ChatGPT Image Library – No Deleting!
OpenAI launches a new image management system for ChatGPT users, but deleting unwanted AI artwork still requires jumping through hoops.
At a Glance
- ChatGPT’s new Image Library feature automatically saves AI-generated images across conversations
- Available to all account types (Free, Plus, Pro) on mobile and web versions
- Provides centralized access to images without searching through old conversations
- No direct delete function – users must delete entire conversations to remove unwanted images
- Currently supports images created with ChatGPT’s 4o model, with older images being added gradually
A Central Hub for AI-Generated Artwork
OpenAI has introduced a significant upgrade for ChatGPT users who regularly create images with the AI platform. The new Image Library feature, announced on April 16, 2025, functions as a centralized database for all AI-generated images created using ChatGPT’s 4o model. Similar to a smartphone’s photo gallery, this dedicated space eliminates the frustrating process of scrolling through numerous conversations to locate specific images you’ve previously generated.
The feature has already begun rolling out to iOS app users and is expected to appear on the web version shortly. Access requires no special settings or configurations – the library will automatically appear in the ChatGPT sidebar under a new “Library” section once available on your account. The clean, grid-based interface makes browsing through your creative history straightforward and efficient.
Universal Access Across Account Types
In a refreshing move that doesn’t gate features behind premium tiers, OpenAI has made the Image Library available to all ChatGPT users regardless of subscription status. Free, Plus, and Pro account holders will all gain access to this organizational tool as it rolls out across platforms. This approach ensures that casual users experimenting with AI art can benefit from better image management just as much as power users who generate dozens of images daily.
The intuitive design prioritizes quick access to previous creations while also featuring a prominent button for generating new images directly from the library interface. This streamlines the creative workflow for those who regularly use ChatGPT for digital art production, whether for social media content, project illustrations, or personal creative exploration.
— State of AI (@stateof_ai) October 25, 2024
Current Limitations and Future Updates
While the Image Library represents a significant improvement in managing AI-generated content, it comes with several important caveats. Currently, only images created with ChatGPT’s 4o model appear in the library automatically. OpenAI has indicated they’re working on “backfilling” older images into the library over time, so users may not immediately see their complete collection of previously generated images.
The most notable limitation is the absence of a direct deletion function within the library itself. To remove an unwanted image from your library, you must locate and delete the entire conversation where it was originally created. This cumbersome process represents a significant friction point in an otherwise streamlined system, particularly for users concerned about privacy or managing inappropriate content that may have been inadvertently generated.
Practical Applications and User Benefits
The Image Library particularly benefits creative professionals, content creators, and hobbyists who regularly use ChatGPT to generate digital art in various styles. From fantastical scenes and anime tributes to minimalist designs and conceptual illustrations, having a dedicated space to browse, edit, and share these creations significantly enhances workflow efficiency. Users can now open any image from their library to modify specific elements or share it directly, without needing to reconstruct complex prompts from scratch.
This feature represents part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to expand ChatGPT beyond text-based interactions into a fully multimodal AI experience. By simplifying image management and retrieval, the company is removing friction points that previously made working with AI-generated visuals more cumbersome than necessary, potentially encouraging more users to explore ChatGPT’s creative capabilities.
— State of AI (@stateof_ai) October 28, 2024