Lesson Content

Leonardo AI model categories.

Leonardo AI's platform models fall into several broad categories (specific model names change with updates – verify current models at leonardo.ai): general-purpose versatile models (strong across multiple visual styles), photorealism-focused models (optimized for hyperrealistic photographic output), artistic and illustration models (optimized for painterly, illustrated, or stylized output), and specialized purpose models (optimized for specific content types like portraits, landscapes, or concept art).

General-purpose versatile models.

Models like Leonardo Diffusion XL (and similar versatile entries) produce quality results across a wide range of styles when guided by style descriptors in the prompt – a solid starting point for users learning the platform and exploring what's possible before committing to a specialized model for a specific project.

Photorealism-focused models.

Models specifically optimized for photorealistic output produce images that closely resemble real photography – high detail, realistic lighting, plausible textures and surfaces. Best for: product images, portrait photography concepts, architectural visualization, fashion and lifestyle photography concepts. These models may produce less satisfying results when used for illustration or artistic styles – use a general or artistic model for those goals.

Artistic and illustration models.

Models optimized for artistic output – illustration, painting, concept art styles – produce visually rich, stylized output with strong aesthetic character. Best for: concept art and world-building, editorial illustration, character design, stylized brand imagery. Pairing a strong artistic style descriptor in the prompt with an illustration-optimized model produces the most consistent artistic output.