Major Categories of Generative AI in Use Today — Overview and Examples

Major Categories of Generative AI in Use Today — Overview and Examples

1. Text Generation AI

   • Description: AI models that automatically create, summarize, translate, or carry on conversations in natural language.
   • Examples: OpenAI ChatGPT / GPT-4, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Meta LLaMA

2. Code Generation AI

   • Description: Tools that assist with code completion, generation, and refactoring.
   • Examples: GitHub Copilot, Amazon Q Developer, Alibaba Qwen3-Coder, Anthropic Claude Code

3. Image Generation AI

   • Description: Models that generate or edit new images from text prompts or existing visuals.
   • Examples: OpenAI DALL·E 3, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Adobe Firefly

4. Video Generation AI

   • Description: Systems that automatically create or edit short video clips from text or image inputs.
   • Examples: Runway Gen-2, Synthesia, Pika Labs, Meta Make-a-Video

5. Audio (Music & Narration) Generation AI

   • Description: Tools that generate narration, music, or sound effects from text.
   • Examples: ElevenLabs, Descript Overdub, OpenAI Jukebox, Google AudioLM

6. Multimodal Generation AI

   • Description: Models capable of generating and reasoning across multiple modalities—text, image, and audio.
   • Examples: OpenAI GPT-4o (vision + audio), Google Gemini 2.5 Pro, Anthropic Claude 4 Multimodal

7. 3D Model Generation AI

   • Description: Platforms that automatically create 3D objects or scenes from text or 2D images.
   • Examples: DreamFusion, Point-E, NVIDIA Instant NeRF, Adobe Substance 3D AI

8. Voice Assistant / Conversational AI

   • Description: Agents that respond to voice input in natural language and perform voice-driven tasks.
   • Examples: Amazon Alexa (with advanced generative engine), Google Assistant (Gemini-powered)

9. Document Automation & Analysis AI

   • Description: AI that parses PDFs, spreadsheets, and other documents to automatically summarize, visualize data, or generate reports.
   • Examples: Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, Notion AI, Cohere Summarize

10. Design Assistance AI

    • Description: Tools that generate UI/UX designs, logos, or ad banners automatically.
    • Examples: Figma AI (FigJam), Canva Magic Studio, Adobe Sensei

Best Practice Scenarios by Use Case

• Business Document Creation: Use ChatGPT for meeting summaries + Copilot for automated code review
• Creative Production: Generate concept art with DALL·E 3 → Animate it with Runway Gen-2
• Education: Auto-generate lesson materials with Gemini for Education + create voiceovers using ElevenLabs
• Product Development: Implement features with Qwen3-Coder → Prototype in 3D using DreamFusion

By matching the right generative AI category and tool to your objectives, you can streamline workflows and boost creativity across industries.