Beginner’s Guide to 6 AI Tools for Writing, Design, Image & Video Generation, Search, and Summarization

AI tools are revolutionizing the way we work, helping us with writing, design, video editing, research, and productivity. However, beginners may feel overwhelmed by the vast number of AI tools available.

This guide is designed to help beginners understand what AI tools are, how to use them effectively, and how to combine them for maximum efficiency.

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1. Overview of AI Tools

1.1 What Are AI Tools?

AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools are software programs that automate or assist with specific tasks by mimicking human intelligence. Examples include chatbots, AI-powered text generators, automatic translators, and image-generation tools.

In the past, AI was primarily used by experts and researchers, but now, AI-powered tools are accessible to everyone. This has made it easier to apply AI in fields such as:
✅ Writing (e.g., ChatGPT for content generation)
✅ Design (e.g., Canva AI for graphic creation)
✅ Video Editing (e.g., Runway ML for AI-generated videos)
✅ Research & Productivity (e.g., Notion AI for document management)

This guide will introduce AI tools in a simple, practical way so that beginners can start using them immediately.

 

1.2 How Beginners Can Use AI Tools

If you’re new to AI, follow these three steps to get started:

① Start with Small Tasks

Instead of trying to master all AI tools at once, begin by using them for simple tasks:

• ChatGPT: Ask a question or generate a short paragraph.
• Canva AI: Create a simple social media post using a template.

This will help you gradually build confidence in using AI.

② Learn the Core Features of Each Tool

Most AI tools operate based on "prompts"—commands or queries you input.
For example, in ChatGPT, entering "Write a 5-line introduction about AI tools" will generate a text response.
Understanding how AI processes information will help you get better results.

③ Apply AI to Real-Life Tasks

The best way to learn AI tools is by using them in real situations.

• Bloggers can use ChatGPT to draft articles.
• Marketers can create designs using Canva AI.
• Researchers can use Notion AI for organizing notes.

AI-generated results may not always be perfect, but with regular use and refinement, you will achieve better outcomes.

 

1.3 How to Choose the Right AI Tool

There are countless AI tools available, so beginners should consider the following factors when choosing one:

Criteria	Description	Example
Purpose	What task do you need the tool for?	Writing, design, video editing, etc.
Learning Curve	How easy is it to use?	ChatGPT (Easy) vs. Runway ML (Moderate)
Free vs. Paid	Is the free version enough?	ChatGPT Free vs. Pro version
Community & Tutorials	Are there guides and tutorials available?	Canva AI (Many online tutorials)
Integration	Does it fit into your workflow?	Notion AI (Works with Notion)

📌 For beginners, it's best to start with free and easy-to-use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Perplexity AI.

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2. 6 Recommended AI Tools

AI tools can be applied to various fields such as writing, design, video editing, document organization, information retrieval, and image generation. Below are six AI tools that are beginner-friendly and highly useful.

 

2.1 ChatGPT – Text Generation & Q&A

"Ask AI anything and receive instant answers!"

ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot that can assist with information retrieval, writing, translation, and even coding.

🔹 Basic Usage

1. Visit ChatGPT’s website: https://chat.openai.com/
2. Enter a question, and AI will generate a response.
3. Adjust the style of responses if needed (e.g., "Make it simpler").

🔹 Tips for Writing Effective Prompts

• Be specific → Instead of "Tell me about marketing," ask "Recommend 3 social media marketing strategies for startups."
• Give AI a role → "You are a marketing expert. Recommend 3 social media strategies for startups."

🔹 Use Cases

✅ Blog Writing: Generate drafts based on keywords.
✅ Research Paper Writing: Structure and summarize research ideas.
✅ Coding Assistance: Debug errors and generate sample code.

 

2.2 Canva AI – Design & Image Generation

"Easily create professional designs, even without design skills!"

Canva AI is a template-based design tool for banners, posters, presentations, and logos.

🔹 Basic Usage

1. Visit Canva: https://www.canva.com/
2. Choose a template that suits your needs.
3. Use AI features (background removal, auto-alignment) to enhance your design.

🔹 Use Cases

✅ Blog Banners: Create engaging visuals.
✅ Social Media Graphics: Design Instagram posts & YouTube thumbnails.
✅ Presentation Slides: Generate polished slide decks.

Ex) 

2.3 Runway ML – AI Video Editing & Generation

"AI generates videos automatically and removes backgrounds effortlessly!"

Runway ML is an AI-powered video editing and creation tool that makes video production accessible to beginners.

🔹 Basic Usage

1. Visit Runway ML: https://runwayml.com/
2. Use Text-to-Video to generate a video from text descriptions.
3. Utilize features like background removal and automatic subtitles.

🔹 Use Cases

✅ YouTube Video Creation: AI-enhanced visuals and effects.
✅ Background Removal: Eliminate backgrounds without a green screen.
✅ Short-Form Video Production: Quickly generate content for social media.

 

Ex)

 

2.4 Notion AI – Document Organization & Productivity Enhancement

"AI helps summarize and organize your notes and documents!"

Notion AI is an AI-powered tool that enhances document organization, note-taking, and productivity. It is particularly useful for researchers, students, and professionals who need to manage large amounts of information efficiently.

🔹 Basic Usage

1. Visit Notion: https://www.notion.so/
2. Create a new document or open an existing one.
3. Use AI-powered features such as automatic summaries, content generation, and idea organization.

🔹 How to Use AI for Document Organization

• Automatically summarize long articles or notes.
• Generate structured content from simple prompts.
• Organize tasks and schedules using AI-powered automation.

🔹 Use Cases

✅ Research Note Management → Summarize and categorize academic papers.
✅ Task & Project Planning → Automate task tracking and document organization.
✅ Blog Planning → Structure and draft articles efficiently.

 

2.5 Perplexity AI – AI-Powered Search & Summarization

"Find real-time information and get AI-generated summaries!"

Perplexity AI is an AI-driven search engine that quickly retrieves and summarizes relevant information. Unlike traditional search engines, it provides concise and well-structured answers to queries.

🔹 Basic Usage

1. Visit Perplexity AI: https://www.perplexity.ai/
2. Enter a search query (e.g., "Latest AI trends in 2024").
3. AI processes the data and provides a concise, AI-generated summary with relevant sources.

🔹 Tips for Effective Searches

• Ask for explanations → "Explain quantum computing in simple terms."
• Compare different topics → "What are the differences between ChatGPT and Perplexity AI?"

🔹 Use Cases

✅ Academic Research → Summarize the latest studies on a given topic.
✅ Industry Trend Analysis → Stay updated on AI and technology developments.
✅ News Summarization → Get short, digestible summaries of lengthy news articles.

 

2.6 Leonardo AI – AI Image & Art Generation

"Create AI-generated images in the style you want!"

Leonardo AI is a text-to-image generation tool that creates unique illustrations, character designs, and concept art based on user prompts.

🔹 Basic Usage

1. Visit Leonardo AI: https://leonardo.ai/
2. Enter a prompt describing the image you want (e.g., "Futuristic city skyline, cyberpunk style").
3. AI generates an image automatically based on your description.

🔹 Tips for Writing Effective Prompts

• Specify a clear style → Example: "Pixel-art style game character."
• Include detailed descriptions → Example: "Warm lighting, soft shadows, high resolution."

🔹 Use Cases

✅ AI Character Design → Create unique characters for games and comics.
✅ Logo & Branding → Generate creative product logos and brand imagery.
✅ Concept Art → Design backgrounds for films, animations, and video games.

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3. AI Tool Usage Tips & Combinations

3.1 Essential Tips for Beginners

🔹 ① A Good Prompt Leads to Better AI Results

AI tools heavily rely on how you phrase your request. Use clear, detailed prompts to get the best outcomes.

Basic Prompt	Improved Prompt
"Write a blog post."	"Write a 1,000-word blog post on 'The Future of AI' with an introduction, body, and conclusion, incorporating recent trends."
"Generate an image."	"Create a cyberpunk-style digital artwork featuring a futuristic city at night with neon lights and a misty atmosphere."
"Edit a video."	"Generate a 5-second AI animation with the text 'The Future of AI' in a futuristic, blue-themed aesthetic."

📌 The more detailed and structured your request, the better the AI-generated result will be.

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🔹 ② AI-Generated Content Should Be Refined

AI tools provide drafts rather than perfect results. Always refine and personalize AI-generated outputs:

• For writing → Edit the AI-generated text to add your personal voice.
• For design → Adjust fonts, colors, or layouts to match your brand.
• For videos → Add final edits for a polished look.

📌 Think of AI as a creative assistant, not a replacement for human refinement.

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3.2 Combining AI Tools for Maximum Efficiency

AI tools work best when used together. Here are some powerful combinations:

🔹 ① ChatGPT + Canva AI → Blogging & Visual Content

• ChatGPT → Generate blog drafts and article ideas.
• Canva AI → Design thumbnails, banners, and infographics.

Example Workflow:

1. Ask ChatGPT: "Write a 1,500-word article on renewable energy."
2. Refine the content and structure the blog post.
3. Use Canva AI to design a professional blog thumbnail.

📌 This combination speeds up content creation while ensuring high quality.

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🔹 ② Perplexity AI + Notion AI → Research & Organization

• Perplexity AI → Find real-time, summarized information.
• Notion AI → Organize notes, research papers, and projects.

Example Workflow:

1. Search Perplexity AI for "2024 AI technology trends."
2. Copy key insights into Notion AI for structured note-taking.
3. Use Notion AI’s summarization feature to generate concise research summaries.

📌 Ideal for students, researchers, and professionals managing large amounts of information.

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🔹 ③ Runway ML + Leonardo AI → Video Content Creation

• Runway ML → Generate AI-powered videos.
• Leonardo AI → Create thumbnails and background images.

Example Workflow:

1. Generate a short AI video with Runway ML.
2. Use Leonardo AI to create a custom YouTube thumbnail.
3. Finalize the video with editing software like Adobe Premiere or CapCut.

📌 Great for YouTubers and content creators looking for AI-powered video production.

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3.3 Free vs. Paid AI Plans

AI Tool	Free Plan	Paid Plan (Pro)
ChatGPT	Basic Model (GPT-3.5)	GPT-4, faster responses, advanced features
Canva AI	Basic templates	AI-powered design tools, premium templates
Runway ML	Limited video generation	Higher resolution, longer video creation
Notion AI	Basic AI assistance	More AI-generated content & automation
Perplexity AI	Standard search	Faster results, enhanced AI capabilities
Leonardo AI	Limited image generation	More high-quality AI-generated images

📌 Beginners should explore free versions first before upgrading to paid plans.

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4. Final Thoughts & Next Steps

4.1 How to Get Comfortable with AI Tools

✅ Use AI daily for small tasks.
✅ Integrate AI tools into your workflow.
✅ Follow AI-related tutorials and communities to stay updated.

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4.2 Future Learning Paths

✅ Master Prompt Engineering for precise AI responses.
✅ Explore AI Automation & API Integration to streamline workflows.
✅ Learn AI Development for building custom AI-powered solutions.

AI is continuously evolving and will play an even bigger role in the future. Start using AI today to stay ahead of the curve! 🚀