Top 5 Lesser-Known AI Tools to Boost Productivity and Creativity

Have you ever felt like you’re only scratching the surface when it comes to using AI tools? Sure, the big names get all the attention, but what about the hidden gems—the tools quietly transforming creativity and productivity without the fanfare? Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the way we work, create, and innovate, offering a wide array of tools that simplify tasks and open up new possibilities. While some AI tools dominate the spotlight, others remain underutilized despite their unique and practical features.

This guide by Andy Orsow provides more insights into five lesser-known AI tools that cater to a variety of users, from casual creators to seasoned professionals. These tools address diverse needs, such as visual content creation, offline AI deployment, and workflow optimization, providing accessible and effective solutions for modern challenges. If you’ve been searching for ways to elevate your work or streamline your processes, you might be missing out on some incredible AI solutions that fly under the radar. Whether you’re a designer, a content creator, or just someone curious about what’s possible, there’s a world of innovative tools waiting to be discovered.

Underrated AI Tools for 2025

Krea: A Versatile AI for Visual Content Creation

Krea is a robust generative AI platform designed to make image and video creation more intuitive and efficient. Its standout features include real-time image generation, style blending, and image upscaling, which enable users to produce high-quality visuals quickly. What sets Krea apart is its built-in editor, allowing you to modify and enhance images directly within the platform, eliminating the need to re-enter prompts repeatedly.

For users with specific creative goals, Krea supports custom model training, allowing tailored outputs that align with unique artistic visions. Video creators can also use its multiple model options to generate polished, professional-grade video content. Whether you’re a designer looking to streamline your workflow or a content creator aiming to elevate your visual storytelling, Krea provides a comprehensive toolkit to bring your ideas to life.

Pinokio: Streamlining Local AI Deployment

Pinokio is a one-click launcher that simplifies the process of running AI tools directly on your local machine. This tool is particularly valuable for users who prioritize offline AI deployment, as it removes the need for advanced technical expertise while making sure data privacy and security.

Pinokio supports a wide range of applications, including image generation with tools like ComfyUI and local large language models (LLMs) for tasks such as coding assistance or text generation. By operating offline, Pinokio not only enhances workflow control but also safeguards sensitive data, making it an ideal choice for professionals and individuals seeking a secure and efficient AI experience.

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Upscayl: Enhancing Image Quality Locally

Upscayl is a free, locally-run image upscaler designed to improve image resolution without sacrificing quality. Unlike many paid alternatives, Upscayl processes all data directly on your device, making sure data security and privacy. This makes it a reliable choice for users who value control over their digital assets.

The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both personal and professional projects. Whether you’re refining visuals for a design portfolio, enhancing images for social media, or restoring old photographs, Upscayl delivers sharp, high-quality results without the need for expensive software or cloud-based tools. Its cost-effective and secure approach makes it a standout option for anyone looking to improve image clarity.

Visual Electric: AI-Powered Collaboration for Designers

Visual Electric is an AI-driven image generator tailored specifically for creative professionals. Its most notable feature is the “art director” tool, which allows users to fine-tune generated images, offering greater control over the creative process. This feature bridges the gap between AI automation and human creativity, allowing designers to achieve their artistic visions more efficiently.

The platform also includes proprietary models that support a wide variety of artistic styles, making it versatile for different design needs. By combining advanced AI capabilities with collaborative tools, Visual Electric enables designers to experiment, iterate, and produce high-quality visuals with ease. Whether you’re working on branding, advertising, or digital art, this tool enhances both productivity and creativity.

Glif: Customizable AI Workflows for Professionals

Glif is a platform designed to help professionals create and use modular generative AI applications, known as “Glifs,” to tackle specific tasks. Its intuitive interface allows users to build custom workflows using simple building blocks, making it adaptable to a wide range of professional needs.

One of Glif’s standout features is its Chrome extension, which enables quick, contextual AI tasks such as text generation, logo placement, or data analysis directly within your browser. This flexibility makes Glif an ideal tool for professionals seeking to integrate AI seamlessly into their daily routines. By optimizing workflows and reducing repetitive tasks, Glif helps users focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work.

Unlocking the Potential of Lesser-Known AI Tools

These five tools—Krea, Pinokio, Upscayl, Visual Electric, and Glif—demonstrate the untapped potential of AI in enhancing creativity, productivity, and efficiency. Each tool offers unique features tailored to different needs, from visual content creation to secure offline AI deployment and customizable workflows. Whether you’re a designer, content creator, or professional looking to streamline your tasks, these tools provide practical and innovative solutions to help you work smarter and more effectively. By exploring and adopting these lesser-known AI tools, you can unlock new opportunities to elevate your projects and achieve your goals with greater ease.

Media Credit: Andy Orsow

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