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Image generation

Learn how to generate or edit images.

Overview

The OpenAI API lets you generate and edit images from text prompts using GPT Image models, including our latest, gpt-image-2. You can access image generation capabilities through two APIs:

Image API

Starting with gpt-image-1 and later models, the Image API provides two endpoints, each with distinct capabilities:

Responses API

The Responses API allows you to generate images as part of conversations or multi-step flows. It supports image generation as a built-in tool, and accepts image inputs and outputs within context.

Compared to the Image API, it adds:

  • Multi-turn editing: Iteratively make high fidelity edits to images with prompting
  • Flexible inputs: Accept image File IDs as input images, not just bytes

The Responses API image generation tool uses its own GPT Image model selection. For details on mainline models that support calling this tool, refer to the supported models below.

Choosing the right API

  • If you only need to generate or edit a single image from one prompt, the Image API is your best choice.
  • If you want to build conversational, editable image experiences with GPT Image, go with the Responses API.

With the Image API, you choose a GPT Image model directly. With the Responses API, you choose a mainline model that supports the image generation tool; the tool handles GPT Image model selection. Responses API requests include the mainline model’s token usage in addition to image generation costs.

Both APIs let you customize output by adjusting quality, size, format, and compression. Transparent backgrounds depend on model support.

This guide focuses on GPT Image.

To ensure these models are used responsibly, you may need to complete the API Organization Verification from your developer console before using GPT Image models, including gpt-image-2, gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, and gpt-image-1-mini.

A beige coffee mug on a wooden table

Generate Images

You can use the image generation endpoint to create images based on text prompts, or the image generation tool in the Responses API to generate images as part of a conversation.

To learn more about customizing the output (size, quality, format, compression), refer to the customize image output section below.

You can set the n parameter to generate multiple images at once in a single request (by default, the API returns a single image).
Generate an image
from openai import OpenAI
import base64

client = OpenAI()

prompt = """
A children's book drawing of a veterinarian using a stethoscope to
listen to the heartbeat of a baby otter.
"""

result = client.images.generate(model="gpt-image-2", prompt=prompt)

image_base64 = result.data[0].b64_json
image_bytes = base64.b64decode(image_base64)

# Save the image to a file
with open("otter.png", "wb") as f:
    f.write(image_bytes)

Multi-turn image generation

With the Responses API, you can build multi-turn conversations involving image generation either by providing image generation calls outputs within context (you can also just use the image ID), or by using the previous_response_id parameter. This lets you iterate on images across multiple turns—refining prompts, applying new instructions, and evolving the visual output as the conversation progresses.

With the Responses API image generation tool, supported tool models can choose whether to generate a new image or edit one already in the conversation. The optional action parameter controls this behavior: keep action: "auto" to let the model decide, set action: "generate" to always create a new image, or set action: "edit" to force editing when an image is in context.

Force image creation with action
from openai import OpenAI
import base64

client = OpenAI()

response = client.responses.create(
    model="gpt-5.6",
    input="Generate an image of gray tabby cat hugging an otter with an orange scarf",
    tools=[{"type": "image_generation", "action": "generate"}],
)

# Save the image to a file
image_data = [
    output.result
    for output in response.output
    if output.type == "image_generation_call"
]

if image_data:
    image_base64 = image_data[0]
    with open("otter.png", "wb") as f:
        f.write(base64.b64decode(image_base64))

If you force edit without providing an image in context, the call will return an error. Leave action at auto to have the model decide when to generate or edit.
Multi-turn image generation
from openai import OpenAI
import base64

client = OpenAI()

response = client.responses.create(
    model="gpt-5.6",
    input="Generate an image of gray tabby cat hugging an otter with an orange scarf",
    tools=[{"type": "image_generation"}],
)

image_data = [
    output.result
    for output in response.output
    if output.type == "image_generation_call"
]

if image_data:
    image_base64 = image_data[0]

    with open("cat_and_otter.png", "wb") as f:
        f.write(base64.b64decode(image_base64))


# Follow up

response_fwup = client.responses.create(
    model="gpt-5.6",
    previous_response_id=response.id,
    input="Now make it look realistic",
    tools=[{"type": "image_generation"}],
)

image_data_fwup = [
    output.result
    for output in response_fwup.output
    if output.type == "image_generation_call"
]

if image_data_fwup:
    image_base64 = image_data_fwup[0]
    with open("cat_and_otter_realistic.png", "wb") as f:
        f.write(base64.b64decode(image_base64))

Result

“Generate an image of gray tabby cat hugging an otter with an orange scarf”

A cat and an otter

“Now make it look realistic”

A cat and an otter

Streaming

The Responses API and Image API support streaming image generation. You can stream partial images as the APIs generate them, providing a more interactive experience.

You can adjust the partial_images parameter to receive 0-3 partial images.

  • If you set partial_images to 0, you will only receive the final image.
  • For values larger than zero, you may not receive the full number of partial images you requested if the full image is generated more quickly.
Stream an image
from openai import OpenAI
import base64

client = OpenAI()


def save_base64_image(filename, image_base64):
    image_bytes = base64.b64decode(image_base64)
    with open(filename, "wb") as f:
        f.write(image_bytes)


stream = client.responses.create(
    model="gpt-5.6",
    input="Draw a gorgeous image of a river made of white owl feathers, snaking its way through a serene winter landscape",
    stream=True,
    tools=[{"type": "image_generation", "partial_images": 2}],
)

for event in stream:
    if event.type == "response.image_generation_call.partial_image":
        idx = event.partial_image_index
        save_base64_image(f"river-partial-{idx}.png", event.partial_image_b64)
    elif event.type == "response.completed":
        image_data = [
            output.result
            for output in event.response.output
            if output.type == "image_generation_call"
        ]

        if image_data:
            save_base64_image("river-final.png", image_data[0])

Result

Partial 1Partial 2Final image
1st partial2nd partial3rd partial

Prompt: Draw a gorgeous image of a river made of white owl feathers, snaking its way through a serene winter landscape

Revised prompt

When using the image generation tool in the Responses API, the mainline model (for example, gpt-5.5) will automatically revise your prompt for improved performance.

You can access the revised prompt in the revised_prompt field of the image generation call:

Revised prompt response
{
  "id": "ig_123",
  "type": "image_generation_call",
  "status": "completed",
  "revised_prompt": "A gray tabby cat hugging an otter. The otter is wearing an orange scarf. Both animals are cute and friendly, depicted in a warm, heartwarming style.",
  "result": "..."
}

Edit Images

The image edits endpoint lets you:

  • Edit existing images
  • Generate new images using other images as a reference
  • Edit parts of an image by uploading an image and mask that identifies the areas to replace

Create a new image using image references

You can use one or more images as a reference to generate a new image.

In this example, we’ll use 4 input images to generate a new image of a gift basket containing the items in the reference images.

Body LotionSoapIncense KitBath Bomb
Bath Gift Set

With the Responses API, you can provide input images in 3 different ways:

  • By providing a fully qualified URL
  • By providing an image as a Base64-encoded data URL
  • By providing a file ID (created with the Files API)

Create a File

Create a File
from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI()


def create_file(file_path):
    with open(file_path, "rb") as file_content:
        result = client.files.create(
            file=file_content,
            purpose="vision",
        )
        return result.id

Create a base64 encoded image

Create a base64 encoded image
import base64


def encode_image(file_path):
    with open(file_path, "rb") as f:
        base64_image = base64.b64encode(f.read()).decode("utf-8")
    return base64_image
Edit an image
from openai import OpenAI
import base64

client = OpenAI()


def encode_image(file_path):
    with open(file_path, "rb") as image_file:
        return base64.b64encode(image_file.read()).decode("utf-8")


def create_file(file_path):
    with open(file_path, "rb") as file_content:
        result = client.files.create(file=file_content, purpose="vision")
    return result.id


prompt = """Generate a photorealistic image of a gift basket on a white background
labeled 'Relax & Unwind' with a ribbon and handwriting-like font,
containing all the items in the reference pictures."""

base64_image1 = encode_image("body-lotion.png")
base64_image2 = encode_image("soap.png")
file_id1 = create_file("bath-bomb.png")
file_id2 = create_file("incense-kit.png")

response = client.responses.create(
    model="gpt-5.6",
    input=[
        {
            "role": "user",
            "content": [
                {"type": "input_text", "text": prompt},
                {
                    "type": "input_image",
                    "image_url": f"data:image/png;base64,{base64_image1}",
                },
                {
                    "type": "input_image",
                    "image_url": f"data:image/png;base64,{base64_image2}",
                },
                {
                    "type": "input_image",
                    "file_id": file_id1,
                },
                {
                    "type": "input_image",
                    "file_id": file_id2,
                },
            ],
        }
    ],
    tools=[{"type": "image_generation"}],
)

image_generation_calls = [
    output for output in response.output if output.type == "image_generation_call"
]

image_data = [output.result for output in image_generation_calls]

if image_data:
    image_base64 = image_data[0]
    with open("gift-basket.png", "wb") as f:
        f.write(base64.b64decode(image_base64))
else:
    print(response.output_text)

Edit an image using a mask

You can provide a mask to indicate which part of the image should be edited.

When using a mask with GPT Image, additional instructions are sent to the model to help guide the editing process accordingly.

Masking with GPT Image is entirely prompt-based. The model uses the mask as guidance, but may not follow its exact shape with complete precision.

If you provide multiple input images, the mask will be applied to the first image.
Edit an image with a mask
from openai import OpenAI
import base64

client = OpenAI()


def create_file(file_path):
    with open(file_path, "rb") as file_content:
        result = client.files.create(file=file_content, purpose="vision")
    return result.id


fileId = create_file("sunlit_lounge.png")
maskId = create_file("mask.png")

response = client.responses.create(
    model="gpt-5.6",
    input=[
        {
            "role": "user",
            "content": [
                {
                    "type": "input_text",
                    "text": "generate an image of the same sunlit indoor lounge area with a pool but the pool should contain a flamingo",
                },
                {
                    "type": "input_image",
                    "file_id": fileId,
                },
            ],
        },
    ],
    tools=[
        {
            "type": "image_generation",
            "quality": "high",
            "input_image_mask": {
                "file_id": maskId,
            },
        },
    ],
)

image_data = [
    output.result
    for output in response.output
    if output.type == "image_generation_call"
]

if image_data:
    image_base64 = image_data[0]
    with open("lounge.png", "wb") as f:
        f.write(base64.b64decode(image_base64))
ImageMaskOutput
A pink room with a poolA mask in part of the poolThe original pool with an inflatable flamingo replacing the mask

Prompt: a sunlit indoor lounge area with a pool containing a flamingo

Mask requirements

The image to edit and mask must be of the same format and size (less than 50MB in size).

The mask image must also contain an alpha channel. If you’re using an image editing tool to create the mask, make sure to save the mask with an alpha channel.

You can modify a black and white image programmatically to add an alpha channel.

Add an alpha channel to a black and white mask
from PIL import Image
from io import BytesIO

# 1. Load your black & white mask as a grayscale image
mask = Image.open("mask.png").convert("L")

# 2. Convert it to RGBA so it has space for an alpha channel
mask_rgba = mask.convert("RGBA")

# 3. Then use the mask itself to fill that alpha channel
mask_rgba.putalpha(mask)

# 4. Convert the mask into bytes
buf = BytesIO()
mask_rgba.save(buf, format="PNG")
mask_bytes = buf.getvalue()

# 5. Save the resulting file
img_path_mask_alpha = "mask_alpha.png"
with open(img_path_mask_alpha, "wb") as f:
    f.write(mask_bytes)

Image input fidelity

The input_fidelity parameter controls how strongly a model preserves details from input images during edits and reference-image workflows. For gpt-image-2, omit this parameter; the API doesn’t allow changing it because the model processes every image input at high fidelity automatically.

Because gpt-image-2 always processes image inputs at high fidelity, image input tokens can be higher for edit requests that include reference images. To understand the cost implications, refer to the vision costs section.

Customize Image Output

You can configure the following output options:

  • Size: Image dimensions (for example, 1024x1024, 1024x1536)
  • Quality: Rendering quality (for example, low, medium, high)
  • Format: File output format
  • Compression: Compression level (0-100%) for JPEG and WebP formats
  • Background: Opaque or automatic

size, quality, and background support the auto option, where the model will automatically select the best option based on the prompt.

gpt-image-2 doesn’t currently support transparent backgrounds. Requests with background: "transparent" aren’t supported for this model.

Size and quality options

gpt-image-2 accepts any resolution in the size parameter when it satisfies the constraints below. Square images are typically fastest to generate.

Popular sizes

  • 1024x1024 (square)

  • 1536x1024 (landscape)

  • 1024x1536 (portrait)

  • 2048x2048 (2K square)

  • 2048x1152 (2K landscape)

  • 3840x2160 (4K landscape)

  • 2160x3840 (4K portrait)

  • auto (default)

Size constraints

  • Maximum edge length must be less than or equal to 3840px

  • Both edges must be multiples of 16px

  • Long edge to short edge ratio must not exceed 3:1

  • Total pixels must be at least 655,360 and no more than 8,294,400

Quality options
  • low
  • medium
  • high

  • auto (default)

Use quality: "low" for fast drafts, thumbnails, and quick iterations. It is the fastest option and works well for many common use cases before you move to medium or high for final assets.

Outputs that contain more than 2560x1440 (3,686,400) total pixels, typically referred to as 2K, are considered experimental.

Output format

The Image API returns base64-encoded image data. The default format is png, but you can also request jpeg or webp.

If using jpeg or webp, you can also specify the output_compression parameter to control the compression level (0-100%). For example, output_compression=50 will compress the image by 50%.

Using jpeg is faster than png, so you should prioritize this format if latency is a concern.

Limitations

GPT Image models (gpt-image-2, gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, and gpt-image-1-mini) are powerful and versatile image generation models, but they still have some limitations to be aware of:

  • Latency: Complex prompts may take up to 2 minutes to process.
  • Text Rendering: Although significantly improved, the model can still struggle with precise text placement and clarity.
  • Consistency: While capable of producing consistent imagery, the model may occasionally struggle to maintain visual consistency for recurring characters or brand elements across multiple generations.
  • Composition Control: Despite improved instruction following, the model may have difficulty placing elements precisely in structured or layout-sensitive compositions.

Content Moderation

All prompts and generated images are filtered in accordance with our content policy.

For image generation using GPT Image models (gpt-image-2, gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, and gpt-image-1-mini), you can control moderation strictness with the moderation parameter. This parameter supports two values:

  • auto (default): Standard filtering that seeks to limit creating certain categories of potentially age-inappropriate content.
  • low: Less restrictive filtering.

Handling blocked requests and other errors

Handle image generation failures the same way you handle other API errors: check the HTTP status or SDK exception type, log the request ID, and refer to the error codes guide for authentication, quota, rate-limit, and server failures. Retries are appropriate for transient failures like 429 and 5xx, but not for image generation user errors that require changing the request.

Some image generation failures are user-correctable and may return error.type = "image_generation_user_error". Don’t automatically retry these errors without modifying the prompt or input images. For programmatic handling, use error.code as the stable discriminator.

When error.code = "moderation_blocked", the error may also include an optional error.moderation_details object:


      
      {
  "error": {
    "type": "image_generation_user_error",
    "code": "moderation_blocked",
    "moderation_details": {
      "moderation_stage": "input",
      "categories": ["harassment"]
    }
  }
}

The moderation_details object provides coarse debugging context without exposing internal classifier labels or scores.

moderation_stage can be:

  • input: The block came from the prompt or request inputs.
  • output: The block came from a generated image or downstream output moderation stage.
  • unknown: A rare fallback when provenance is hard to determine.

categories contains coarse public labels. For example, you might see values like harassment, self-harm, sexual, or violence.

For most apps, keep the primary end-user message generic. Use moderation_details for developer logs, support workflows, analytics, and light remediation hints.

For example, if harassment appears, suggest removing abusive or targeting language. If the block happened at the input stage, guide the user to revise the prompt. If it happened at the output stage, treat it as a generated result safety block and distinguish it in your logs. Always branch on error.code = "moderation_blocked" first, and treat moderation_details as optional extra context.

Handle moderation-blocked image generation errors
import OpenAI from "openai";

const openai = new OpenAI();

try {
  // The same error handling pattern applies to image generation requests,
  // image edits, and Responses API tool calls that generate images.
  await openai.images.generate({
    model: "gpt-image-2",
    prompt: "Create a poster humiliating my coworker with insulting captions",
  });
} catch (error) {
  if (error?.code !== "moderation_blocked") {
    throw error;
  }

  const moderationDetails = error?.moderation_details;
  const categories = moderationDetails?.categories ?? [];
  const stage = moderationDetails?.moderation_stage;

  let hint =
    "This request could not be completed because it did not meet safety requirements.";

  if (categories.includes("harassment")) {
    hint =
      "Try removing abusive or targeting language and focus on neutral visual details instead.";
  } else if (stage === "input") {
    hint =
      "Try revising the prompt or input images and submit the request again.";
  } else if (stage === "output") {
    hint =
      "The generated result was blocked by a safety check. Try changing the prompt and generating again.";
  }

  console.error("Image generation blocked", {
    request_id: error?.request_id,
    code: error?.code,
    moderation_details: moderationDetails,
  });

  console.log(hint);
}

Supported models

When using image generation in the Responses API, gpt-5 and newer models should support the image generation tool. Check the model detail page for your model to confirm if your desired model can use the image generation tool.

Cost and latency

gpt-image-2 output tokens

For gpt-image-2, use the calculator to estimate output tokens from the requested quality and size:

Quality
Output tokens
196

Models prior to gpt-image-2

GPT Image models prior to gpt-image-2 generate images by first producing specialized image tokens. Both latency and eventual cost are proportional to the number of tokens required to render an image—larger image sizes and higher quality settings result in more tokens.

The number of tokens generated depends on image dimensions and quality:

QualitySquare (1024×1024)Portrait (1024×1536)Landscape (1536×1024)
Low272 tokens408 tokens400 tokens
Medium1056 tokens1584 tokens1568 tokens
High4160 tokens6240 tokens6208 tokens

Note that you will also need to account for input tokens: text tokens for the prompt and image tokens for the input images if editing images. Because gpt-image-2 always processes image inputs at high fidelity, edit requests that include reference images can use more input tokens.

Refer to the pricing page for current text and image token prices, and use the Calculating costs section below to estimate request costs.

The final cost is the sum of:

  • input text tokens
  • input image tokens if using the edits endpoint
  • image output tokens

Calculating costs

Use the pricing calculator below to estimate request costs for GPT Image models. gpt-image-2 supports thousands of valid resolutions; the table below lists the same sizes used for previous GPT Image models for comparison. For GPT Image 1.5, GPT Image 1, and GPT Image 1 Mini, the legacy per-image output pricing table is also listed below. You should still account for text and image input tokens when estimating the total cost of a request.

A larger non-square resolution can sometimes produce fewer output tokens than a smaller or square resolution at the same quality setting.

Model

Quality

1024 x 10241024 x 15361536 x 1024

GPT Image 2


Additional sizes available		Low$0.006$0.005$0.005
Medium$0.053$0.041$0.041
High$0.211$0.165$0.165

GPT Image 1.5

Low$0.009$0.013$0.013
Medium$0.034$0.05$0.05
High$0.133$0.2$0.2

GPT Image 1

Low$0.011$0.016$0.016
Medium$0.042$0.063$0.063
High$0.167$0.25$0.25

GPT Image 1 Mini

Low$0.005$0.006$0.006
Medium$0.011$0.015$0.015
High$0.036$0.052$0.052

Partial images cost

If you want to stream image generation using the partial_images parameter, each partial image will incur an additional 100 image output tokens.