Today I’m tackling one of the biggest headaches with AI images: getting the text just right. In fact, this is the biggest complaint I saw in the comments of people who filled out the survey to share their AI stories.

The Challenge with AI-Generated Text

You’ve probably encountered this: you prompt an AI to create an image, say, a cute robot holding a sign that reads “Your Nerdy Best Friend,” and end up with a sign that says “you’re nerf best fried” or worse. I mean, AI can do all kinds of amazing stuff. Why can’t it spell the word “nerd?”

The Secret Weapon: Canva

You’ll need Canva for this fix, specifically the paid version that unlocks advanced tools. As I’ve said countless times, the paid version—less than $15 a month—is worth every penny. Once you have the upgrade, here’s how to fix AI text in images.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Editing Text in Canva

1. Upload Your Image: Drag your AI-generated image into Canva. Make sure you have the paid version activated for the advanced features.
2. Select the Image and Edit: Click on the image you’ve uploaded. Then click on the Edit button in the floating toolbar.
3. Use the ‘Grab Text’ Tool: With the edit options open, look for “Grab Text” in the toolbox to the left. This tool identifies the text in the image and allows you to convert it into an editable text field.
4. Edit the Text: Once the text becomes editable, correct it to say whatever you need. Use this opportunity to change fonts or adjust the graphic to your liking.
5. Make Final Adjustments: Note that sometimes converting text can alter the look slightly—such as changing the color or style of your original text. Don’t worry, you can tweak it to get back the style you want.

Limitations and Tips

While Canva is fantastic, it’s not perfect. For instance, overly complex or stylized lettering might lose its awesomeness when converted through ‘Grab Text.’ As a workaround, stick to editing flat or basic text rather than complicated styles.

Other Ways to Improve AI Text in Images

Use a Better AI Image Tool

The best way to fix the text in your AI images is to use better generators to begin with. Recraft.ai is the new AI image tool that blew everyone away a few months ago. It continues to handle text like a champ. This article also gives Recraft a big thumbs up for text and recommends other excellent generators.

Use Quotation Marks

AI image tools are getting better at understanding that words in quotations should appear as is. But it’s not perfect, and you may end up fighting with it more than using it.

Lower Your Expectations

Text in AI images has come a looooong way in the past couple of years, but it’s still going to frustrate us if we ask too much of it. Don’t try to write the ad for your upcoming webinar with an AI image. Stick to minimal text in the image and add the words with your old-fashioned text tools.

Any more tips for better AI image text? Please share.