Step by Step Details - How to Create Ghibli-Style Images for FREE Using AI?

Studio Ghibli’s art style is known for its soft colors, whimsical details, and hand-painted textures. While traditionally crafted by talented animators, AI technology has made it easier than ever to replicate this aesthetic. In this guide, we will explore different AI-based methods to create Ghibli-style images, including an easy-to-use ChatGPT method.

Understanding the Ghibli Aesthetic

Before using AI tools, it's essential to recognize the key features of Studio Ghibli’s visuals:

 
•  Soft, Warm Colors – Ghibli’s color palettes emphasize natural tones with a painterly finish.
•  Dreamy Atmosphere – Soft lighting, glowing highlights, and ambient shadows add depth.
•  Hand-Painted Feel – Visible brushstrokes and smooth color transitions make backgrounds feel organic.
•  Whimsical Details – Floating dust, moving leaves, and vibrant landscapes bring scenes to life.

By keeping these characteristics in mind, you can fine-tune AI-generated images to match the Ghibli aesthetic.

Method 1: Using ChatGPT to Convert Your Images

This method allows users to upload their own images and transform them into a Ghibli-style masterpiece with AI.

Step 1: Upload Your Image

•  Use an AI-powered tool that supports image-to-image transformation (e.g., ChatGPT's AI image generation feature or other free AI platforms).
•  Select a high-quality image with clear details and lighting.

Step 2: Choose the Ghibli Style

•  In the AI tool, describe the style you want using detailed prompts.
•  Example prompt: “Convert this image into a Ghibli-style painting with soft lighting, hand-painted textures, and a dreamy atmosphere.”

Step 3: Generate the Image

•  The AI will process your image and apply the requested transformations.
•  If the result isn't perfect, refine the prompt by adding details such as “warmer colors,” “cinematic composition,” or “rich textures.”

Step 4: Refine the Output

•  Enhance the image using tools like Photoshop or Fotor to add grain, soften edges, or adjust contrast.
•  Apply a subtle blur or glow effect to mimic the dreamy feel of Ghibli films.

Example Output:

•  Before: A regular digital image of a house.
•  After: A cozy, vibrant Ghibli-style cottage with hand-painted textures and soft lighting.
  
  

Method 2: Using Stable Diffusion with Custom Prompts

Stable Diffusion is a powerful AI model that can generate Ghibli-style images based on text prompts.

Step 1: Set Up Stable Diffusion

•  Use platforms like DreamStudio or Automatic1111’s Stable Diffusion WebUI.
•  Alternatively, install Stable Diffusion locally for more control.

Step 2: Craft the Right Prompt

•  AI-generated images depend heavily on detailed prompts.
•  Example prompts for Ghibli-style landscapes: 
  •  “Studio Ghibli-style enchanted forest, soft warm lighting, lush greenery, hand-painted texture, cinematic composition.”
  •  “Ghibli-inspired sunset over a peaceful town, pastel colors, detailed architecture, anime-style brushstrokes.”

Step 3: Adjust Model Parameters

•  Sampling Method: Euler or DPM++ for detailed output.
•  CFG Scale: Set between 7-12 for a balance of creativity and prompt adherence.
•  Steps: Use 50-100 steps for high-quality results.

Step 4: Post-Process the Image

•  Enhance colors and textures in Photoshop or Krita.
•  Use filters to add a subtle grainy effect for a hand-painted feel.

Example Output:

•  Before: A generic anime-style forest.
•  After: A rich, vibrant Ghibli-style landscape with soft lighting and detailed foliage.

Method 3: Using AI Filters (Fotor, Deep Dream Generator, etc.)

If you already have an image and want to convert it into Ghibli-style art, AI filters are the best option.

Step 1: Choose an AI Filter Tool

• Fotor’s Ghibli Filter – Transforms images into Ghibli-style artwork.
• Deep Dream Generator – Uses AI-based neural networks to apply artistic styles.
• Runway ML – Offers AI-powered stylization features.

Step 2: Upload Your Image

• Use a landscape or character photo with a soft, natural look.
• The AI works best on images with clear lighting and composition.

Step 3: Apply and Tweak the Filter

• Adjust intensity, saturation, and brushstroke strength.
• Increase blur or softness to mimic the dreamy effect seen in Ghibli films.

Step 4: Refine the Details

• Manually paint over AI-generated elements to remove inconsistencies.
• Use color grading to enhance the warmth of the image.

Example Output:

•  Before: A real-world photo of a mountain landscape.
•  After: A painterly, Ghibli-inspired scene with soft gradients and rich textures.

Method 4: AI-Based Image Enhancement & Style Transfer

Another powerful approach is using AI to transfer the Ghibli style onto an existing image.

Step 1: Use Style Transfer AI

•  DeepArt – Applies artistic styles to images using neural networks.
•  Neural Style Transfer (NST) – Available in TensorFlow and Runway ML.
•  Adobe Sensei – AI-powered tool in Photoshop for automatic style replication.

Step 2: Select a Reference Image

•  Choose a Ghibli movie frame or concept art as the style reference.
•  The AI will analyze and extract the artistic features from it.

Step 3: Apply Style Transfer

• Upload both the base image and the reference image.
• Adjust blending strength to control how much the new style influences the base image.

Step 4: Fine-Tune and Blend

• Refine the image manually in Photoshop or Procreate.
• Add soft highlights and shadows to enhance the depth.

Example Output:

• Before: A standard anime-style house.
• After: A cozy, Ghibli-style cottage with rich textures and dreamy lighting.

Final Tips for AI-Based Ghibli-Style Art

✅ Combine Multiple AI Tools – Use Stable Diffusion for base generation, then refine with style transfer or filters. 

✅ Experiment with Prompts – Adding words like "hand-painted," "soft lighting," and "lush colors" improves results. 

✅ Refine with Manual Editing – AI does most of the work, but small tweaks make a big difference. 

✅ Observe Ghibli Films – Study backgrounds and lighting to improve AI-based results.

By using AI-powered tools strategically, you can create stunning Ghibli-style images that capture the essence of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting worlds. Experiment with different approaches to find the best workflow that suits your artistic needs.