Recraft
Vector and raster AI image generation for brand work
What it is
Recraft is an AI image generation tool built specifically for designers and brand teams who need consistent visual output at scale. It generates vector illustrations, icons, and raster images from text prompts, and supports custom brand style training so outputs stay on-model. The free tier is genuinely usable, though the credit system can feel restrictive once you start iterating quickly.
Key features
- ●Text-to-image generation in raster and SVG vector formats
- ●Custom brand style training from uploaded reference images
- ●Icon and illustration generation with style locking
- ●Color palette controls for brand-consistent output
- ●Image-to-image editing and style transfer
- ●Mockup and scene generation for product visuals
- ●Team workspace for collaborative asset creation
Pros and cons
Pros
- +One of the few AI image tools that outputs true SVG vector files
- +Brand style training keeps generated assets visually consistent
- +Free tier includes real generation credits, not just a trial
- +Strong control over style, color palette, and composition
- +Outputs work well for commercial use without heavy post-editing
- +Interface is cleaner and more designer-focused than many competitors
Cons
- –Credit-based system makes heavy iteration expensive quickly
- –Photorealistic human generation is weaker than Midjourney or Ideogram
- –Brand style training requires uploading a meaningful sample set to get good results
- –No native video generation or animation features
- –Batch generation workflow is less mature than some rivals
Who it's for
- ●Creating on-brand social media visuals without a designer
- ●Generating icon sets and illustrations for apps or websites
- ●Producing thumbnail and banner variants for YouTube or newsletters
- ●Building a library of branded marketing assets at speed
- ●Prototyping visual concepts before handing off to a human designer
- ●Generating product scene mockups for e-commerce listings
Categories
Good for
YouTubers, Newsletter writers
Frequently asked questions
Is Recraft actually free, or is the free plan too limited to be useful?
The free plan includes 30 credits per day allocation that covers genuine experimentation and light use. It becomes limiting if you are generating dozens of images daily, at which point a paid plan makes more sense.
What does Recraft cost on a paid plan?
Paid plans start at around $10 per month, with higher tiers available for teams or heavier usage. Verify current pricing on recraft.ai before committing, as credit allocations and plan structures have changed since launch.
How does Recraft compare to Midjourney for creators?
Midjourney produces more striking photorealistic and painterly images, but Recraft has a clear advantage for brand and design work because it outputs vector files and supports style locking. They serve meaningfully different use cases.
Can I use Recraft images commercially?
Yes, paid plan outputs are licensed for commercial use. Review the terms on the free tier before using those images in commercial projects, as conditions may differ.
Does Recraft support team collaboration?
Recraft includes a team workspace where multiple members can share brand styles and assets. This is one of its more useful features for small creative or marketing teams.
What file formats does Recraft export?
Recraft exports PNG and JPG for raster images and SVG for vector outputs. The SVG export is a genuine differentiator, as most AI image tools only produce raster files.