image-generation skill

---
name: image-generation
description: >
  Use this skill for any image-related AI generation or editing task. Triggers include:
  GENERATE: "generate image", "create image", "make picture", "draw", "visualize", "image of", "create art", "generate art"
  EDIT: "edit image", "modify image", "change image", "update image", "fix image", "enhance image"
  ADD/REMOVE: "add to image", "put in image", "remove from image", "delete from image", "add element"
  STYLE: "style transfer", "make it look like", "convert style", "apply style", "in the style of"
  PRODUCT: "product photo", "product placement", "place product", "mockup", "put product on"
  COMPOSITE: "combine images", "merge images", "blend images", "create composite"
  Supports text-to-image generation, image editing with references, product placement, style transfer, and multi-image composition using Google Gemini (Nano Banana Pro) or OpenAI DALL-E.
---

# Image Generation & Editing Skill

Generate and edit images using AI (Google Gemini Nano Banana Pro, OpenAI DALL-E 3).

**Capabilities:**
- 🎨 **Generate**: Create new images from text descriptions
- ✏️ **Edit**: Modify existing images (add/remove elements, change colors)
- 🛍️ **Product Placement**: Put products into scenes
- 🎭 **Style Transfer**: Apply artistic styles to photos
- 🖼️ **Composite**: Combine multiple images into one

## Quick Examples

Users can specify what they want:

| User Says | Mode | What Happens |
|-----------|------|--------------|
| "Generate an image of a sunset" | Generate | Text-to-image, no reference needed |
| "Create a logo for my coffee shop" | Generate | Text-to-image with text rendering |
| "Edit this image: add a hat to the cat" | Edit | User provides image, AI modifies it |
| "Remove the background from this photo" | Edit | User provides image, AI edits it |
| "Put this product on a kitchen counter" | Product | User provides product + optional scene |
| "Make this photo look like Van Gogh painted it" | Style | User provides photo, AI applies style |
| "Combine these photos into a group shot" | Composite | User provides multiple images |

## Prerequisites

Environment variables must be configured for the APIs to work. At least one API key is required:

- `OPENAI_API_KEY` - For OpenAI DALL-E 3 image generation
- `GOOGLE_API_KEY` - For Google Gemini (Nano Banana / Nano Banana Pro)

See the repository README for setup instructions.

## Available APIs

### OpenAI GPT Image (Recommended for pure generation)
- **Models**:
  - `gpt-image-1.5` (state of the art, best quality)
  - `gpt-image-1` (great quality, cost-effective)
  - `gpt-image-1-mini` (fastest, most affordable)
- **Best for**: High-quality generation, transparency, text rendering, image editing
- **Sizes**: 1024x1024 (square), 1536x1024 (landscape), 1024x1536 (portrait), or `auto`
- **Quality**: low (fast), medium (balanced), high (best), or `auto`
- **Background**: transparent, opaque, or `auto`
- **Output formats**: png (default), jpeg (faster), webp
- **Compression**: 0-100% (for jpeg/webp)
- **Features**:
  - Image editing with up to 16 input images
  - Transparent backgrounds
  - Streaming with partial images
  - High input fidelity for preserving faces/logos
  - Inpainting with masks
  - 32,000 character prompts

> ⚠️ **Note**: DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3 are deprecated and will stop being supported on 05/12/2026.

### Google Gemini Native Image Generation (Recommended for editing)
- **Nano Banana** (`gemini-2.5-flash-image`): Fast, efficient, 1K resolution, up to 3 reference images
- **Nano Banana Pro** (`gemini-3-pro-image-preview`): Professional quality, up to 4K, thinking mode, up to 14 reference images (default)
- **Aspect ratios**: 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 9:16, 16:9, 21:9
- **Resolutions** (Pro only): 1K, 2K, 4K
- **Features**: 
  - Image editing (add/remove elements, color changes)
  - Product placement and composition
  - Style transfer
  - Advanced text rendering
  - Google Search grounding (Pro only)
  - Thinking mode for complex prompts (Pro only)

## Workflow

### Step 1: Gather Requirements (REQUIRED)

⚠️ **Use interactive questioning — ask ONE question at a time.**

#### Question Flow

⚠️ **Use the `AskUserQuestion` tool for each question below.** Do not just print questions in your response — use the tool to create interactive prompts with the options shown.

**Q0: Model Selection**
> "Which image generation model would you like to use?
>
> - Google Gemini (Nano Banana Pro) - Up to 4K, 14 reference images, style transfer, thinking mode (Recommended)
> - OpenAI GPT Image 1.5 - State of the art, transparency, streaming, up to 16 input images
> - OpenAI GPT Image 1 - Great quality, transparency, image editing
> - OpenAI GPT Image 1 Mini - Fastest, most affordable"

*Wait for response. If user doesn't have a preference, recommend Gemini for editing/reference tasks or GPT Image 1.5 for pure generation.*

**Q1: Reference**
> "I'll generate that image for you! First — **do you have any reference images?**
> 
> - Product photos to include
> - Style references
> - Images to edit
> - No, generate from scratch"

*Wait for response.*

**Q2: Aspect Ratio**
> "What **aspect ratio**?
> 
> - 1:1 (square)
> - 16:9 (landscape/widescreen)
> - 9:16 (portrait/vertical)
> - 4:3 / 3:4 (classic)
> - Other (2:3, 3:2, 4:5, 5:4, 21:9)
> - Or specify"

*Wait for response.*

**Q3: Resolution**
> "What **resolution**?
> 
> - 1K (fast)
> - 2K (balanced)
> - 4K (highest quality)"

*Wait for response.*

**Q4: Style**
> "Any **style preferences**?
> 
> - Photorealistic
> - Artistic/painterly
> - Cartoon/illustration
> - 3D render
> - Or describe your own"

*Wait for response.*

#### Quick Reference

| Question | Determines |
|----------|------------|
| Reference | Generation vs editing mode |
| Aspect Ratio | Image dimensions |
| Resolution | Quality level |
| Style | Prompt enhancement direction |

**Parsing:**
- If user provides reference images → use image editing mode
- If user doesn't answer all questions → use sensible defaults and note assumptions
- Parse: subject, style, mood, special requirements (colors, text, composition)

### Step 2: Craft the Prompt

Transform the user request into an effective image generation prompt:

1. **Be specific**: Add details the user might not have mentioned
2. **Describe style**: "digital art", "oil painting", "photograph", "3D render"
3. **Include lighting**: "soft lighting", "dramatic shadows", "golden hour"
4. **Specify quality**: "highly detailed", "8k", "professional"

**Example transformation:**
- User: "a cat in space"
- Enhanced: "A majestic orange tabby cat floating in outer space, surrounded by colorful nebulae and distant stars, wearing a small astronaut helmet, digital art style, highly detailed, vibrant colors, cinematic lighting"

### Step 3: Select the API

Use the model selected by the user in Q0:

1. **Check which API keys are configured** in environment:
   - `OPENAI_API_KEY` → GPT Image models available
   - `GOOGLE_API_KEY` → Gemini (Nano Banana Pro) available

2. **If the user's selected model isn't available**: Inform them and offer alternatives.

3. **Model mapping from Q0**:
   - "Google Gemini (Nano Banana Pro)" → Use `gemini.py` with `gemini-3-pro-image-preview`
   - "OpenAI GPT Image 1.5" → Use `openai_image.py` with `gpt-image-1.5`
   - "OpenAI GPT Image 1" → Use `openai_image.py` with `gpt-image-1`
   - "OpenAI GPT Image 1 Mini" → Use `openai_image.py` with `gpt-image-1-mini`

### Step 4: Generate the Image

Execute the appropriate script from `${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/`:

**For OpenAI GPT Image - Text to Image:**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/openai_image.py \
  --prompt "your enhanced prompt" \
  --model "gpt-image-1" \
  --size "1024x1024" \
  --quality "high" \
  --output "/path/to/output.png"
```

**For OpenAI GPT Image - With Transparent Background:**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/openai_image.py \
  --prompt "A product icon with no background" \
  --model "gpt-image-1" \
  --background "transparent" \
  --quality "high" \
  --output "/path/to/output.png"
```

**For OpenAI GPT Image - Image Editing (with reference images):**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/openai_image.py \
  --prompt "Add a wizard hat to this cat" \
  --model "gpt-image-1" \
  --image "/path/to/cat.jpg" \
  --input-fidelity "high" \
  --output "/path/to/output.png"
```

**For OpenAI GPT Image - Multiple Reference Images:**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/openai_image.py \
  --prompt "Create a gift basket containing these items" \
  --model "gpt-image-1" \
  --image "/path/to/item1.png" \
  --image "/path/to/item2.png" \
  --image "/path/to/item3.png" \
  --output "/path/to/output.png"
```

**For OpenAI GPT Image - With Mask (Inpainting):**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/openai_image.py \
  --prompt "Replace the pool with a garden" \
  --model "gpt-image-1" \
  --image "/path/to/scene.jpg" \
  --mask "/path/to/mask.png" \
  --output "/path/to/output.png"
```

**For OpenAI GPT Image - Streaming with Partial Images:**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/openai_image.py \
  --prompt "A beautiful sunset over mountains" \
  --model "gpt-image-1" \
  --stream \
  --partial-images 2 \
  --output "/path/to/output.png"
```

**For Google Gemini (Nano Banana Pro) - Text to Image:**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/gemini.py \
  --prompt "your enhanced prompt" \
  --model "gemini-3-pro-image-preview" \
  --aspect-ratio "1:1" \
  --resolution "2K" \
  --output "/path/to/output.png"
```

**For Google Gemini - With Reference Images (editing, product placement, etc.):**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/gemini.py \
  --prompt "Add a wizard hat to this cat" \
  --image "/path/to/cat.jpg" \
  --aspect-ratio "1:1" \
  --resolution "2K"
```

**For Google Gemini - Multiple Reference Images (composition, style transfer):**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/gemini.py \
  --prompt "Place this product on the kitchen counter in this scene" \
  --image "/path/to/product.png" \
  --image "/path/to/kitchen.jpg" \
  --aspect-ratio "16:9" \
  --resolution "2K"
```

**For Google Gemini (Nano Banana - faster, fewer features):**
```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/skills/image-generation/scripts/gemini.py \
  --prompt "your enhanced prompt" \
  --model "gemini-2.5-flash-image" \
  --aspect-ratio "1:1"
```

### Step 5: Deliver the Result

1. Show the generated image to the user
2. Provide the enhanced prompt used (so they can iterate)
3. Offer to:
   - Generate variations
   - Try a different style
   - Use a different API/model
   - Refine the prompt

## Error Handling

**Missing API key**: Inform the user which key is needed and how to set it up:
- OpenAI: https://platform.openai.com/api-keys
- Google: https://aistudio.google.com/apikey

**API rate limit**: Suggest waiting or trying the other API.

**Content policy violation**: Rephrase the prompt to be more appropriate.

**Generation failed**: Retry with simplified prompt or different API.

## Reference Image Use Cases

Both OpenAI GPT Image and Google Gemini support reference images for advanced editing:

**OpenAI GPT Image**: Up to 16 input images, with `input_fidelity: high` for preserving faces/logos
**Google Gemini**: Nano Banana (up to 3), Nano Banana Pro (up to 14)

### Image Editing
- "Add a santa hat to this person" + person.jpg
- "Remove the background and replace with a beach scene" + product.jpg
- "Change the sofa color to blue" + living_room.jpg

### Product Placement
- "Place this product on a marble kitchen counter" + product.png + kitchen.jpg
- "Show this watch on a person's wrist" + watch.png + arm.jpg

### Style Transfer
- "Transform this photo into Van Gogh's Starry Night style" + photo.jpg
- "Make this look like a watercolor painting" + landscape.jpg

### Multi-Image Composition
- "Create a group photo of these people in an office" + person1.jpg + person2.jpg + person3.jpg
- "Combine these elements into a cohesive scene" + element1.png + element2.png + background.jpg

### Character Consistency
- "Show this character from a different angle" + character.jpg
- "Put this person in a superhero costume" + person.jpg

**Tip**: For best results with reference images, be specific about what you want to preserve vs. change.

## Prompt Engineering Tips

### For Photorealism
- Include "photograph", "DSLR", "35mm film"
- Specify camera settings: "shallow depth of field", "bokeh"
- Add lighting: "natural light", "studio lighting"

### For Artistic Styles
- Reference art movements: "impressionist", "art nouveau", "cyberpunk"
- Name artist styles: "in the style of Studio Ghibli", "Moebius style"
- Specify medium: "watercolor", "oil painting", "pencil sketch"

### For Consistency
- Use seed values when available
- Save successful prompts for reference
- Note which API produced best results for similar requests

## API Comparison

| Feature | GPT Image 1.5 | GPT Image 1 | GPT Image 1 Mini | Nano Banana | Nano Banana Pro |
|---------|---------------|-------------|------------------|-------------|-----------------|
| Provider | OpenAI | OpenAI | OpenAI | Google | Google |
| Model ID | gpt-image-1.5 | gpt-image-1 | gpt-image-1-mini | gemini-2.5-flash-image | gemini-3-pro-image-preview |
| Best for | State of the art | Quality + value | Speed + cost | Fast generation | Professional assets |
| Sizes | 1024², 1536x1024, 1024x1536, auto | Same | Same | 1K only | Up to 4K |
| Quality options | low, medium, high, auto | Same | Same | N/A | N/A |
| Aspect ratios | 3 + auto | Same | Same | 10 options | 10 options |
| Reference images | Up to 16 | Up to 16 | Up to 16 | Up to 3 | Up to 14 |
| Image editing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inpainting (mask) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transparent background | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Streaming | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Input fidelity | high/low | high/low | low only | N/A | N/A |
| Output formats | png, jpeg, webp | Same | Same | png | png |
| Compression | 0-100% | Same | Same | No | No |
| Text rendering | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Thinking mode | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Max prompt length | 32,000 chars | 32,000 chars | 32,000 chars | N/A | N/A |
| Speed | ~30-60s | ~20-40s | ~10-20s | ~10-20s | ~30-60s |

> ⚠️ **DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3 are deprecated** and will stop being supported on 05/12/2026. Use GPT Image models instead.