chatgpt

AI Image Generators

GPT Image

OpenAI's image models for typography, conversational edits, and developer APIs.

Ways to pay

GPT Image API
Usage-based API
ChatGPT Images
Bundled access
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Overview

Bottom line

GPT Image is OpenAI's image-generation and editing model family for developers and product teams that need image creation through the OpenAI API. OpenAI's current models are GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst, for workflows where editing precision matters most, and GPT Image 2.5 Flare, for fast everyday generation; GPT Image 2 remains available as an earlier model at the same token rates. It is best for workflows that need prompt-based generation, image edits, reference-guided outputs, or text-heavy graphics inside an application or production pipeline rather than a standalone design app.

Its strength is direct integration with OpenAI's model platform. Teams can build image creation into tools, automate asset generation, and use the same vendor relationship as other OpenAI workloads. The caveat is that GPT Image is a model and API path, not a complete creative suite. Product teams still need their own UX, review process, storage, safety checks, and cost controls.

Use GPT Image when image generation belongs inside software or an automated workflow. If the need is casual image making or human-led design iteration, ChatGPT Images inside the ChatGPT app is a separate route, so separate ChatGPT image access from API usage before choosing the buying path.

Pricing

Pricing snapshot

Ways to pay

App subscriptions, API usage, team workspaces, and enterprise contracts can follow different billing paths. See the pricing guide for current plan and meter details.

  • Direct API

    Primary

    GPT Image API

    Usage-based API

    Programmatic GPT Image use, currently GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst and Flare, is metered through OpenAI API token pricing rather than a single fixed per-image subscription price.

  • App subscription

    ChatGPT Images

    Bundled access

    Interactive image generation can be accessed through ChatGPT image features and shares the user plan boundary.

Plans

GPT Image API

Usage-based API

Usage: Pay-as-you-go for gpt-image-2.5-sunburst, gpt-image-2.5-flare and the earlier gpt-image-2: text input $5 per 1M tokens, cached text input $1.25 per 1M tokens; image input $8 per 1M tokens, cached image input $2 per 1M tokens; image output $30 per 1M tokens. Cached input rates apply only to the Responses API image generation tool.

  • Text-to-image generation and edits — Included
  • High-fidelity image inputs and reference-driven workflows — Included
  • Flexible sizes up to 4K-class outputs — Included

Capabilities

Input types

text, image, file

Output types

image

Supported platforms

Web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows

Delivery modes

Chat app, API

Company context

Company

OpenAI

Founded

Not specified

Headquarters

Not specified

Category

AI Image Generators

Screenshots

Product surfaces

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Official sources

Editorial guidance grounded in official product sources.

FAQ

Common questions

Is GPT Image the same thing as ChatGPT Images?

Not exactly. ChatGPT Images (currently ChatGPT Images 2.5) is the image feature inside the ChatGPT app, while GPT Image is OpenAI's API model family. The current API models are gpt-image-2.5-sunburst and gpt-image-2.5-flare, and gpt-image-2 remains available as an earlier model.

What is GPT Image best at?

It is strongest when the image needs to communicate something precise: posters, infographics, multilingual layouts, product mockups, diagram-like explainers, and reference-image edits that need tight prompt adherence.

When should I pick Midjourney, Ideogram, Adobe Firefly, or Recraft instead?

Pick Midjourney for aesthetic-first art, Ideogram for typography-first posters or logos, Adobe Firefly for Adobe-native branded workflows, and Recraft for vector-first brand asset production.

Does GPT Image support reference-image editing?

Yes. The Image API has an edits endpoint that accepts reference images and optional masks, and the Responses API supports multi-turn editing. OpenAI recommends GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst when editing precision matters most and Flare for fast everyday generation.

How does pricing work?

GPT Image API usage is billed per token: GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst and Flare cost $5 per 1M text input tokens, $8 per 1M image input tokens and $30 per 1M image output tokens. ChatGPT plans give end users image access in the app, but those subscriptions are separate from API billing and do not include API credits.

Recent updates

Changelog snapshot

Improvement

Event date

Updated API errors so applications can distinguish traffic that increases too quickly from temporary model overload.

Official source Changelog | OpenAI API

Verified