Leonardo AI has quietly built one of the more generous free tiers in AI image generation, while layering on tools, custom model training, an editing canvas, video generation, that appeal to users who want more control than a simple prompt box offers.
What is Leonardo AI?
Leonardo AI is an AI image and video generation platform built around its own Phoenix model alongside access to community-trained fine-tuned models. Users can generate images from text prompts, refine them using AI Canvas, upscale results, and increasingly generate short AI videos using models like Veo 3.
What distinguishes Leonardo from more prompt-only competitors is the amount of creative control on offer: negative prompts, tiling options, scheduler settings, and the ability to train custom models on a specific style or subject.
Key features
Phoenix Model
Leonardo's proprietary image model, designed for strong prompt adherence and accurate text rendering within generated images.
AI Canvas
An editing workspace for blending, extending, and refining generated images using AI-powered brushes, rather than starting over with a new prompt each time.
Custom Model Training
Users can train models on their own reference images to consistently generate a specific character, style, or product across multiple images.
AI Video Generation
Access to video generation models, including Veo 3, letting users animate images or generate short video clips directly within the platform.
Universal Upscaler
Enhances image resolution and detail, useful for turning quick drafts into higher-quality final assets.
Blueprints and Presets
Pre-built creative templates and workflows that streamline common generation tasks without manual prompt engineering.
Pros
- One of the more generous free tiers in AI image generation, with 150 daily tokens
- AI Canvas allows genuine refinement rather than starting over with new prompts
- Custom model training enables consistent characters and styles across projects
- Broad model selection, from Leonardo's own Phoenix to community fine-tunes
- Reasonably priced entry tier compared to some competitors
Cons
- Token consumption varies significantly by feature, advanced settings can drain daily tokens quickly
- Cancelling a paid plan forfeits any unused tokens in the rollover bank
- No official desktop application, web and mobile only
- Free tier generations are public and don't include commercial IP ownership
Pricing
Leonardo AI's Free plan provides 150 tokens daily, enough for casual experimentation, though free-tier creations are public and don't transfer IP ownership to the user. Paid tiers scale token allowances significantly: Apprentice at $12/month ($10/month annually) includes 8,500 monthly tokens, Artisan at $30/month ($24/month annually) includes 25,000 tokens, and Maestro at $60/month ($48/month annually) includes 60,000 tokens.
Higher tiers also unlock features like Alchemy and PhotoReal without additional per-use charges. Token consumption depends heavily on settings used, standard generations cost less, while advanced quality settings and upscaling consume tokens faster, so actual usable output varies by workflow. Confirm current token allowances on Leonardo's pricing page before choosing a tier.
Best for
Leonardo AI is best suited to designers, concept artists, and marketers who want meaningful creative control over AI-generated images, not just a single prompt box, along with the option to train models on a consistent style. It fits well alongside broader AI Image tools for teams producing visual assets regularly.
Use cases
- Generating concept art and character designs for games or media
- Producing marketing visuals and product imagery
- Creating short AI-generated video clips
- Refining and extending images using AI Canvas
- Training custom models for consistent brand or character styles
- Upscaling lower-resolution images to production quality
Supported platforms
- Web, iOS, and Android. Leonardo does not currently offer an official desktop application.
Languages
- Leonardo AI's interface and prompt processing support English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and additional languages, though prompt quality is generally strongest in English.
Integrations
- A developer API for integrating Leonardo's image and video generation into external applications, along with an active Discord community for sharing presets, styles, and workflows.
Things to consider
- Token consumption is the main variable to plan around, since advanced features like Alchemy Refiner or higher resolutions can consume tokens far faster than standard generations, meaning the effective cost per image varies significantly by workflow. Cancelling a subscription also forfeits any unused rollover tokens, so it's worth using accumulated tokens before downgrading.
- Free-tier users should also be aware that generations are public and don't come with commercial IP ownership, only paid subscribers retain full rights to their generated images.
How the tool compares
Compared with Midjourney, Leonardo AI offers a more generous free tier and broader feature set, including video generation and custom model training, while Midjourney is often favored for a distinctive default aesthetic with a more streamlined Discord-based workflow. Compared with Canva AI, Leonardo focuses specifically on image and video generation quality and control, while Canva integrates AI generation into a broader design and templating workflow.
AIToolister verdict
Leonardo AI is a strong choice for creators who want real control over their AI-generated images, custom model training and AI Canvas in particular set it apart from simpler prompt-only tools. The free tier is genuinely useful for testing the platform before committing to a paid plan.
It's a better fit for creators focused specifically on image and video generation than for teams needing a broader design and templating workflow in one place.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Leonardo AI free to use?
Yes. Leonardo AI's Free plan provides 150 tokens daily, though free-tier generations are public and don't include commercial IP ownership, which requires a paid plan.
- What is Leonardo AI's Phoenix model?
Phoenix is Leonardo's proprietary image generation model, built for strong prompt adherence and more accurate text rendering within generated images compared to earlier models.
- Can Leonardo AI train custom models?
Yes. Users can train custom models on their own reference images to consistently generate a specific character, product, or artistic style across multiple projects.
- Does Leonardo AI have a desktop app?
No. Leonardo AI is available on web, iOS, and Android, but does not currently offer an official desktop application.
- Does Leonardo AI offer video generation?
Yes. Leonardo AI includes access to AI video generation models, including Veo 3, allowing users to animate images or create short video clips directly within the platform.