AI Photo Guide
How to Tell If Image Is AI Generated - Detection Guide
AI photos now look ultra realistic. Learn how to tell if image is AI generated with visual clues - hands, text, lighting, textures - and how AI detectors work in 2026.
Why harder to spot AI now?
Newer models have realistic skin, lighting, fewer hand errors. Need to check multiple small details together, not one obvious flaw.
Common causes
- Improved realism
- Fewer hand errors
- More consistent backgrounds
- Better reflections/shadows
- Compression hides artifacts
- Less familiarity with new AI patterns
Practical solutions
Check small text and patterns
Zoom into small text, fine repeating patterns, background details - AI still struggles.
Look at hands, ears, teeth
Most error-prone areas even in advanced models.
Examine lighting consistency
Check shadows, reflections, light direction logical across image.
Prompt example
Self-check checklist
Checklist: small text, jewelry, background patterns, hand/finger anatomy, teeth alignment, reflections in glass/eyes, shadow consistency with single light source.Step-by-step fix
- 1Zoom into hands, ears, teeth, small text
- 2Check lighting/shadows consistency
- 3Check background patterns
- 4Consider source/context
- 5Use detector as supporting signal
Tips for better results
- No single detail guarantees AI - look for several together
- Detectors have false positives
- Metadata can be stripped
- Context matters
AI tools you can use
ChatGPTGemini
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Most reliable signs of AI image?
Small text, hands, ears, teeth, reflections, inconsistent lighting/shadows remain most reliable.