Get your Studio Ghibli filter here: 5 AI tools that still work

Tried creating those enchanting, whimsical Studio Ghibli-style images using ChatGPT recently, only to find it… doesn’t quite work anymore? You’re not alone. The viral Studio Ghibli filter trend, which saw users transforming photos into the iconic animation style using GPT-4o, seems to have been restricted or blocked by OpenAI, likely due to the surrounding controversy.

But don’t despair! The magic isn’t gone. While ChatGPT might have stepped back, the desire to see ourselves and our world through that beloved Ghibli lens persists. Luckily, several other fantastic, powerful, and easy-to-use AI tools have emerged or highlighted their ability to perfectly capture that dreamy aesthetic. Forget the frustration – the Studio Ghibli filter trend lives on!

This guide is your updated passport to the world of Ghibli-inspired AI art. We’ll introduce you to the 5 best alternative tools that let you easily apply the Studio Ghibli filter effect to your photos, generate new Ghibli-style artwork, and keep participating in this captivating trend. Let’s dive in and find the perfect tool for you!

Why can’t I use the Studio Ghibli filter on ChatGPT anymore?

While OpenAI hasn’t made overly explicit statements, the restriction likely stems from the intense debate sparked by the trend.

Key factors probably include:

• Respecting artistic ethos: Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki is famously critical of AI art, viewing it as counter to the studio’s dedication to hand-drawn craftsmanship. Generating images in their specific style using AI was seen by many as disrespectful to this legacy.
• Copyright concerns: AI models are trained on vast datasets, potentially including copyrighted Studio Ghibli artwork. Replicating the style so closely raised significant copyright questions.
• Community backlash: Many artists and Ghibli fans voiced concerns about the trend potentially devaluing the unique artistry and effort behind the original works.

Acknowledging this context is important, but the demand for creative expression remains. Thankfully, these alternative tools provide dedicated solutions for fans wanting to explore the Ghibli style AI respectfully.

Top 5 AI tools for the Studio Ghibli filter effect (Instead of ChatGPT)

Here are our top picks for creating those beautiful Ghibli-style images right now:

1. Reface Unboring: Simple Ghibli restyling

Reface, known for its fun face-swapping tech, offers a straightforward “Studio Ghibli Filter” within its ‘Unboring’ AI tool suite. It focuses on easily applying the Ghibli aesthetic to your existing photos.

Image: Reface

Key features & benefits:

• Dedicated Filter: Select the “Ghibli” style directly from their Restyle catalog.
• Aesthetic Focus: Aims for the signature Ghibli look – soft textures, vibrant yet gentle colors, and a dreamlike quality.
• Ease of Use: Very simple process: upload, select the filter, let the AI work, and download. Perfect for quick transformations.
• High-Quality Output: Promises high-resolution images that mimic a hand-drawn Ghibli feel.
• Good For: Fans wanting a quick and easy way to apply the Studio Ghibli filter to portraits or photos without complex prompting.

How it works: Upload Photo -> Choose ‘Ghibli’ Filter -> Generate -> Download.

Try the Reface Ghibli Filter

2. Fotor: Free & versatile Ghibli AI generator

Fotor stands out by offering a highly versatile and *free* online Studio Ghibli AI generator. It handles various image types and even includes text-to-image and animation features, making it a powerful creative hub.

Image: Fotor

Key features & benefits:

• Free to use: Convert photos to Ghibli style without cost; no sign-up required for basic filter use.
• Versatile inputs: Works instantly on portraits, landscapes, pets, group photos, buildings, and even memes.
• Multiple functions: Includes photo-to-Ghibli filter, text-to-Ghibli image generation, Ghibli PFP creation, and even AI video animation in the Ghibli style.
• Instant conversion: Transforms images in seconds with automatic AI analysis – no complex prompting needed for the basic filter.
• High quality & compatibility: Delivers authentic-looking HD results and supports various image formats (JPG, PNG, WebP, etc.). Works across devices.
• Good for: Users wanting a free, fast, and versatile tool for various Ghibli-style creations, including memes and PFPs, without needing an account for basic use.

How it works: Upload Image -> AI Auto-Applies Filter (or use Text Prompt) -> Download/Share.

Use Fotor’s Free Ghibli Generator

3. Insmind: Ghibli filter with creative control

Insmind offers another robust AI Studio Ghibli filter tool that caters to both simple conversions and more controlled creative projects, including text-to-image and the ability to use reference images.

Image: Insmind

Key features & benefits:

• Dual functionality: Easily apply the Ghibli filter to existing photos (portraits, pets, landscapes) OR generate new Ghibli-style images from text prompts.
• Reference image support: Gain more control by uploading a reference image for the AI to match style elements from.
• Focus on detail: Aims to enhance details, soften tones, and infuse images with Ghibli whimsy and nostalgia.
• Broad applications: Highlights use cases beyond profile pictures, including storybook illustrations, marketing materials, and game art.
• Free option: Offers free generation capabilities.
• Good for: Users who want both simple photo filtering and text-to-image generation, especially those looking for more control via reference images for creative projects.

How it works: Upload Photo (Optional: +Reference Image) OR Enter Text Prompt -> Select ‘Ghibli’ Filter -> Generate -> Download.

Explore Insmind’s Ghibli AI Filter

4. FlexClip: Online Ghibli conversion with editing

FlexClip integrates its “Photo to Ghibli Studio Style Converter” into an online platform that also includes basic editing tools, making it convenient for quick tweaks and social media sharing.

Image: FlexClip

Key features & benefits:

• Web-based tool: No software download required; works directly in your browser.
• Refinement option: Allows adding a text description alongside image upload to help guide the AI for a more specific outcome.
• Integrated editing: Includes tools to adjust exposure, saturation, apply filters, overlays, and add text after conversion – great for final touches.
• Format support: Works with various common image formats (PNG, JPG, WEBP, GIF etc.).
• Fast & simple workflow: Designed for ease of use with quick conversion and one-click download/sharing.
• Good for: Users who want an online solution and appreciate the ability to make quick edits (like adding text) to their Ghibli-style images before sharing.

How it works: Upload Image -> Select Ghibli Style (Optional: Add Text Prompt) -> Generate -> Edit (Optional) -> Download/Share.

Convert Photos with FlexClip Ghibli AI

5. Ghibli Diffusion (via getimg.ai): Dedicated AI model

For those serious about generating unique Ghibli-inspired artwork, Ghibli Diffusion, accessible via platforms like getimg.ai, is a specialized AI model trained specifically for this aesthetic.

Image: Getimg.ai

Key features & benefits:

• Specialized model: Unlike general tools applying a filter, this is an AI model *dedicated* to the Studio Ghibli style, potentially offering more nuanced results.
• Text-to-image focus: Excels at turning your text descriptions (ideas, scenes, characters) into original Ghibli-esque artwork.
• Image-to-image capable: Can also apply the Ghibli style to existing uploaded images.
• Creative use cases: Ideal for generating unique wallpapers, posters, concept art, backgrounds, or bringing original characters to life in the Ghibli style.
• Free start: Offers free credits or usage to begin creating.
• Good for: Artists, designers, and enthusiasts who want to generate original artwork *from scratch* in the Ghibli style using text prompts, or apply the style with a dedicated model.

How it works: Enter Text Prompt OR Upload Image -> Select Ghibli Diffusion Model -> Generate -> Download.

Create with Ghibli Diffusion on getimg.ai

Quick comparison table Tool Key Ghibli Feature Input Output Ease of Use Highlight Reface Unboring Ghibli Restyle Filter Photo Image Very Easy Simple photo filter Fotor Ghibli AI Generator Photo/Text Image/Video Very Easy Free, Versatile (Memes, PFP) Insmind Ghibli Filter / Generator Photo/Text/Reference Image Easy Reference image control FlexClip Photo to Ghibli Converter Photo (Text refine) Image Easy Integrated editing tools Ghibli Diffusion Dedicated Ghibli Model Text/Photo Image Moderate (Prompting skill helps) Specialized Model for Art

While these tools offer fantastic ways to engage with the Ghibli style AI, remember that AI image generation isn’t always perfect. You might occasionally encounter slightly unusual details or results that need tweaking (perhaps by adjusting your prompt or trying a different photo).

It’s also worth keeping the ethical discussion in mind. Using these filters for personal enjoyment and creative exploration is one thing; commercially exploiting a specific studio’s style without permission is another.