2026 Generative AI Practical Tools and Learning Resources Recommendations: From Text to Design, Audio, Video, and Code

Generative AI is developing rapidly, and in 2026, it has penetrated all aspects of our work and life. Whether it's creating artwork, designing websites, writing code, or creating presentations, generative AI provides powerful tools. This article will recommend some practical generative AI tools and free learning resources for you based on discussions about "Generative AI" on X/Twitter to help you better understand and apply this technology.

I. Free Learning Resources: Prepare for the Future

The key to mastering generative AI is continuous learning. Here are some free learning resources available in 2026, covering all aspects from basic concepts to practical applications:

1. Generative AI Explained (NVIDIA)

   • Link: learn.nvidia.com/courses/course… (Please fill in the complete link yourself)
   • Introduction: A course provided by NVIDIA that explains the principles, applications, and development trends of generative AI in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Suitable for beginners to get started and understand the basic concepts of generative AI.

2. Vibe Coding 101 with Replit (deeplearning.ai)

   • Link: deeplearning.ai/short-courses/… (Please fill in the complete link yourself)
   • Introduction: Learn AI-assisted code writing through the Replit online IDE. Focuses on practice to help you quickly get started using AI to improve coding efficiency.

3. Claude code in action (Anthropic)

   • Link: anthropic.skilljar.com/claude-code-in… (Please fill in the complete link yourself)
   • Introduction: Learn how to use Claude (an AI assistant developed by Anthropic) for code generation and debugging. The focus is on using Claude's natural language processing capabilities to simplify the code writing process.

4. Microsoft’s Generative AI for beginners (Microsoft)

   • Link: microsoft.github.io/generative-ai-… (Please fill in the complete link yourself)
   • Introduction: Microsoft's introductory generative AI course designed for beginners, covering various generative AI applications such as text and images. The content is comprehensive and suitable for systematically learning all aspects of generative AI.

5. Foundation of Prompt Engineering (AWS)

   • Link: skillbuilder.aws/learn/VF6H4SZI… (Please fill in the complete link yourself)
   • Introduction: Learn the basics of prompt engineering and master how to effectively interact with AI models to obtain the desired results. Prompt engineering is a key skill for using generative AI and can significantly improve output quality.

6. Retrieval Augmented Generation (Coursera)

   • Link: coursera.org/learn/retrieval-augmented-generation-rag… (Please fill in the complete link yourself)
   • Introduction: Learn Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) technology to improve the knowledge coverage and accuracy of generative AI. RAG is an effective method for solving the hallucination problem of generative AI.

7. AI Essential Courses (Google)

   • Link: grow.google/ai/
   • Introduction: Google's AI basic courses, covering multiple AI topics, including generative AI. Suitable for learners who want to understand the overall overview of AI. * Link: cloudskillsboost.google/paths/118
   • Introduction: Learn about generative AI services and applications on Google Cloud. Suitable for developers who want to deploy and use generative AI in a cloud environment.

Learning Suggestions:

• Choose a course that suits you: Choose the right course based on your foundation and interests.
• Combine theory with practice: While learning theoretical knowledge, actively participate in practical projects to consolidate what you have learned.
• Pay attention to the latest developments: Generative AI technology is developing rapidly, so keep an eye on the latest technologies.

2. Recommended Practical Tools: Improve Work Efficiency

Generative AI is changing the way we work. Here are some practical tools that can improve work efficiency:

1. Stockimg.ai - Text to Design

   • Function: Generate various design materials based on text descriptions, including logos, illustrations, posters, etc.
   • Applicable Scenarios: Quickly create visual content to meet marketing, social media, and other needs.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Clear Description: Use clear and concise language to describe design requirements.
     • Provide Reference: Provide reference images or style descriptions to help AI better understand your intentions.
     • Multiple Iterations: Adjust and optimize based on the generated results until you are satisfied.

   Example:

   prompt: "A modern logo for a tech startup, using a clean and minimalist design, incorporating the letter 'A' and a subtle circuit board pattern. Blue and gray color scheme."
   

2. Stunning.so – Text to Website

   • Function: Generate websites based on text descriptions, including page layouts, content, and design styles.
   • Applicable Scenarios: Quickly build website prototypes and simplify the website development process.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Detailed Planning: Plan the website structure and content in advance, and describe it clearly to the AI.
     • Select a Template: Choose a suitable website template to speed up generation and optimize results.
     • Manual Adjustment: Manually adjust and optimize the generated website to make it more in line with your needs.

   Example:

   prompt: "A landing page for a SaaS product that helps small businesses manage their finances. The page should include a hero section with a compelling headline and a call to action, a features section highlighting the product's key benefits, a testimonials section with customer quotes, and a pricing section with different subscription options. Use a clean and modern design with a blue and white color scheme."
   ```3.  **Gencraft.com - Text to Video**
   
   *   **Function:** Generates short videos based on text descriptions, suitable for creating promotional videos, commercials, tutorials, etc.
   *   **Applicable Scenarios:** Quickly create video content and reduce video production costs.
   *   **Usage Tips:**
       *   **Write a Script:** Write a clear video script, including scene descriptions, dialogues, and narration.
       *   **Choose a Style:** Choose a suitable video style, such as animation or live-action.
       *   **Add Music:** Add appropriate background music to enhance the video's appeal.
   
   **Example:**
   
   ```text
   prompt: "A short animated video explaining the benefits of using a cloud-based CRM system. The video should feature a friendly and engaging narrator, clear and concise explanations, and visually appealing graphics."
   

3. VoiceMaker.in - Text to Audio

   • Function: Converts text into natural and fluent speech, supporting multiple languages and voices.
   • Applicable Scenarios: Create voiceovers, audiobooks, podcasts, etc.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Choose a Voice: Choose a suitable voice that matches the text content and target audience.
     • Adjust Speech Rate: Adjust the speech rate and pitch to make it more natural and fluent.
     • Add Pauses: Add appropriate pauses to enhance the rhythm of the speech.

   Example:

   text: "Welcome to our website! We offer a variety of high-quality products and services to help you improve work efficiency and achieve business success."
   

4. ChatBA.com - Text to Presentation

   • Function: Generates presentations based on text content, including slide layouts, content, and design styles.
   • Applicable Scenarios: Quickly create presentations and improve presentation efficiency.
   • Usage Tips:
     • Organize Thoughts: Organize the ideas and content of the presentation in advance and express them clearly.
     • Choose a Template: Choose a suitable presentation template to speed up generation and optimize results.
     • Manual Adjustment: Manually adjust and optimize the generated presentation to make it more attractive.

   Example:

   topic: "The Future of Generative AI"
   outline:
   - Introduction to Generative AI
   - Key applications of Generative AI
   - Challenges and opportunities
   - The future of work with Generative AI
   - Conclusion
   

3. Generative Design: AI Applications in the Design Field

Jousefm2 mentioned "Generative Design," which is an iterative, exploratory design process that uses AI-based software to generate multiple design solutions that meet specific requirements. This is a powerful tool that can help designers quickly explore different design options and find the optimal solution.Advantages of Generative Design:

• Automated Design: Automatically generate multiple design options without manual intervention.
• Optimized Design: Automatically optimize design options based on specific requirements.
• Explore Innovation: Explore innovative designs that are difficult to achieve with traditional design methods.

Application Scenarios of Generative Design:

• Architectural Design: Optimize building structure, energy efficiency, and spatial layout.
• Product Design: Optimize product performance, material utilization, and production costs.
• Engineering Design: Optimize bridge structure, road planning, and equipment layout.

IV. Ethics and Safety: Building Responsible AI

byolacademy mentioned the new global AI safety guidelines, which indicate that responsible and ethical AI development is crucial in the context of the rapid development of generative AI. These guidelines aim to regulate generative AI models, ensuring transparency, accountability, and data security.

Key Considerations:

• Data Privacy: Protect user data privacy and ensure data security.
• Bias Elimination: Eliminate bias in AI models to ensure fairness.
• Transparency: Improve the transparency of AI models to make them easy to understand and explain.
• Accountability: Establish an accountability mechanism for AI models to clarify the responsible party.

V. ConclusionGenerative AI is changing the way we work and live. By learning through free courses, using practical tools, understanding generative design, and paying attention to ethical and safety issues, we can better utilize this technology, improve efficiency, create value, and build a responsible AI future. Mastering these tools and resources will allow you to gain a competitive edge in the AI wave of 2026.