Build an AI Image Generation App with React Native

Want to create your own AI-powered image generation app? This article walks you through the process of building a full-stack application using React Native and various AI tools. An accompanying video walks through the full process.

This guide details the steps involved in creating an AI image generation app using React Native, Expo, Clerk authentication, Neon PostgreSQL, and the Strapi backend. You’ll learn how to implement features like text-to-image conversion, image upscaling, background removal, and avatar generation. The article covers setting up the user interface, integrating AI APIs, managing user credits, and storing generated images.

Application Overview

Let’s take a look at the key features of this AI image generation app. The app starts with a clean landing screen and utilizes Google authentication via Clerk for user sign-in. Once logged in, users can access the dashboard, which displays their remaining credits for generating images. The dashboard also provides access to various features, including:

• Upscaling images
• Removing backgrounds
• Converting text to images
• Generating mockups
• Fine-tuning images

The app also features an avatar section with a horizontal scrollable list, showcasing different image styles. Users can view and download AI-generated images, and their creations are displayed in a user-created AI images section.

Text-to-Image Functionality

The text-to-image feature allows users to input a prompt and generate corresponding AI images. For example, entering “waterfall landscape” will generate a visual representation of that scene. The process is quick, delivering impressive results in moments. Users can then download or share the generated images. The app requests permission to access the device’s library to save the downloaded images.

Avatar Generation and Image Manipulation

Beyond text-to-image, the application offers avatar generation. Users upload an image, and the app creates a unique avatar based on the input. For example, you can generate a cyberpunk-style avatar from a standard photo. Similarly, the app allows users to upload existing images and upscale them to a higher resolution.

Credit System and User Collections

The application incorporates a credit system to manage image generation. Each generation consumes credits, and the user’s remaining credit balance is displayed. A “collection” section stores all the images a user has created. The profile section offers options to manage AI image generation, view collections, and purchase more credits.

Backend with Strapi and Neon

The application’s content is managed through Strapi, a headless CMS. Strapi allows you to create collections and manage AI models, user lists, and saved images. The Strapi backend is connected to a Neon PostgreSQL database, offering a robust and scalable data storage solution. Strapi’s latest version provides a user-friendly admin panel for managing the application’s data.

Tech Stack

The application is built using the following technologies:

• React Native: A framework for building native iOS and Android applications with a single codebase.
• Expo: A platform that simplifies React Native development, providing tools for building, deploying, and managing applications.
• Clerk Authentication: A user authentication service that offers features like Google sign-in and user management.
• Neon PostgreSQL: A fully managed serverless PostgreSQL database.
• Strapi: An open-source headless CMS used for managing the application’s content and data.
• Replicate.com: Provides AI APIs for image generation and manipulation.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a summary of the key things you can learn from this project:

• Building cross-platform mobile apps with React Native and Expo.
• Implementing user authentication with Clerk.
• Integrating AI APIs for image generation and manipulation.
• Managing application content with Strapi CMS.
• Using Neon PostgreSQL for data storage.
• Designing a user-friendly interface for AI-powered applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other AI APIs besides Replicate.com?

Yes, you can integrate other AI APIs depending on your specific requirements and preferences. The application architecture allows for flexibility in choosing the AI service provider.

Is it possible to deploy this app to both iOS and Android?

Yes, React Native allows you to build applications for both iOS and Android platforms from a single codebase, simplifying the deployment process. Expo further streamlines this process.

Can I customize the user interface and add more features?

Absolutely. The application is built with React Native, which offers extensive customization options. You can modify the UI components, add new features, and tailor the app to your specific needs. In summary, building an AI image generation app with React Native involves combining front-end development with AI API integration and backend data management. Using tools like Expo, Clerk, Strapi, and Neon can significantly simplify the process and allow you to create a powerful and engaging application. This project provides a great starting point for exploring the possibilities of AI in mobile app development.

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