What is GPT-4o?
Apr 3, 2025
What is GPT-4o?
Rédigé par Naomie Halioua
GPT-4o is a multimodal artificial intelligence, capable of processing text, images, and code all in one workflow. Its standout feature is the free image generation: users can now create custom visuals simply by describing a scene through a prompt, without needing a paid subscription. Additionally, this version offers improved accuracy, reducing errors and hallucinations common in earlier models.
How does it work?
The process is intuitive. Users enter a text request, such as "Draw an astronaut cat in a manga style." GPT-4o then analyzes this prompt by cross-referencing billions of data points from its training to understand not just the requested subject, but also the visual style and underlying intent. The model then generates a fitting outcome, whether it’s an image, an explanatory text, or a code snippet, all within seconds.
Major Updates
Among the key innovations, OpenAI has lifted the paywall for image generation, allowing everyone free access. Users also benefit from advanced customization: it's possible to add details like "watercolor style" or "cyberpunk vibe" to refine results. Finally, GPT-4o now handles long conversations, remembering up to 25,000 words of history, ensuring consistency in extended exchanges.

What is it used for?
The applications are numerous. Content creators can produce original illustrations for articles, social media, or marketing materials. Developers find an ally for generating code snippets or correcting errors in real-time. In education, GPT-4o helps create visual teaching aids, like diagrams or infographics. Lastly, marketing professionals use it to brainstorm ideas or quickly design impactful visuals.
Key Features
GPT-4o excels in generating high-resolution images, achieving up to 4K quality depending on the prompt's accuracy. Its adaptable style allows for choices between realistic, cartoon, or abstract renditions, catering to varied needs. Lastly, its seamless integration allows for smooth transitions between text, image, and code within a single conversation, providing a unified user experience.

Why the shift to free?
This decision aligns with a strategy of democratizing generative AI, aiming to reach a wider audience, from freelancers to small businesses. It allows OpenAI to compete with tools like MidJourney or DALL-E 3, often only accessible via subscription. Meanwhile, the company gathers more user feedback, essential for refining its models.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
Despite its strengths, GPT-4o has some constraints. The quality of free images can vary, sometimes with less fine details than in premium versions. Users must also respect copyright laws by crediting creations as AI-generated. Furthermore, potential biases in training data can influence results, requiring increased vigilance.
How to Start?
To explore GPT-4o, visit ChatGPT. Enter a simple request, like "Generate an image of a modern villa by the ocean, minimalist style," then refine it with additional details ("Add a sunset and palm trees"). Results appear in seconds, ready to download or modify.
Comparison with Competitors
Against tools like MidJourney (paid and image-specific) or DALL-E 3 (OpenAI's premium version), GPT-4o stands out for its free access and versatility. While competitors focus on one output type (image or text), GPT-4o combines both, along with code generation. However, paid versions still lead in advanced customization.
With GPT-4o, OpenAI is reinventing access to generative AI, breaking economic barriers while expanding creative possibilities.
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