Overcoming Text Spelling Challenges in AI-Images

As the use of AI-generated imagery becomes increasingly widespread, the integration of accurate text remains a significant challenge. This article explores why popular tools like DALL-E Playground AI and Google Imagen often struggle with text spelling and offers strategies to minimise errors and enhance outcomes.

10 October 2024 5-minute read

Main causes

The primary challenges with text in AI-generated images stem from several core issues:

Visual processing over linguistic understanding: AI models primarily focus on visual representation, treating text as shapes rather than meaningful linguistic elements. This often leads to misinterpretations of text as merely part of the visual aesthetics.
Training data limitations: The datasets used to train these models frequently lack a strong emphasis on correct spelling, which can perpetuate errors in generated images.
Tokenisation methods: These models may tokenise text based on whole words or phrases, complicating the task of spelling individual letters and words accurately.

Preventative Strategies

To reduce spelling mistakes from the outset, consider the following approaches:

Prioritise simplicity: Opt for short, common words that AI systems are more likely to reproduce accurately.
Clarify text in prompts: Begin your prompt with the exact text you need, detailing clarity and specifics about font style, colour, and size.
Emphasise through repetition: Repeating key words within the prompt can reinforce their correct representation.
Opt for visual text prompts: Incorporating text as a visual element in your prompts, rather than merely descriptive text, may yield more accurate results.

Preventive Prompt

Create an image of a cosy, small-town supermarket front. The facade features a clean and modern design, decorated with a neutral colour palette. Above the wide entrance, there's a bright, bold sign that reads 'SUPERMARKT' in clear, block lettering similar to those seen in the uploaded images. Large glass windows showcase fresh produce, snacks, and daily essentials, arranged neatly for customers to see. Potted plants by the entrance and a shopping cart return station create a practical yet welcoming feel. The setting evokes the convenience and accessibility of a local supermarket, seamlessly blending into the friendly atmosphere of a small town.

supermarkt — Figure 1. The result of the prompt, cosy, small-town supermarket front with a clean and modern design.

Correction Strategies

When text errors occur in generated images, the following methods can be effective for corrections:

Inpainting: This technique allows for direct editing of specific areas in an image to correct text errors.
Manual text addition: Post-generation, use graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop to add or correct text.
Leverage post-processing tools: Software solutions like Canva provide features that facilitate the adjustment and correction of text within images.

Removing Unwanted Text

To eliminate unwanted text in generated images:

Use negative prompts: Specify no text in your instructions to exclude text elements.
Focus prompts on visuals: By describing your image without mentioning text elements, you help prevent their inadvertent inclusion.
Simplify your requests: A concise and clear prompt reduces the likelihood of AI introducing extraneous text.

Chat conversation correction and removal of unwanted text

Create an image of a quaint, small bakery shop front. The facade is decorated with a warm, pastel colour scheme. Centred above the large display window, there's a sign with the bakery's name in elegant, cursive lettering. The window showcases an array of colourful pastries and breads. Flowers in hanging baskets and a small bench beside the entrance add a welcoming touch. The setting conveys a cosy, inviting atmosphere typical of a local bakery in a small town.

Here is the image of the quaint bakery shop front you described, with a warm pastel colour scheme and an inviting atmosphere. You can see the elegant sign, colourful pastries, and cosy touches like hanging flower baskets and a small bench.

Change word to correct 'BAKERY'.

The bakery shop front now has the sign correctly spelling 'BAKERY'.

Create an image of a quaint, small bakery shop front. The facade is decorated with a warm, pastel colour scheme. The bakery shop front without any signs, text, or words. The window showcases an array of colourful pastries and breads. Flowers in hanging baskets and a small bench beside the entrance add a welcoming touch. Ensure that there are no words anywhere, including on doors, windows, or decorations. The setting conveys a cosy, inviting atmosphere typical of a local bakery in a small town.

The bakery shop front now has a completely blank facade with no text or lettering. Be sure there are now words or letters in the facade.

The Future of Text in AI Images

With rapid advancements in AI technology, significant improvements are expected in how text is handled within visual content. Developers are continuously working to enhance the linguistic capabilities of AI models, aiming to resolve tokenisation issues and improve the contextual understanding of textual elements within images. Staying updated on these developments can empower users to utilise AI tools more effectively, paving the way for more reliable and visually appealing content creation with integrated text.

Conclusion

By adopting these advanced strategies, users can significantly enhance the accuracy of text in their AI-generated images. This proactive approach not only improves the reliability of visual content but also sets a foundation for more effective and innovative uses of AI in imagery.

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