Compare · Last checked October 20, 2026
ImageQuarry vs Artbreeder: two ways to steer an image
Artbreeder is a web suite of mixing tools: Splicer blends images and edits their "genes", Composer mixes images with text, Prompter turns text into images and Outpainter expands a picture. Its own pages describe no way to change an image by typing an instruction. ImageQuarry starts from a description or an upload, then lets you ask for a specific change in words while every earlier version is kept. Choose Artbreeder for playful blending, a small monthly allowance at no cost and public domain output. Choose ImageQuarry when you want to direct edits in sentences and branch from any version.
We make ImageQuarry. We compared it with Artbreeder using Artbreeder's own public pages, checked October 20, 2026, and say where Artbreeder does more.
Last updated October 20, 2026
At a glance
| ImageQuarry | Artbreeder | |
|---|---|---|
| How you steer the image | Describe it, then ask for changes in words such as new lighting or a new background | Mix images and text in tools such as Splicer, Mixer and Composer |
| Editing by instruction | Select a version and describe the change | Not described on Artbreeder's pages; Splicer edits "genes" instead |
| Entry price | Starter at $9 per month with 100 image credits a month | Artbreeder has a no cost tier with 3 credits a month; Starter Breeder is USD 8.99 a month |
| Rights on output | Not published | Artbreeder releases every image as public domain (CC0) |
| Extra tools | Variations and branching from any version | Artbreeder lists an Animator (Pro only), Collager and an experimental Worlds platform |
ImageQuarry and Artbreeder: the differences that matter
Blending versus describing
Artbreeder's core idea is the mix: Splicer says it can "Mix, branch and edit images in a one-of-a-kind creative interface", and Composer mixes images and text "with precision". ImageQuarry works through a written conversation: you select a version and ask for a different light, a new background or an added object.
A low commitment start
Artbreeder lists a tier at USD 0 with 3 credits a month, and its smallest paid plan, Starter Breeder, costs USD 8.99 a month billed monthly or USD 89.88 billed yearly, as of October 2026. Every ImageQuarry plan is paid: Starter at $9 per month with 100 image credits a month.
Public domain by design
Artbreeder's support page says "All images are public domain (CC0) and may be used for commercial purposes", and its terms ask you to license what you create under CC0. That suits anyone who wants clear reuse rules, and it means anyone else can reuse the images too. ImageQuarry has not published rights terms yet.
Keeping the path of an edit
ImageQuarry keeps every version with the prompt, the source and the references that produced it, and you can branch from any earlier version to try another direction. Artbreeder describes branching inside Splicer; its pages do not describe a version history across tools.
Models behind the tools
Artbreeder's about page names BigGAN and StyleGAN as its main technology, and its pricing expresses credits as SDXL images. ImageQuarry offers a choice of four named models, with Nano Banana 2.1 as the default.
ImageQuarry vs Artbreeder, side by side
Checked against Artbreeder's public pages on October 20, 2026. "Not stated" means the pages we read do not say; it is not a claim that the feature is missing. "Not published" means ImageQuarry has not published that detail.
| Topic | ImageQuarry | Artbreeder |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Describe the image in plain language, or upload an image and describe how you want it changed | Text in Prompter; images and text mixed in Splicer, Mixer and Composer |
| Editing with words | Select a version and ask for a change in words: lighting, background, an added object, composition or color | Not stated; editing is by mixing images and their "genes" |
| Reference images | Add one or more source and reference images to guide material, color, light or shape | Images are mixed together as inputs; uploads for the general category are not currently available |
| Versions, variations and branching | Each change makes a new version and earlier versions are kept; make variations and branch from any version | Splicer is described as able to "Mix, branch and edit images" |
| Projects and library | Projects and a persistent library that keep prompts, references and versions together | Not stated |
| Image models | Nano Banana 2.1 (default), Nano Banana Pro, GPT Image 2.5 Flare and GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst | BigGAN and StyleGAN; credits expressed as SDXL images |
| Output resolution and formats | Not published | Pro promises higher res downloads; no maximum stated |
| Commercial use terms | Not published | All images public domain (CC0), commercial use allowed |
| Price | Starter at $9 per month with 100 image credits a month; Pro at $29 per month with 300 image credits a month; optional metered overage, off unless you turn it on; every plan is paid | USD 0 tier with 3 credits a month; paid from USD 8.99 a month (October 2026) |
As of 2026-10-20
Sources: Artbreeder about; Artbreeder create; Artbreeder pricing; Artbreeder support; Artbreeder terms.pdf
Pricing
ImageQuarry plans come from its pricing. Artbreeder prices are as of October 2026, from artbreeder.com. Credits are not comparable across products, because each vendor defines its own credit. Check the vendor for current pricing.
| ImageQuarry plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $9 per month | 100 image credits a month; optional metered overage at $0.12 per extra credit, off unless you turn it on |
| Pro | $29 per month | 300 image credits a month; optional metered overage at $0.09 per extra credit, off unless you turn it on |
| Product | Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artbreeder | Free | USD 0 per month | 3 credits per month |
| Artbreeder | Starter Breeder | USD 8.99 per month, billed monthly | 100 credits per month |
| Artbreeder | Starter Breeder | USD 89.88 per year, billed yearly | 1,200 credits a year (shown as USD 7.49 x 12) |
| Artbreeder | Advanced Breeder | USD 18.99 per month, billed monthly | 275 credits per month |
| Artbreeder | Advanced Breeder | USD 191.88 per year, billed yearly | 3,300 credits a year (shown as USD 15.99 x 12) |
| Artbreeder | Champion Breeder | USD 38.99 per month, billed monthly | 700 credits per month |
| Artbreeder | Champion Breeder | USD 371.88 per year, billed yearly | 8,400 credits a year (shown as USD 30.99 x 12) |
Prices as of 2026-10
About each product
ImageQuarry
ImageQuarry is a conversational AI image workspace. You describe an image or upload one, then ask for specific changes in words, such as new lighting, a different background or an added object. Each change makes a new version and earlier versions are kept, so you can make variations, branch from any version, add reference images and organize the work in projects and a library. You can choose between four image models: Nano Banana 2.1 (the default), Nano Banana Pro, GPT Image 2.5 Flare and GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst. Plans: Starter at $9 per month with 100 image credits a month, and Pro at $29 per month with 300 image credits a month, with optional metered overage that is off unless you turn it on. Every plan is paid. ImageQuarry has not published output specifications or rights terms yet, and it is not a headshot or background removal tool.
Artbreeder
Artbreeder began as Ganbreeder and is run by Morphogen, Inc. Its create page lists a family of tools: Splicer to mix images and edit their genes, Mixer to combine images into complex prompts, Prompter to turn text into images, Composer to mix images and text, Collager to assemble shapes, images and text, Outpainter to expand an image, an Animator for Pro members and an experimental world building platform called Worlds. Plans run from a tier with 3 credits a month at no charge to Champion Breeder at USD 38.99 a month, with yearly billing below the monthly rate. Pro benefits include no ads, privacy controls, Google Drive sync and higher res downloads. Images are released as public domain under CC0.
Which one fits your work
Choose ImageQuarry when
- You want to ask for a change in plain sentences rather than adjust sliders or genes
- You want every version kept with the prompt and references behind it
- You plan to branch from an older version without losing the newer one
- You want projects and a library to hold finished work
Choose Artbreeder when
- You enjoy blending images and exploring mixes more than directing exact edits
- You want a monthly allowance at no cost before paying anything
- You want images released as public domain (CC0) with commercial use allowed
- You want collage, animation or world building tools in the same place
How to try both on the same image
- Pick one subject, for example a character portrait or a product, and write a two sentence description of it.
- In Artbreeder, build the image with Prompter or Composer, then mix it with a second image in Splicer to see where blending takes it.
- In ImageQuarry, describe the same subject, then ask for one change at a time, such as warmer light or a plain studio background.
- Compare the trail each tool leaves: Artbreeder's mixes, and ImageQuarry's list of versions you can branch from.
Questions about ImageQuarry vs Artbreeder
Can Artbreeder edit an image when I type what to change?
Artbreeder's pages describe mixing images and text and editing genes in Splicer. They do not describe typing an instruction to change an existing image, so check the current tools before you rely on it.
Are Artbreeder images public?
Artbreeder releases images as public domain under CC0. Its Pro benefits list privacy controls, so check your plan if you want work kept private.
How do the starting prices compare?
Artbreeder lists a USD 0 tier with 3 credits a month and Starter Breeder at USD 8.99 a month, as of October 2026. ImageQuarry plans are paid: Starter at $9 per month with 100 image credits a month, or Pro at $29 per month with 300 image credits a month.
Which models does each one use?
Artbreeder names BigGAN and StyleGAN on its about page. ImageQuarry offers Nano Banana 2.1, Nano Banana Pro, GPT Image 2.5 Flare and GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst.
Can I branch in both?
Artbreeder describes branching inside Splicer. In ImageQuarry you can branch from any earlier version and keep the other path.
Sources
Every competitor fact on this page comes from the vendor's own pages, checked on the date shown. Recheck them before you buy.
Checked October 20, 2026
Create an image. Edit it with words. Keep refining.
Describe it, then change it in words
Start with a description or an upload, ask for one change at a time and keep every version you make along the way.
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