CNET Crowns Canva And OpenAI For Image Generation. The Tooling Matters More Than The Output, Naturally.
CNET's hands-on testing of AI image generators recommends starting with OpenAI or Canva for free and freemium options. Canva acquired Leonardo.Ai in 2024 and is integrating its technology into in-house models, though Leonardo remains available through its standalone site. The review emphasizes that a great generator provides tools to fix errors when they inevitably appear, not just vivid output.
The underlying principle here is generative control surface. The mechanism is post-generation editing: the best tools do not just produce images, they let you correct, refine, and steer them. A good generator handles styles. A great one gives you adjustable settings and hands-on controls to fix what the model gets wrong. That distinction separates toys from professional instruments.
CNET conducted the comparative testing. Canva owns Leonardo.Ai following its 2024 acquisition and is integrating that tech into its own models. OpenAI and Leonardo.Ai are cited as the other primary contenders.
- Open Canva in your browser and start a new design. Use the Magic Media image generator to create an image from a text prompt. Expected outcome: a vivid generated image appears on your canvas.
- Notice an error in the result, such as a distorted hand or wrong background color. Use Canva's built-in edit tools to erase or replace the problematic area. Expected outcome: the fix is applied without regenerating the entire image.
- Visit the Leonardo.Ai standalone site and generate the same prompt there. Compare the editing controls available on each platform. Expected outcome: you experience firsthand how post-generation tooling differs between generators.