Ghibli-Style AI Art with ChatGPT|Free Tool to Try the Latest Ghibli AI Trend

In March 2025, OpenAI released its latest model, GPT-4o, which introduced not only advanced text generation but also powerful image generation capabilities—capturing widespread attention.
One of the most talked-about features is the ability to generate Ghibli-style illustrations.
With ChatGPT, you can simply upload a photo and give a short prompt to create dreamy, animated images reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the actual process we tried, share impressions of the output, highlight common errors to avoid, and explain key copyright and ethical considerations

What Is Ghibli-Style Image Generation with ChatGPT? A Guide to GPT-4o's AI Image Features

In March 2025, OpenAI launched GPT-4o, introducing groundbreaking image generation capabilities alongside its powerful text functions. Among the most talked-about features is the ability to create “Ghibli-style” illustrations—a trend often referred to as Ghiblification.

This “Ghibli-style” refers to visuals inspired by Studio Ghibli's signature look: soft color palettes, warm landscapes, and anime-like character designs. Simply by uploading an image and typing "Make it Ghibli-style," ChatGPT uses its trained model to apply this aesthetic and transform your photo into a charming, animated-style illustration.

This powerful style transfer is made possible by a new image generation engine integrated into GPT-4o.

👉 Learn more about how GPT-4o generates images:
What is GPT-4o’s Image Generation? Features, Pricing, and Prompt Tips

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Key Features of ChatGPT’s Image Generation

Here are the main characteristics that make ChatGPT’s image generation stand out:

• Autoregressive Model
  Produces more coherent compositions and consistent color tones compared to diffusion-based models.

• Advanced Text-to-Image Alignment
  Simple prompts like "Make this Ghibli-style" are accurately interpreted and applied.

• All-in-One Chat Interface
  Upload, instruct, and generate—all within the ChatGPT UI.

• Available to Free Users
  Image generation is available even on the free plan (with daily limits).

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How to Generate Ghibli-Style Images with GPT-4o

We tested GPT-4o to create an actual Ghibli-style illustration. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

🔧 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open ChatGPT (GPT-4o Model)
   Visit chat.openai.com and select the GPT-4o model. Image generation is available on both desktop and mobile, even for free users (limits apply).

2. Upload an Image
   Click the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen and upload your photo—portrait, landscape, etc. JPEG or PNG under 2MB is recommended.

prompt_example

3. Type a Prompt
   Enter a prompt like “Please make this image Ghibli-style.” Be as specific as you'd like.

4. Wait for AI to Generate
   GPT-4o will process the image and return the result in 1–3 minutes.

Result example

5. Check and Save the Result
   You’ll see the generated image right in the chat. You can save it for personal use.

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How to Edit the Generated Image

You can tweak the AI-generated image further:

1. Click the Area You Want to Edit

   

2. Give a New Prompt for That Area
   For example: “Please make the stomach pink.”

White belly prompt

ChatGPT will apply your edits based on your feedback.

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Better Quality with the New o3 Model

OpenAI’s latest model, o3, significantly improves image generation quality. Previously, text within generated images often appeared distorted—but o3 makes them cleaner and more natural.

You can even ask where a photo was taken, and o3 will try to guess:

👉 Want to learn more?
What Is OpenAI o3? Features, Pricing, and Comparison with o4-mini

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Other Styles: AI “Personification” & Bikkuriman Stickers

Beyond Ghibli-style, ChatGPT can generate other fun image styles:

• Bikkuriman Sticker Style – Retro anime sticker look
• Personification (Anthropomorphization) – Turn pets or objects into people

Bikkuriman-Style Example

Prompt: “Make it like a shiny, rare Bikkuriman card with an angelic prince vibe.”

👉 Tutorial: How to Generate Bikkuriman-Style Images Using ChatGPT

Personification Example

You can even personify a dog into a boy—or a middle-aged man, like this:

👉 More: How to Personify Animals with ChatGPT (Free Guide)

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Troubleshooting: Common Errors and Fixes

Error	Cause	Solution
Upload fails	File too large	Resize your image
Style doesn’t apply	Prompt too vague	Use clear style directives
Generation stalls	Server overload	Try during off-peak hours
Can I use it commercially?	Copyright concerns	Use only for personal, non-commercial purposes

Image generation is also subject to usage limits (e.g., 3 images/day on the free plan).

limit_message

👉 Details: ChatGPT Usage Limits and How to Avoid Them

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Prompt Tips for Ghibli-Style Image Generation

• Be Specific:
  Instead of “Make it Ghibli-style,” try “Ghibli-style forest background with warm tones.”

• Use Reference Styles:
  “Ghibli-style” + “like Totoro’s forest” helps guide the AI better.

• Resize Images if Needed:
  Try 800x600px for smooth performance.

• Give Feedback:
  Comments like “Make it brighter” help fine-tune the output.

• Experiment!
  Different prompts = different results. Try “Ghibli-style night scene” or “Ghibli-style character portrait.”

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Copyright and Ethical Considerations

While Ghibli-style generation is fun, be cautious of copyright risks:

• Avoid mimicking exact characters or settings
• Use for personal enjoyment only
• Remember that Studio Ghibli’s creators, including Hayao Miyazaki, have expressed caution toward AI art

🔗 OpenAI Image Generation System Card

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Japanese Legal Context (FYI)

In Japan, copyright law around AI-generated content is still developing.

🧠 According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs:
If a human enters prompts with creative intent, they may be recognized as the author of the AI-generated work.

📜 In April 2025, a government official stated:

“Mimicking a style alone doesn’t constitute copyright infringement. However, if an AI output closely resembles specific characters or settings, legal risks remain.”

This was in response to a question about Ghibli-style images in the Japanese parliament.

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10 Use Cases for Ghibli-Style Image Generation

This feature has gone viral on social media! Popular use cases include:

1. Sam Altman used a Ghibli-style image as his profile pic on X
   

2. Users are creating Ghibli-style animations

   https://x.com/roaneatan5/status/1910511267066110291

3. Celebrities are being illustrated in Ghibli-style on Instagram
   

4. Musicians using it in promotional posters
   

5. Transforming personal photos into fantasy scenes

6. Sharing scenic Ghibli-style photos on social media

7. Stylizing hand-drawn art

8. Ghibli-fying original characters

9. Creating keepsakes from family or friends' photos

10. Turning kids’ drawings into Ghibli-style illustrations

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Final Thoughts

GPT-4o’s image generation is impressive, and Ghibli-style conversions feel delightfully authentic. Just be mindful of copyright and ethical considerations—especially with specific characters or IP. AI art is evolving fast, and it’s never been easier (or more fun) to explore your creativity with it.