GPT Image 1
GPT Image 1 is OpenAI's image generation model available through the API, capable of creating, editing, and generating variations of images from text descriptions with high fidelity and detail.
import { experimental_generateImage as generateImage } from 'ai';
const result = await generateImage({ model: 'openai/gpt-image-1', prompt: 'A red balloon on a wooden table.'});Playground
Try out GPT Image 1 by OpenAI. Usage is billed to your team at API rates. Free users (those who haven't made a payment) get $5 of credits every 30 days.
Providers
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More models by OpenAI
| Model |
|---|
| 1M | 1.3s | 69tps | $5.00/M | $30.00/M | Read: $0.5/M Write: — | $10.00/K + input costs | — |   | 04/24/2026 | ||||
| 400K | 1.6s | 287tps | $0.75/M | $4.50/M | Read:$0.07/M Write:— | $10.00/K + input costs | — | | 03/17/2026 | ||||
| 400K | 0.5s | 134tps | $0.20/M | $1.25/M | Read:$0.02/M Write:— | $10.00/K + input costs | — | | 03/17/2026 | ||||
| 1.1M | 0.6s | 69tps | $2.50/M | $15.00/M | Read: $0.25/M Write: — | $10.00/K + input costs | — | | 03/05/2026 | ||||
| 128K | 0.5s | 123tps | $1.25/M | $10.00/M | Read:$0.13/M Write:— | $10.00/K + input costs | — | | 11/12/2025 | ||||
| 131K | 0.1s | 480tps | $0.35/M | $0.75/M | Read:$0.25/M Write:— | — | — |    +5 | 08/05/2025 |
About GPT Image 1
GPT Image 1 was released on March 25, 2025 as OpenAI's image generation model available through the API. It generates images from text descriptions, supporting creation of new images, editing of existing images, and generation of variations.
The model handles a wide range of subjects and styles, from photorealistic scenes to illustrations, diagrams, and abstract art. It accepts detailed text prompts describing the desired output and produces images that match the description with high fidelity.
You can generate custom visuals on demand, create personalized content, and build creative tools without separate image generation infrastructure.
What To Consider When Choosing a Provider
- Configuration: GPT Image 1 is a generation-focused model, not a language model. It produces images from text descriptions rather than text from text. Pricing is per image generated rather than per token.
- Configuration: The model integrates into applications through the images API endpoint, accepting text prompts and returning generated images.
- Zero Data Retention: AI Gateway does not currently support Zero Data Retention for this model. See the documentation for models that support ZDR.
- Authentication: AI Gateway authenticates requests using an API key or OIDC token. You do not need to manage provider credentials directly.
When to Use GPT Image 1
Best For
- Product imagery: Generating product photos, mockups, and marketing visuals from descriptions
- Content creation: Illustrations, thumbnails, and visual content for blogs and social media
- Design iteration: Rapidly exploring visual concepts from text descriptions
- Custom asset generation: Creating unique icons, backgrounds, and UI elements programmatically
- Creative tools: Building image generation features into creative applications
Consider Alternatives When
- Text tasks: Any GPT model for text generation, analysis, or coding
- Image understanding: GPT-4o or GPT-4.1 for analyzing existing images rather than generating new ones
- Video generation: Specialized video models for motion content
- Photo-realistic editing: Specialized tools for precise photo manipulation
Conclusion
GPT Image 1 brings high-quality image generation to the API. You can build applications that create visual content programmatically through AI Gateway, alongside text-focused models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can GPT Image 1 generate?
It creates images from text descriptions, supporting a wide range of subjects, styles, and compositions including photorealistic scenes, illustrations, diagrams, and artistic styles.
Can GPT Image 1 edit existing images?
Yes. It supports image editing operations where you provide an existing image and describe the changes you want.
How is GPT Image 1 priced?
Pricing is per image generated, with costs varying by resolution and quality settings. Check the pricing section of this page for current rates.
Can I control the output resolution?
Yes. The API accepts resolution and quality parameters that control the output characteristics.
How does AI Gateway handle authentication for GPT Image 1?
AI Gateway accepts a single API key or OIDC token for all requests. You don't embed OpenAI credentials in your application; AI Gateway routes and authenticates on your behalf.
What are typical generation times?
This page shows live performance metrics measured across real AI Gateway traffic.