Icon Maker vs DALL-E
Both use AI to generate images, but they're built for different purposes. Here's how they compare for app icon generation.
The Bottom Line
Choose the right tool for your needs
Purpose-built for app icons. Generate, preview, and export all required sizes in one workflow.
- All iOS, Android, web sizes included
- Icon-optimized style presets
- Pay-per-use option available
- 60-second generation
Powerful general-purpose image generator integrated with ChatGPT. Great for creative iteration through conversation.
- Conversational generation
- Built into ChatGPT Plus
- Manual resize/export needed
- $20/month subscription required
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Icon Maker | DALL-E |
|---|---|---|
Purpose-built for icons Icon Maker is specifically designed for app icon generation | ||
All export sizes included Automatic iOS, Android, PWA, and favicon sizes | ||
One-click App Store export Direct export for Apple and Google stores | ||
Icon style presets 10+ styles optimized for small icon display | ||
Background removal Built-in AI background removal | ||
ChatGPT integration DALL-E is built into ChatGPT Plus | ||
Text in images Both can render text (though icons shouldn't have much) | ||
Image editing/inpainting Both support editing existing images |
Why Icon Maker for Icons?
Built specifically for the app icon workflow
Generate, preview, and export icons in one streamlined flow. No need to resize, crop, or process images manually.
Export 1024×1024 for App Store, 512×512 for Google Play, plus all density sizes - automatically generated.
Our AI styles are tuned to look great at 48×48 pixels, not just at full resolution. Icons that work at every size.
Generate multiple variations instantly. No conversation context, no prompt re-engineering - just icons.
Workflow Comparison
- 1Describe your icon"rocket ship" or "music notes"
- 2Choose icon style3D Clay, Flat, Glassmorphism, etc.
- 3Export all sizesOne-click iOS, Android, PWA export
- 1Write detailed promptDescribe style, colors, format
- 2Iterate on resultsMultiple conversation turns
- 3Download imageSingle size (typically 1024×1024)
- 4Manual post-processingResize to 15+ sizes for each platform
Pricing Comparison
No monthly subscription required
- 5 free credits to start
- Credit packs from $5
- Optional Pro subscription
- All exports included in price
ChatGPT Plus subscription
- No free tier for image generation
- Includes GPT-4 access
- Unlimited text conversations
- Post-processing tools not included
Frequently Asked Questions
For app icons specifically, yes. Icon Maker is purpose-built for icon generation with automatic sizing, export presets, and styles optimized for small displays. DALL-E through ChatGPT is a general-purpose image generator that requires manual resizing and processing.
Yes, DALL-E can create icon-style images, but you'll need to manually crop, resize, and export to all required sizes. iOS needs 13+ sizes, Android needs 5+. Icon Maker handles this automatically, saving significant time.
For occasional icon generation, Icon Maker's pay-per-use model is typically more cost-effective. ChatGPT Plus (which includes DALL-E) costs $20/month. If you only need a few icons, Icon Maker's credit packs are usually cheaper.
Use DALL-E when you need conversational image generation, complex creative direction, or if you're already paying for ChatGPT Plus. DALL-E is great for brainstorming and iterating through conversation.
Both produce high-quality images. DALL-E 3 excels at following complex prompts and generating detailed scenes. Icon Maker uses state-of-the-art models specifically tuned for icon aesthetics - bold, simple, and readable at small sizes.
Ready to Create App Icons?
Try Icon Maker free and see why it's the fastest way to create professional app icons.
Start with 5 free credits • No credit card required