Subject Guides: Generative Artificial Intelligence Toolbox: Types of Generative AI Tools

Generative AI can create new content across text, visual, and audio formats. Text-based generative AI, such as language models, can write essays, stories, or even code based on a prompt. Visual generative AI can produce original images, edit photos, or generate artwork, making it useful for design and creative projects. Audio generative AI can compose music, create sound effects, or generate realistic speech from written text. These AI tools can significantly enhance creativity and productivity by automating content creation and providing new ways to explore ideas.

There are hundreds of GenAI tools (and more every day). For one of the most comprehensive (and easily searchable) lists, we recommend checking out the website "There's an AI for That" (TAAFT).

Text

Writing

Since most GenAI generators already use text as the input, it makes sense that the vast majority of these tools generate text as the output as well. This type of artificial intelligence is often called a Large Language Model (LLM), which is an algorithm that uses deep learning (neural networks) to process huge amounts of data (mostly scraped from the internet). The result is a system that can produce natural language responding to prompts, such as answers to questions. The most well-known of these generators is ChatGPT, which is OpenAI's large language model.

Applying generative AI in academic writing can streamline the drafting process by generating structured outlines and initial content based on research topics. AI tools can also assist in editing and refining academic papers, providing suggestions for clarity, coherence, and style improvements. However, the integration of AI in academic writing necessitates careful use to avoid ethical issues such as plagiarism and to ensure the originality and academic integrity of the work produced.

Text Generating Examples: ChatGPT, Groq, TAAFT list

Text Generating Prompt: "Write a pop song about the Harford Community College Fighting Owls."

(Verse)
In the heart of Harford, where the spirit flies, we’re the Fighting Owls, reaching for the skies.
On the field, in the court, we stand so tall, Harford Community, we give our all.

(Pre-Chorus)
With every game, we play with pride, together as one, side by side.
Through every challenge, we rise and fight, the Fighting Owls soar day and night.

(Chorus)
Rise, rise, Fighting Owls, hear our call, we’ll never fall.
With courage and strength, we’ll win it all, Harford’s heart beats in us all.

Audio

Text-To-Speech

GenAI's text-to-speech (TTS) abilities enable the creation of realistic and natural-sounding speech from written text, making interactions with technology more human-like. These TTS systems are used in various applications, enhancing accessibility by converting written materials into spoken word, aiding students with visual impairments or learning disabilities. It also supports language learning by providing clear and accurate pronunciation of text in multiple languages. Additionally, text-to-speech technology can facilitate efficient content consumption, allowing students and educators to listen to lectures, articles, and textbooks on-the-go.

Code Generating Example: TTS MAKER, TAAFT list

Text-to-Speech Prompt: The above lyrics generated by ChatGPT

Music

Music generating capabilities of AI allow it to compose original pieces in various styles; producing melodies, harmonies, and rhythms that can mimic human composers. These AI-generated music pieces are used in diverse fields, including background scores for videos, games, and advertisements, providing cost-effective and customized audio solutions. Additionally, AI music tools can also be used to create customized practice tracks and accompaniments for music students, enhancing their learning and performance experiences; assisting in the creative process, offering inspiration, collaboration, and experimentation opportunities to enhance their artistic output.

Code Generating Examples: Udio, Suno, TAAFT list

Lyric Prompt: Lyrics generated by ChatGPT

Music Prompt: "Female vocalist, dance-pop, nu-disco, electronic dance music, dance, electronic"

Visual

Images

AI can create highly realistic and imaginative visuals, ranging from photorealistic portraits to abstract art, by learning patterns from vast datasets. AI-generated images are used in various industries, including entertainment, advertising, and design, providing unique and customizable visual content. Additionally, AI image generation tools aid artists and designers by offering new creative possibilities, streamlining workflows, and inspiring innovative concepts.

Image Generating Examples: Ideogram, DALL·E, TAAFT list

Prompt: "A photo of a blue owl dressed like a librarian, wearing a bowtie and glasses, background full of books."

Video

Generative AI's video creation capabilities allow it to produce realistic and dynamic video content, including animations, deepfake videos, and fully synthesized scenes, by analyzing and learning from extensive video datasets. These AI-generated videos are utilized in entertainment, marketing, and education, offering cost-effective and versatile solutions for creating engaging visual narratives. Additionally, generative AI assists filmmakers and content creators by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing visual effects, and enabling rapid prototyping of video concepts.

Video Generating Examples: HeyGen, Sora, TAAFT list

Prompt: AI-generated owl photo synthesized through a face filter set to music.

Code

Coding

One of the most promising applications of GenAI is coding. There are many AI tools that can help all kinds of levels of coders. For example, a beginner can use these tools to generate some simple code from scratch, or an advanced programmer can collaborate with an AI assistant to help you find errors and streamline your code.

Code Generating Example: JIT.codes, TAAFT list

Prompt: Create a looping animation of a circle changing colors and scale, with text on top "Fighting Owls"

See the Pen Fighting Owls by Mike (@MikeStritt) on CodePen.