Bing Image Creator: How to Use Microsoft’s Free AI Image Generator

Bing Image Creator is Microsoft’s free tool for making AI-generated images. You sign in with a Microsoft account, type a description of what you want to see, and the system creates up to four images in seconds. You get 15 fast creations each day; after that, the tool keeps working but takes a bit longer to generate your images.

The service runs on two image models built by Microsoft—MAI-Image-2.5-Flash and MAI-Image-2e—and you can reach it either at its dedicated website or inside Copilot when you search. It is one of several free AI image generators available in 2026, and it requires no subscription or payment to use the basic features.

What is Bing Image Creator

Bing Image Creator is an AI image generator from Microsoft that turns text descriptions into pictures. You might type “a cat wearing sunglasses on a beach at sunset,” and the tool will create four different versions of that scene. It is free to use and built into Microsoft’s ecosystem, which means it connects with your Microsoft account and works alongside Bing search and Copilot.

The tool is powered by two models: MAI-Image-2.5-Flash and MAI-Image-2e. A model is the AI system that has learned to create images by studying millions of pictures. Microsoft built these models specifically for Bing Image Creator, and you can choose which one to use when you create an image. MAI-Image-2.5-Flash is faster, while MAI-Image-2e focuses on higher detail and quality.

Unlike some AI tools that require a paid subscription for most features, Bing Image Creator gives you meaningful daily use at no cost. The catch is a speed limit: you get 15 “fast” creations per day, after which generation continues at standard speed. For many people making a few images for a school project, social media post, or birthday card, 15 images is plenty.

How to Access Bing Image Creator

You can reach Bing Image Creator in two main ways: through its dedicated website or inside Copilot search results.

The direct route is to visit bing.com/images/create. You will need to sign in with a Microsoft account. If you use Outlook, Xbox, Windows, or OneDrive, you already have one. If not, you can create a free Microsoft account in a minute or two.

The second way is through Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant. When you search in Copilot and ask it to create an image—something like “show me a futuristic city at night”—it will use Bing Image Creator behind the scenes and display the results right in the chat. This route is convenient if you are already using Copilot for other questions.

Bing Image Creator is not available in every country. Microsoft restricts the service in certain regions due to local laws and content regulations. If you try to access it and see a message saying the service is unavailable, it may not be offered where you are located.

How to Create Images Step by Step

Creating an image in Bing Image Creator is straightforward. Here is the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Sign in. Go to bing.com/images/create and sign in with your Microsoft account. You will see a text box in the center of the page.

Step 2: Write your prompt or upload an image. You can either type a description of what you want to create or upload an existing image as a starting point. A prompt is just a sentence or two describing the picture you have in mind. Be specific: instead of “a dog,” try “a golden retriever puppy playing in autumn leaves.” The more detail you give, the closer the result will match what you imagine. If you upload an image, the tool can use it as a reference or modify it based on additional instructions you provide.

Step 3: Choose a model and speed. Before you click Create, you can select which model to use—MAI-Image-2.5-Flash or MAI-Image-2e—and whether to use a fast creation (one of your 15 daily allotment) or standard speed. Fast creations finish in seconds; standard speed may take a minute or two.

Step 4: Click Create. The tool will generate four variations of your prompt. Each one interprets your description a little differently, so you can pick the version you like best.

Step 5: Download or share. Click on any image to view it full-size. You can download it to your device, share it directly to social media, or save it to your Microsoft account for later.

If you want more guidance on writing effective prompts and understanding how AI image tools work, Convly’s guide on how to make AI images walks through the basics in plain language.

The Two Models: MAI-Image-2.5-Flash and MAI-Image-2e

Bing Image Creator offers two models, and understanding the difference helps you choose the right one for your project.

MAI-Image-2.5-Flash is the faster option. It creates images in a few seconds and works well for quick ideas, social media posts, and situations where speed matters more than pixel-perfect detail. If you are making a dozen images to pick one for a flyer, Flash gets you there quickly.

MAI-Image-2e focuses on quality and detail. It takes a bit longer to generate images but produces results with better lighting, textures, and composition. If you are creating something you plan to print or use professionally, MAI-Image-2e is the better choice.

Both models are free to use within your daily limits. You are not locked into one or the other—you can try Flash for one image and switch to 2e for the next.

Daily Limits and Microsoft Rewards

Bing Image Creator gives you 15 fast creations per day. A fast creation uses priority processing and finishes in seconds. Once you have used your 15, the tool does not stop working—it just switches to standard speed, which may take a minute or two per image instead of a few seconds.

The daily limit resets at midnight in your time zone. If you run out of fast creations at 10 PM, you will have 15 more at 12:01 AM.

You can also use Microsoft Rewards points to get more fast creations. Microsoft Rewards is a free program that gives you points for using Bing search, completing quizzes, and other activities. You can redeem those points for boosts in Bing Image Creator. The exact number of points required changes periodically, but according to Microsoft’s help page, the option is available to Rewards members.

If you create images occasionally, the free daily limit is likely enough. If you are a teacher making visuals for lessons every day or a small-business owner creating social posts, you might find yourself hitting the limit and either waiting for standard speed or earning Rewards points to keep going.

Rules and Restrictions

Microsoft has clear rules for what you can and cannot do with Bing Image Creator. These rules protect people’s privacy and rights, and violating them can result in losing access to the tool.

Only upload images you own or have rights to. If you upload a photo as a starting point, make sure it is your own picture or one you have permission to use. Do not upload someone else’s artwork, a screenshot from a movie, or a celebrity photo unless you have the legal right to do so.

Do not create images that violate others’ privacy or rights. This means no images of real people without their consent, no attempts to impersonate someone, and no use of trademarked or copyrighted characters in ways that infringe on those rights.

Follow Microsoft’s content policies. The tool blocks prompts that request violent, sexual, hateful, or illegal content. If you try to create something that breaks these rules, you will see an error message and the image will not generate.

These restrictions are standard across AI image generators and exist to prevent harm. If you are making images for personal use, school projects, or business marketing that does not mislead anyone, you will not run into problems.

One important note: AI-generated images can sometimes be wrong or misleading. If you use an image in a way that could deceive people—passing off an AI-generated photo as a real event, for example—you are responsible for that misuse. Be honest about what is AI-created, especially in contexts where it matters.

Tips for Better Results

Writing a good prompt makes a big difference. Here are a few tips that help you get images closer to what you have in mind.

Be specific. Instead of “a car,” try “a red sports car on a mountain road at sunrise.” The more detail you include, the less the AI has to guess.

Mention style if it matters. You can ask for “a watercolor painting of a garden” or “a realistic photo of a coffee shop interior.” The tool responds to style cues and will adjust the look accordingly.

Use adjectives. Words like “cozy,” “dramatic,” “colorful,” or “minimalist” shape the mood and composition. “A cozy living room with warm lighting” will look very different from “a minimalist living room with natural light.”

Iterate. If the first result is not quite right, adjust your prompt and try again. You might add a detail, remove something that did not work, or change the style.

Creating good AI images is a skill that improves with practice. If you want to compare how Bing Image Creator stacks up against other tools, Convly’s roundup of the best AI image generators in 2026 covers the major options and what each does well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bing Image Creator completely free?

Yes, Bing Image Creator is free to use. You get 15 fast creations per day at no cost, and after that, image generation continues at standard speed. You do not need to pay for a subscription or enter a credit card. Microsoft Rewards points can optionally be used to get more fast creations if you want them.

Can I use Bing Image Creator images commercially?

Microsoft allows you to use images you create for personal and commercial purposes, but you must follow the content policies and ensure you are not infringing on anyone else’s rights. If you upload an image as a starting point, you need to own it or have permission to use it. For business use, it is a good idea to review Microsoft’s terms of service to confirm your specific use case is allowed.

What happens if I run out of fast creations?

After you use your 15 fast creations, Bing Image Creator switches to standard speed. Your images will still generate, but they may take a minute or two instead of a few seconds. The fast creation count resets at midnight in your time zone, or you can use Microsoft Rewards points to get more immediately.

Why is Bing Image Creator not available in my country?

Microsoft restricts Bing Image Creator in certain regions due to local regulations and content laws. If you see a message saying the service is unavailable, it is not offered in your location. Using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions may violate Microsoft’s terms of service.

Which model should I choose: MAI-Image-2.5-Flash or MAI-Image-2e?

Use MAI-Image-2.5-Flash when you want results quickly and are making images for casual use like social media or brainstorming. Choose MAI-Image-2e when quality and detail matter more, such as for print materials or professional projects. Both are free, so you can try each and see which fits your needs.

Can I edit an image after Bing Image Creator makes it?

Bing Image Creator itself does not include editing tools. Once the images are generated, you download them and can edit them in any photo editing software you prefer. If you want AI-powered editing features like removing backgrounds or adjusting lighting, you will need a separate tool—Convly has a guide to the best AI photo editing apps that can help.

Wrapping Up

Bing Image Creator is a practical, free tool for making AI images without a subscription or technical setup. The 15 daily fast creations are enough for most people’s everyday needs, and the two models—MAI-Image-2.5-Flash and MAI-Image-2e—give you a choice between speed and quality. It works well for students, parents, teachers, and small-business owners who need visuals quickly and do not want to pay for a premium service.

The rules are straightforward: only use images you own or have rights to, follow Microsoft’s content policies, and be honest about what is AI-generated. As long as you stay within those lines, Bing Image Creator is a solid option in the growing field of AI image tools.