Glaze by University of Chicago

NewVerified

Protects artwork from being used to train AI image models.

7.6 (71.294 score)

free

Overview

Glaze is a free tool developed by the University of Chicago that adds imperceptible perturbations to digital art, making it unsuitable for training generative AI models. It's designed for digital artists and creators who want to prevent their work from being scraped and used without permission. The tool runs locally on your computer, keeping your art private while applying protection.

Pros

Runs entirely on your computer with no cloud upload
Completely free with no subscription or watermark
Protects artwork without visible quality degradation
Works retroactively on already-published images online
Open source research from academic institution

✕ Cons

Processing large batches of images takes significant time
Limited to image files, doesn't protect other media
No guarantee protection survives all model training techniques

Key Features

Local processing without uploading

Batch image protection

Invisible perturbation technology

Free desktop application

Post-publication protection support

Research-backed algorithm

Use Cases

Digital artists protecting portfolios from AI scrapingIllustrators safeguarding commissioned work before publicationPhotographers preventing unauthorized model training on photosCreative professionals protecting existing published work online

Best For

Digital Artists & IllustratorsIndependent CreatorsRights-Conscious PhotographersArt Schools & Educators

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of Glaze?▾

Glaze is completely free to use. There are no subscription fees or premium tiers, making it accessible to all artists regardless of budget.

How difficult is it to get started with Glaze?▾

Glaze has a straightforward setup with minimal learning curve. Users can upload images and apply protection in just a few clicks, with batch processing available for multiple files at once.

Does Glaze integrate with other tools or have an API?▾

Glaze primarily operates as a standalone web-based tool. While it doesn't offer extensive integrations, it accepts standard image formats and can be used alongside existing creative workflows.

What are the main limitations of Glaze?▾

Glaze works best on digital artwork and may have reduced effectiveness on very low-resolution images or certain art styles. Protection is most reliable against current generation models, though future model versions may require updates.

Who should use Glaze?▾

Glaze is ideal for digital artists, illustrators, and creators who want to protect their work from unauthorized use in AI training datasets and generative models without compromising image quality.