> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opencanva.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create your first AI-generated image

> Get started with Open Canva in minutes. Learn how to create your first AI-generated image with step-by-step instructions and examples.

## Create your first AI-generated image

Get started with Open Canva and create your first image in just a few minutes.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign up or log in">
    Create an account using one of these methods:

    * **Email and password**: Sign up with your email address
    * **Google**: Sign in with your Google account

    New accounts receive **50 free credits** on the Starter plan.

    <Card title="Account Setup Guide" icon="user" href="/getting-started/account-setup">
      Learn more about account creation and authentication options.
    </Card>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a session">
    Once logged in, click **New Session** in the sidebar or select an existing session.

    <Info>
      Sessions organize your generations. Each session can contain multiple image and video generations.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your prompt">
    In the prompt input field, describe the image you want to create. Be specific and descriptive:

    **Good examples:**

    * "A serene mountain landscape at sunset with snow-capped peaks and a calm lake in the foreground"
    * "A futuristic cityscape at night with neon lights and flying cars, cyberpunk style"
    * "A cozy coffee shop interior with warm lighting, wooden furniture, and plants"

    **Less effective:**

    * "A picture"
    * "Something cool"

    <Card title="Writing Effective Prompts" icon="pen-fancy" href="/image-generation/prompts">
      Learn advanced techniques for writing prompts that produce better results.
    </Card>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose models and aspect ratio">
    Pick the AI models you want to use (up to four at once) and select an aspect ratio. The default 16:9 landscape works well for most use cases.

    <Tip>
      Start with a single model like **Flux Schnell** for fast results, then try multi-model generation to compare outputs.
    </Tip>

    <Card title="AI Models" icon="sliders" href="/image-generation/models">
      Browse 25+ image models and 20+ video models.
    </Card>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add optional helpers">
    * **Reference images**: Attach up to three references to guide the style and composition.
    * **Prompt Assistant**: Open the chat panel to get AI-powered model recommendations and prompt refinement.

    <Card title="Prompt Assistant" icon="message-square" href="/sessions/prompt-assistant">
      Plan generations with the AI assistant.
    </Card>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate your image">
    Click the **Generate** button. You'll see:

    1. A shimmer animation while each selected model processes
    2. Real-time image appearance as each model completes
    3. One image per selected model in your session history

    <Warning>
      Generation typically takes 10-30 seconds per model depending on complexity and queue load.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and iterate">
    Once your image is generated:

    * **View details**: Click any image to see full resolution, model info, and the prompt used
    * **Download**: Click the download button to save your image
    * **Regenerate**: Try again with different prompts, models, or settings
    * **Share**: Save and organize your best work across sessions

    <Tip>
      Don't be afraid to experiment! Try variations of your prompt or different models to see what works best.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Example: Your first image

1. **Prompt**: "A peaceful forest scene with tall pine trees, dappled sunlight, and a winding path"
2. **Model**: Flux Schnell (fast and reliable)
3. **Aspect ratio**: 16:9 landscape
4. **Generate**: Click generate and wait for your image

<Check>
  Congratulations! You've created your first AI-generated image with Open Canva.
</Check>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Video Generation" icon="video" href="/video-generation/introduction">
    Create AI-generated videos from text or images.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multi-Model Generation" icon="layers" href="/image-generation/multi-model">
    Generate with multiple models simultaneously to compare results.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reference Images" icon="image" href="/image-generation/reference-images">
    Upload references to guide AI output for consistent style.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Plans & Pricing" icon="credit-card" href="/billing/plans">
    Compare plans, credits, and features.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How long does generation take?">
    Image generation typically takes 10-30 seconds per model. Video generation takes 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the model and duration.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How many credits does a generation cost?">
    Credit cost varies by model and output type. The generation interface shows an estimated cost before you generate. See our [Credits guide](/billing/credits) for details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I generate videos too?">
    Yes! Switch to the Video tab in the model selector to choose from 20+ video models. See our [Video Generation guide](/video-generation/introduction).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What image formats are supported?">
    Images are available in PNG format. Videos can be downloaded as MP4, GIF, WebP, or PNG (single frame).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>