT’s Free Image Generation (with GPT-4o Prompts)
With OpenAI’s recent introduction of GPT-4o’s image generation capability, you can now convert your photos into Ghibli-style illustrations directly in ChatGPT—even on the free tier (albeit with some limits).
How to do it:
- Step 1: Log in to ChatGPT and upload your image using the photo icon.
- Step 2: Enter a detailed prompt such as:
“Convert this photo into a Studio Ghibli-style illustration with soft watercolor textures and a dreamy forest background.”
- Step 3: Review, refine, and re-prompt if necessary.
Note: Free users might be limited to 2–3 generations per day, and you may experience a short delay as OpenAI works to expand access.
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2. Try Gork – A Free Ghibli Art Converter
Gork is a user-friendly platform that lets you convert images into charming Ghibli-style portraits effortlessly.
How to use Gork:
- Visit Gork’s website.
- Upload your image and type a simple prompt like “Convert this image to Ghibli style.”
- Download and share your new Ghibli-inspired image.
This free tool is perfect for quick, hassle-free conversions that capture the nostalgic magic of Ghibli.
3. Transform Photos with Fotor’s AI Art Filters
Fotor offers a set of style filters—including dedicated Ghibli-style effects—that allow you to give your images a soft, animated look.
Getting started with Fotor:
- Head over to Fotor’s GoArt page.
- Upload your image and select one of the Ghibli style filters (e.g., “Ghibli Style 1” or “Ghibli Style 2”).
- Adjust settings if needed and download your artwork.
The free version includes basic features that are perfect for social media posts and quick edits.
4. Generate Stunning Art with Getimg.ai
Getimg.ai is another free platform where you can create Ghibli-style images using AI.
Steps:
- Sign up on Getimg.ai.
- Use their text-to-image or image-to-image tools—simply enter a descriptive prompt like “Studio Ghibli-inspired portrait with soft pastel colors and lush greenery.”
- Customize the output settings and generate your artwork.
Getimg.ai offers a limited free plan (e.g., 100 images per month) that’s ideal for experimenting with various styles.
5. Explore MidJourney’s Free Trial Options
MidJourney is renowned for its high-quality, detailed art generation. Although it primarily runs via Discord and is subscription-based, you can often take advantage of free trial periods or community events to create Ghibli-style art.
How to use MidJourney:
- Join the MidJourney Discord server.
- Use commands like
/imagine "a cozy cottage in a magical Ghibli forest at sunset"to generate your image. - Experiment with variations until you achieve the desired look.
Remember, even short trial periods can help you get a taste of MidJourney’s capabilities.
6. Create Art Using DALL·E 3 (via ChatGPT Plus Free Credits)
DALL·E 3, integrated within ChatGPT Plus, is a powerful tool to produce whimsical, creative images in the Ghibli style. Although full access is reserved for paid tiers, some free users can leverage free credits or limited access options.
Tips:
- Craft detailed prompts emphasizing “Studio Ghibli style” and specific elements like “watercolor textures” and “dreamy, soft lighting.”
- Experiment with iterative prompts to refine your output.
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7. Leverage Stable Diffusion – An Open Source AI Powerhouse
Stable Diffusion is an excellent free and open-source image generator that can be fine-tuned to create Ghibli-style art.
How to use Stable Diffusion:
- Download a Stable Diffusion interface like Automatic1111’s WebUI on your PC.
- Input a detailed prompt such as “A hand-drawn, Studio Ghibli-inspired landscape with lush forests and a mystical sky.”
- Run the model locally to generate high-resolution images with complete creative control.
This method is perfect for those who are tech-savvy and want complete customization without recurring costs.
8. Experiment with Leonardo.AI’s Free Tokens
Leonardo.AI offers a mix of free and premium features tailored for anime and Ghibli-style art. With free daily tokens, you can explore its capabilities without investment.
How to get started:
- Register on Leonardo.AI.
- Use its dedicated anime models and style presets to generate Ghibli-inspired images by entering descriptive prompts.
- Adjust color, lighting, and composition using the platform’s customization options.
Leonardo.AI is particularly useful for consistent character design and creative scene building.
9. Utilize Runway ML’s Free Credits for AI Art
Runway ML is a versatile platform known for both image and video generation. It offers free credits that allow you to experiment with Ghibli-style aesthetics in your projects.
Steps:
- Sign up at Runway ML.
- Select an AI model that focuses on artistic style transfer or image generation.
- Enter a prompt like “Transform this scene into a Studio Ghibli-inspired masterpiece with soft, glowing light.”
- Use the free credits to generate your images and, if needed, edit them further using Runway ML’s suite of tools.
10. Create Your Own Art in Krita
If you enjoy a hands-on approach, consider using Krita—a free and open-source digital painting tool—to manually emulate the Ghibli style.
Why Krita?
- Custom Brushes: Install or create brushes that mimic watercolor textures and soft pencil strokes.
- Layer Management: Use non-destructive layers and masks to build complex scenes step-by-step.
- Community Resources: Benefit from a wealth of online tutorials and community-made brush packs inspired by Studio Ghibli art.
Download Krita from krita.org and let your creativity flow as you paint landscapes, characters, and magical scenes in true Ghibli style.
11. Animate Your Ghibli Art with OpenToonz
OpenToonz is the open-source animation software used by Studio Ghibli themselves for some of their productions. While it’s primarily an animation tool, it can also be used to create stunning, hand-drawn style art.
Getting started with OpenToonz:
- Download OpenToonz from the official website.
- Use its brush tools and vector editing capabilities to sketch and color your scenes.
- Experiment with its “cleanup” and “ink and paint” modules to achieve that authentic, hand-drawn look.
OpenToonz is perfect for artists looking to combine static images with basic animation, bringing a bit of Ghibli’s storytelling magic to life.
12. Use Mobile Apps with Free Ghibli Filters
Several mobile apps now offer free filters that convert your photos into Ghibli-inspired artwork. For quick and creative edits on the go, try apps like AI Ease or similar free photo-to-anime converters.
How to use these apps:
- Download the app from your device’s app store.
- Upload your photo and select a filter labeled “Ghibli” or “Studio Ghibli style.”
- Tweak the settings (e.g., color intensity, saturation, brightness) to perfect your image.
- Save and share your creation on social media to join the viral trend!
These apps are ideal for casual users who want to instantly “Ghiblify” their selfies or travel photos.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a digital artist, a photography enthusiast, or just someone who loves the magical world of Studio Ghibli, there’s never been a better time to experiment with free tools to create your very own Ghibli-inspired art. From AI-powered generators like ChatGPT’s GPT-4o and Stable Diffusion to hands-on tools like Krita and OpenToonz, these 12 free methods give you endless creative possibilities—all without spending a cent.
Explore these tools, share your creations, and join the global movement of artists transforming everyday images into whimsical, hand-drawn masterpieces reminiscent of the magic of Studio Ghibli.
Have you tried any of these methods? Share your favorite tips and your latest Ghibli-inspired art in the comments below!