Grok Imagine Image
Grok Imagine Image is xAI's image generation model. It creates images from text descriptions through the Grok Imagine API, delivering fast generation for creative and production workflows.
import { experimental_generateImage as generateImage } from 'ai';
const result = await generateImage({ model: 'xai/grok-imagine-image', prompt: 'A red balloon on a wooden table.'});Playground
Try out Grok Imagine Image by xAI. 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.
About Grok Imagine Image
Grok Imagine Image is xAI's standard image generation model, released January 28, 2026 as part of the Grok Imagine API. It generates images from text prompts, supporting a range of styles from photorealistic to illustrative. The model is designed for fast generation with a focus on instruction following and prompt adherence.
The Grok Imagine API accepts text descriptions and produces images at configurable resolutions. Grok Imagine Image handles diverse generation tasks including product mockups, marketing visuals, concept art, social media graphics, and UI design elements. It processes detailed prompts that specify composition, lighting, style, and subject matter.
For higher-fidelity output with more detail and refinement, the Grok Imagine Image Pro variant costs more per image.
Providers
Route requests across multiple providers. Copy a provider slug to set your preference. Visit the docs for more info. Using a provider means you agree to their terms, listed under Legal.
P50 throughput on live AI Gateway traffic, in tokens per second (TPS). Visit the docs for more info.
P50 time to first token (TTFT) on live AI Gateway traffic, in milliseconds. View the docs for more info.
More models by xAI
| Model |
|---|
| 1M | 1.1s | 89tps | $1.25/M | $2.50/M | Read: $0.2/M Write: — | $5/K + input costs | — |  | 04/30/2026 | ||||
| 2M | 3.4s | 1055tps | $1.25/M | $2.50/M | Read: $0.2/M Write: — | $5/K + input costs | — | | 03/11/2026 | ||||
| 2M | 0.6s | 55tps | $0.20/M | $0.50/M | Read: $0.05/M Write: — | $5/K + input costs | — | | 09/19/2025 | ||||
| 256K | 0.3s | 110tps | $0.20/M | $1.50/M | Read:$0.02/M Write:— | — | — | | 08/28/2025 | ||||
| 2M | 0.2s | 215tps | $0.20/M | $0.50/M | Read: $0.05/M Write: — | $5/K + input costs | — |  | 07/09/2025 | ||||
| 2M | 0.6s | 166tps | $0.20/M | $0.50/M | Read: $0.05/M Write: — | $5/K + input costs | — | | 07/09/2025 |
What To Consider When Choosing a Provider
- Configuration: Detailed prompts with explicit style, composition, and subject descriptions produce better results. Vague prompts may yield inconsistent output.
- Configuration: Evaluate whether Grok Imagine Image's output quality meets your requirements before upgrading to the Pro variant. For many use cases, standard quality is sufficient.
- 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 Grok Imagine Image
Best For
- Rapid prototyping and concept visualization: Teams need quick visual iterations on ideas
- Marketing and social media content: That requires custom images at scale without stock photo licensing
- Product mockups and design exploration: For e-commerce, presentations, and pitch decks
- Content creation pipelines: That generate illustrations, thumbnails, and visual assets programmatically
- UI and UX design elements: Placeholder images, icons, and background patterns
Consider Alternatives When
- Maximum image quality and detail: Grok Imagine Image Pro provides higher-fidelity output
- Video generation: Grok Imagine Video handles motion and temporal content
- Photorealistic product photography: Specialized product-shot models may produce more consistent commercial results
Conclusion
Grok Imagine Image provides accessible image generation through the Grok Imagine API. It balances generation speed with output quality for the broad range of visual content needs that creative and production teams encounter. For teams that need fast visual asset creation integrated into their existing AI workflows, it offers a straightforward path through Vercel AI Gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of images can Grok Imagine Image generate?
Grok Imagine Image generates images from text descriptions across a range of styles including photorealistic, illustrative, artistic, and graphic design. It handles diverse subjects and compositions based on prompt instructions.
How does Grok Imagine Image differ from Grok Imagine Image Pro?
Grok Imagine Image is the standard generation model optimized for speed and versatility. The Pro variant provides higher-fidelity output with more detail and refinement at higher cost.
Can I control the style and composition of generated images?
Yes. Include specific style, composition, lighting, and subject details in your text prompt. The model follows detailed instructions to shape the output.
How do I call Grok Imagine Image through Vercel AI Gateway?
Use your Vercel AI Gateway API key with
xai/grok-imagine-imageas the model identifier. Integrate through the AI SDK'sgenerateImagefunction or other API formats. AI Gateway handles provider routing automatically.Can Grok Imagine Image edit existing images?
The Grok Imagine API is primarily a text-to-image generation interface. For editing existing images, check the current API documentation for supported editing capabilities.
What output resolutions are available?
Check the Vercel AI Gateway documentation for current supported resolutions and aspect ratios for Grok Imagine Image.
Does Vercel AI Gateway support Zero Data Retention for Grok Imagine Image?
Zero Data Retention is not currently available for this model. ZDR on AI Gateway applies to direct gateway requests; BYOK flows aren't covered. See https://vercel.com/docs/ai-gateway/capabilities/zdr for details.