Artificial intelligence (AI) image generators like Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion can now create extremely realistic images.
However, AI images still leave small clues. If you know what to look for, you can often tell whether an image is real or generated by AI.
Here are 7 simple signs that can help you identify AI-generated images.
1. Strange Hands and Fingers
One of the biggest weaknesses of AI image generators is creating hands.
Common problems include:
- extra fingers
- missing fingers
- unnatural hand shapes
If the hands look strange, the image might be AI-generated.
2. Text That Doesn’t Make Sense
AI models often struggle with text.
Look at:
- sign boards
- product labels
- street signs
If the text looks distorted or unreadable, the image might be AI-generated.
3. Weird Reflections
Check reflections in:
- mirrors
- water
- glass
Sometimes AI forgets to correctly reflect objects, which reveals the image is artificial.
4. Unnatural Background Details
Backgrounds sometimes contain:
- distorted objects
- repeating patterns
- strange shapes
This is another clue.
5. Perfect Skin
AI portraits often have extremely smooth skin without natural imperfections.
Real photos usually contain:
- pores
- wrinkles
- small blemishes
6. Lighting That Feels Off
Sometimes shadows and lighting directions don’t match.
For example:
- shadows pointing different directions
- light sources that don’t make sense
7. Look at Small Details
Zoom in.
Check:
- jewelry
- glasses
- hair strands
AI sometimes generates small objects incorrectly.
Conclusion
AI-generated images are becoming more realistic every day, but they still leave subtle clues.
By checking hands, text, reflections, and small details, you can often identify whether an image is AI-generated.
Soon on this website we will launch a Daily AI Detection Challenge, where you can test your ability to spot AI images.