ChatGPT AI Detection & Watermark Analysis

What is ChatGPT Image Generation?

ChatGPT includes built-in image generation through OpenAI's models (DALL-E 3, GPT Image 1.5). Users can generate images directly in conversation by describing what they want. This integration makes ChatGPT one of the most accessible AI image generators — no separate tools or interfaces needed.

Image generation is available on both free and paid ChatGPT plans, though paid users (Plus, Pro, Team, Enterprise) get higher limits and access to newer models.

ChatGPT Image Models

GPT Image 1.5

OpenAI's latest image model integrated into ChatGPT. Improved realism, better text rendering, and enhanced prompt understanding compared to DALL-E 3.

DALL-E 3

The previous generation, still available and widely used. Known for strong prompt adherence and creative interpretation of complex descriptions.

ChatGPT and Watermarks

C2PA Content Credentials

OpenAI embeds C2PA metadata in all ChatGPT-generated images. This includes:

• AI generation tag indicating the image was created by an AI tool
• Tool identification recording the OpenAI model used
• Cryptographic signature for verification

This metadata follows the same C2PA standard used by Adobe Firefly. It can be verified using Content Credentials verification tools.

No SynthID

ChatGPT does not use Google's SynthID. SynthID is exclusive to Google DeepMind services. OpenAI uses C2PA metadata as its provenance approach.

No Visible Watermark

ChatGPT does not add visible watermarks to generated images on any plan.

C2PA Is Metadata-Based

Like Adobe's implementation, OpenAI's C2PA metadata is stored in the image file rather than embedded in pixels. This means it can be removed by re-saving, format conversion, or metadata stripping — after which detection relies on statistical analysis of the image content.

Detecting ChatGPT Images

With C2PA Preserved

When C2PA metadata is intact, ChatGPT images are identifiable through any C2PA verification tool. Platforms that read C2PA data (like Instagram) can automatically label these images as AI-generated.

With C2PA Removed

Once metadata is stripped, detection relies on analyzing the image content:

• Statistical patterns from the DALL-E / GPT Image generation process
• Model-specific artifacts and generation signatures
• Frequency domain analysis

The detection profile is different from Stable Diffusion-family models since OpenAI uses its own proprietary architecture.

ChatGPT Pricing

• Free: Limited image generations per day
• Plus ($20/mo): Higher image generation limits
• Pro ($200/mo): Unlimited image generation, priority access
• Team ($25/user/mo): Shared workspace with image generation
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

All plans generate images with C2PA metadata. There is no option to disable Content Credentials.

Testing ChatGPT Images

Upload ChatGPT-generated images in our Arena to test them against multiple AI detectors. Compare how detectors perform when C2PA metadata is preserved versus stripped. The Leaderboard shows which detectors are most effective at identifying ChatGPT outputs.