What is NovelAI?
NovelAI is a creative platform from Anlatan Inc. with two main parts: image generation, built on the NovelAI Diffusion V5 model for anime-style art, and story generation, powered by GLM 4.6, which is designed to help users write alongside the AI rather than generate text for them. Images are created from natural language prompts and tags, with options for defining multiple characters separately, setting their positions and actions, and keeping them consistent across scenes.
In practice you can generate original characters, scenes and artwork, refine them with inpainting that changes selected areas such as faces or backgrounds, use Director Tools to adjust clothing, lighting or poses, and make quick edits on a built-in canvas. On the writing side you can build stories, worlds and characters, with the AI helping maintain continuity across a narrative. The service runs in the browser and on mobile devices, with no installation required.
Key features
- Anime-style image generation with NovelAI Diffusion V5
- Character consistency and separate character definition in scenes
- Inpainting for selective edits
- Director Tools for poses, clothing and lighting
- Built-in canvas for quick edits
- Story generation powered by GLM 4.6 that helps build worlds and characters
Who is it for
- Anime and illustration artists
- Content creators
- Fiction writers and worldbuilders
- Hobbyists creating original characters
How to get started with NovelAI
- Create an account on the NovelAI website and use the trial
- Type a prompt describing a character or scene
- Define your character separately to keep them consistent
- Refine the result with inpainting or Director Tools
- You create anime characters and need consistent heroes across scenes
- You write stories or build worlds and want an assistant that remembers plot threads
- You want to use images commercially without an extra plan
- You need a fully free image generator without a subscription
- You expect a Polish-language interface, which is not available
Pros and cons
- No restrictions on commercial use of generated images
- Strong character consistency and precise scene control
- Works from mobile devices without installation
- Not a free image generator; subscriptions start at 10 USD/month
- Free access is limited to a trial period
NovelAI pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | 10 USD / month | Starting price, gives access to image generator and text generator; exact limits not stated in text |
Prices copied from the vendor website, checked October 12, 2026. Currency as shown by the vendor; taxes may apply.
Is NovelAI free?
There is a free trial. Trial period to try the full capabilities; the text does not specify its length or limits.
Featured in
- Best AI for graphics - #9
NovelAI alternatives
| Tool | Price from | Free plan | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 Civitai | 10 USD/mo | yes | Image generators |
 Recraft | 10 USD/mo | yes | Image generators |
 Bing Image Creator | not listed | yes | Image generators |
 Black Forest Labs (FLUX) | 0.048 USD | trial | Image generators |
 Ideogram | 20 USD/mo | ? | Image generators |
 Nano Banana 2 | 23,99 PLN/mo | yes | Image generators |
FAQ
What is NovelAI used for?
AI image generator for anime-style art and a story generator for writing worlds, characters and stories, aimed at creators and writers.
Is NovelAI free?
There is a free trial. Trial period to try the full capabilities; the text does not specify its length or limits.
How much does NovelAI cost?
The cheapest paid plan is 10 USD/mo (vendor pricing, October 12, 2026).
What are the best NovelAI alternatives?
Closest alternatives: Civitai, Recraft, Bing Image Creator, Black Forest Labs (FLUX), Ideogram.
Data checked October 12, 2026 on the vendor website (novelai.net).