"Red Panda" is the codename of an image model that appeared on the Artificial Analysis leaderboard in October 2024 and shot to number one. A few days later, its maker, the London company Recraft, revealed it was Recraft V3. Since then, numerous websites have used the same name, and the confusion has grown. This guide will tell you what Red Panda AI is, who created it, what made it so exceptional, and how to steer clear of the lookalike sites.
What Is Red Panda AI?
It's a codename, not a brand. Image models are often tested anonymously in public arenas, and this one was entered as "red_panda". Voters compare two images side by side without knowing which model created each, and Red Panda kept winning. TechCrunch reported at the time that it was around 40 Elo points ahead of the next-best model, Black Forest Labs' FLUX 1.1 Pro, and later added an update that it had been revealed as Recraft V3. You can read the original TechCrunch story and see the rankings in the Artificial Analysis image arena.
How a Mystery Model Topped the Leaderboard
The numbers were what got people talking. Recraft V3 reached an Elo score of 1,172, ahead of FLUX 1.1 Pro, Midjourney and OpenAI's DALL-E 3 in that arena. It also produced images quickly, at a median time of about 7 seconds, compared to DALL-E 3, which took about 20 seconds to give the same result, according to TechCrunch. The model garnered over 100,000 votes in four days in the arena, according to reports.
Note: Arena votes are primarily from AI enthusiasts and may not always reflect the preferences of users or professionals.
Who Made Red Panda AI?
Recraft, a London-based AI design company founded in 2022. Its founder, Anna Veronika Dorogush, is also the creator of CatBoost, a widely used machine-learning library. Recraft has said plainly that red_panda was its own Recraft V3. The company has never sold a product under the name "Red Panda". So the earlier theories that it was a stealth startup, a tweaked Midjourney model, or a leaked model from a large tech company turned out to be wrong. You can visit Recraft's website for the real product.
What Made Recraft V3 Different?
Most image generators are built for art. Recraft aims at designers, and that shaped what V3 could do:
Feature | What it means |
Text inside images | Longer text blocks with control over size and position, useful for posters and ads |
Vector output | Can produce vector graphics, not just pixel images |
Custom styles | You can upload reference images to create a repeatable style |
Color control | Set brand colors for a generation |
Many built-in styles | From 3D and line art to realistic photos |
That mix of text, vectors and brand control is why Recraft positions itself as an "AI image generator for pro designers" and less as a toy for casual art.
Is Red Panda AI Still the Best Image Generator?
No single model stays on top for long. Recraft has moved on from V3: according to one 2026 review, it released V4 in February 2026, followed by V4.1 shortly after. The same review says another model now leads the Artificial Analysis blind-voting ranking. Rankings change every few weeks, so check the live leaderboard instead of trusting a number from an older article. If you are comparing tools, our guides to Midjourney V7, FLUX.1 Kontext and Dreamina AI are good places to start.
Not sure which model fits your brand? We can run a short comparison on your own prompts and show you the differences. Talk to TechNow if you'd like that.
Red Panda AI Websites: Are They Official?
Type in "Red Panda AI" and you'll find multiple websites that are called "Red Panda AI" (redpandaai.com or red-panda.ai). They aren't official Recraft products. Recraft hasn't sold anything under that name, and at least one review found that some of these sites run other models, such as FLUX, instead of Recraft.
This doesn't mean all locations are unsafe, but it indicates caution when uploading photos or inputting payment information. Review the privacy policy, verify who is handling the website and utilise a remedy you are able to claim a refund for. If you wish to use Recraft's technology, click on the Recraft website. In our article on AI image trends and data safety, you'll learn what to expect with the pictures you upload.
For those willing to give it a go without taking any risks, we can assist you in choosing the tools you should use and establish reasonable guidelines for what can be uploaded. Book a free first consultation with TechNow and bring one of your real use cases.
Is Red Panda AI Free?
A typical advertising tactic of the lookalike sites is free image generators (often with a daily limit or paid upgrades). Recraft's plans are subject to change, so please refer to the Recraft site to see what the current credits and prices are before planning a project on them.
Tips for Getting Good Images
Be specific. A fluffy orange tabby cat napping on a sunny windowsill, photorealistic" > "a cat.
Name the Style/Format. Click on the icon of a vector, flat illustration, or poster.
Keep text short. If words are needed, include them in quotation marks.
Make changes at a time. This will allow you to see what worked and what didn't.
Begin from an appropriate reference. When it's important to have a consistent brand look, use a style reference or a color palette.
Copyright and Commercial Use
As with all AI art generators, there are still questions to be asked regarding the model's training set and ownership of the generated content. Before using images for commercial purposes on a website, check the licence of the tool you use, and do not assume that a free website has a free licence. The AI copyright debate is still relevant, and our overview of it gives some valuable information.
Talk to TechNow if your company is looking for AI images for marketing. We support businesses in Germany and Europe to select appropriate tools, verify licences, and ensure a secure workflow process.
Conclusion
It's no secret that Red Panda AI has been around for a long time. It was a model designed with a focus on design, and it proved that a small upstart could overcome the bigger names with a codename, Recraft V3. The name has primarily come to mean "look-alike sites today, so it is best to head to the source, examine what sites are actually running, and select the tool that is suitable for the work.
Desire AI pictures in your advertising without data and legal concerns? From initial testing to everyday use, TechNow can guide you in selecting the right tool, make sure your licence is correct, and arrange a safe working process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red Panda AI?
A codename for Recraft V3, an image model that topped Artificial Analysis' leaderboard in October 2024 before Recraft revealed it.
Who made Red Panda AI?
Recraft, a London-based design AI company founded in 2022 by Anna Veronika Dorogush, who also created CatBoost.
Is Red Panda AI free?
Websites using the name often advertise free generators, but they are not Recraft; check Recraft's own site for plans.
Is Red Panda AI safe?
Sites with the name aren't official Recraft products, so be sure to read the privacy policy before uploading private photos.
Is Red Panda still the best AI image generator?
There isn't a single model that remains in the top spot. Since then, Recraft has added V4; also, the leaderboard updates regularly, so be sure to check the latest.
Does this count as Red Panda AI or Redpanda Data?
No, Redpanda is a different data-streaming company, and Red Panda was just a codename for the AI image model.