What kind of visual does your launch need?
Start with the job the visual must do. Use a still image for a quick impression, an editable design for a graphic you will update, or a short clip when movement helps someone understand.
When is a still image enough?
Use a still when the reader needs one idea, such as seeing that your app is for booking classes. Use a short clip when showing a change over time helps. If you need to demonstrate the real product, record a test copy with fictional data.
Put essential instructions and labels in readable page text. Check the layout at phone width, and make sure the message still works with video sound off.
What should you check before uploading a reference?
Use material approved for upload. Check whether the service shares it with a partner, keeps it in a shared workspace or shows generations publicly. Visibility settings and the service’s terms answer separate questions.
Start with made-up material if you are still deciding which tool to use. Keep customer records and unreleased screens out of a test.
Compare tools
Scroll the table sideways to read every column.
| Tool | What you can makeThe launch asset each tool can help you produce. | What to check before uploadWho can see inputs and outputs and which rules apply. | What affects the costThe plan, allowance or unit to check before generating. | What to keepThe files and notes you will need to use or revise the asset. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canva | Compose a launch graphic and generate supporting visuals in the same design. | Check the design’s viewers, AI settings and any included library content. | Check current usage limits and plan features for the chosen design and download. | Keep the editable design and an approved finished file. |
| Adobe Firefly | Generate and edit a launch image or supporting clip. | Check the selected Adobe or partner model and any reference-file sharing. | Standard features and premium credits are scoped by plan. | Download the chosen asset and keep its source details. |
| Midjourney | Explore still-image directions and make variations. | Open by default. Stealth needs a qualifying plan and a private work location. | Subscriptions differ in Fast time, privacy features and business-use conditions. | Download selected images and keep prompt and reference notes. |
| Runway | Create a short moving shot from text or an approved image. | Check workspace sharing and the service terms on inputs and outputs. | Credits depend on the selected model and clip length. Free credits are limited. | Download the chosen shot and keep the original and editing notes. |
| Ideogram | Draft a poster or launch image with short text. | Free generations are public. Check plan and collection sharing before adding private inputs. | Check the credit quote or Auto estimate before running variations. | Save the image and exact wording. Keep the Studio project for editable text layers. |
| Recraft | Make a scalable icon or illustration with editable shapes. | Under current terms, Free generations are public and lack a commercial-use license. Check the terms in effect when the asset was made. | Credits vary by action and model. API Units are separate. | Keep the SVG with editable paths and a flat preview. |
| ComfyUI | Build a connected set of steps for repeatable media work. | Confirm which steps run on your hardware and which call outside models. | Local runs need compatible hardware. Cloud uses credits for active GPU time and Partner Nodes. | Save the media, workflow JSON and dependency list. Review embedded workflow details before sharing. |
| fal | Generate images or other media inside your app by calling a hosted model. | Uploaded files default to public by link. Confirm actual access and retention before sending material. | Model units vary. Check per image, size, video duration or compute. | Keep the approved media in your storage and keep the request reference for status. |
| HeyGen | Make a presenter clip or translate the spoken audio of a walkthrough. | Get permission for footage and voices. Check who can open the finished share link. | Free has a quota. Paid credit use depends on the generation or translation feature. | Keep source footage, translated script, finished file and captions where downloads are available. |
| Synthesia | Build a scripted video with scenes, captions and a digital presenter. | Stock and synthetic presenters and voices exclude paid promotion under Synthesia’s rules. Check terms before choosing the audience. | Video creation and dubbing draw from an included allowance, then credits. | Keep script and captions. Eligible plans can download a linear MP4. Interactive scenes cannot export to MP4. |
What should you check before publishing a generated visual?
Inspect the crop, text, important details and motion in the actual destination. Check the current terms for your model, inputs and intended use. Keep the approved download and enough notes or source files to revise it later.
Record where the reference came from, what you changed and any approved use limits. For a clip with instructions, check that captions or nearby text convey them.
How can you plan one launch asset before choosing a tool?
Use a paper sketch for a fictional class booking app. Do not upload or generate anything.
- Pick one jobWrite the one thing someone should understand on the launch page.
- Draw the destinationSketch a phone view. If a picture gets the idea across, plan a still. If movement helps, draw a first and last frame.
- Write the acceptance checkList the files, intended audience and checks needed before sharing. Leave generation and playback unverified.