Recraft V4
Recraft V4 is Recraft's third-generation image model, built with input from working designers. It delivers improved photorealism with realistic skin, natural textures, clean lighting, varied composition, and original character generation.
import { experimental_generateImage as generateImage } from 'ai';
const result = await generateImage({ model: 'recraft/recraft-v4', prompt: 'A red balloon on a wooden table.'});Playground
Try out Recraft V4 by Recraft. 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.
Recraft V4
Your generated image will appear here
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.
| Provider |
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Recraft | — | — | 02/17/2026 |
More models by Recraft
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About Recraft V4
Recraft V4 is the third generation of Recraft's image model family. Recraft developed it with direct input from working designers, focusing on photorealism, composition variety, and character originality.
V4 emphasizes more realistic skin, natural textures, fewer synthetic artifacts, cleaner lighting, and more varied composition. Material textures (fabric, metal, wood, glass) show fewer repeating patterns.
Composition is another focus area. V4 produces more varied framing, camera angles, and spatial arrangements than earlier Recraft generations, which often defaulted to centered layouts. For illustration work, it generates original characters with less predictable color palettes.
Recraft V4 is optimized for speed and cost-efficiency within the V4 generation. Use it for everyday creative work and iterative design processes. For maximum resolution or print-ready fidelity, Recraft V4 Pro extends the output ceiling.
What To Consider When Choosing a Provider
- Configuration: Recraft V4 is optimized for speed and cost-efficiency. Confirm per-image rates. It fits iterative design workflows where rapid generation cycles matter. For maximum resolution and print-ready output, evaluate Recraft V4 Pro.
- 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 Recraft V4
Best For
- Photorealistic design work: Marketing imagery, product visualization, and editorial content that require natural output
- Iterative creative processes: Rapid generation cycles at reasonable cost
- Original character illustration: Work that benefits from fresh aesthetics and unpredictable color palettes
- Varied composition: Layouts that need dynamic framing beyond centered defaults
Consider Alternatives When
- Print-ready resolution: Recraft V4 Pro delivers higher resolution output
- Style preset dependence: Recraft V3's 20+ style presets may outweigh V4's general improvements
- Budget-first workflows: Recraft V2 or V3 may meet your needs at lower per-image rates
- Native vector output: Recraft V3 introduced direct vector generation
Conclusion
Recraft V4 delivers photorealism and composition improvements for professional design and marketing use. It fits iterative workflows that prioritize speed and cost over maximum resolution. Move to Recraft V4 Pro when you need print-ready or large-format resolution.