Generate images with Gemini

Caution: The gemini-2.0-flash-preview-image-generation and gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview models will be retired on October 31, 2025. Migrate any workflows to gemini-2.5-flash-image before that date to avoid service disruption.

Gemini 2.5 Flash Image supports response generation in multiple modalities, including text and images.

Image generation

Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (gemini-2.5-flash-image) supports the ability to generate images in addition to text. This expands Gemini's capabilities to include the following:

Iteratively generate images through conversation with natural language, adjusting images while maintaining consistency and context.
Generate images with high-quality long text rendering.
Generate interleaved text-image output. For example, a blog post with text and images in a single turn. Previously, this required stringing together multiple models.
Generate images using Gemini's world knowledge and reasoning capabilities.

With this public experimental release, Gemini 2.5 Flash Image can generate images in 1024px, supports generating images of people, and contains updated safety filters that provide a more flexible and less restrictive user experience.

It supports the following modalities and capabilities:

Text to image
- Example prompt: "Generate an image of the Eiffel tower with fireworks in the background."
Text to image (text rendering)
- Example prompt: "generate a cinematic photo of a large building with this giant text projection mapped on the front of the building: "Gemini 2.5 can now generate long form text""
Text to image(s) and text (interleaved)
- Example prompt: "Generate an illustrated recipe for a paella. Create images alongside the text as you generate the recipe."
- Example prompt: "Generate a story about a dog in a 3D cartoon animation style. For each scene, generate an image"
Image(s) and text to image(s) and text (interleaved)
- Example prompt: (With an image of a furnished room) "What other color sofas would work in my space? Can you update the image?"
Locale-aware image generation
- Example prompt: "Generate an image of a breakfast meal."

Best practices

To improve your image generation results, follow these best practices:

Be specific: More details give you more control. For example, instead of "fantasy armor," try "ornate elven plate armor, etched with silver leaf patterns, with a high collar and pauldrons shaped like falcon wings."
Provide context and intent: Explain the purpose of the image to help the model understand the context. For example, "Create a logo for a high-end, minimalist skincare brand" works better than "Create a logo."
Iterate and refine: Don't expect a perfect image on your first attempt. Use follow-up prompts to make small changes, for example, "Make the lighting warmer" or "Change the character's expression to be more serious."
Use step-by-step instructions: For complex scenes, split your request into steps. For example, "First, create a background of a serene, misty forest at dawn. Then, in the foreground, add a moss-covered ancient stone altar. Finally, place a single, glowing sword on top of the altar."
Describe what you want, not what you don't: Instead of saying "no cars", describe the scene positively by saying, "an empty, deserted street with no signs of traffic."
Control the camera: Guide the camera view. Use photographic and cinematic terms to describe the composition, for example, "wide-angle shot", "macro shot", or "low-angle perspective".
Prompt for images: Describe the intent by using phrases such as "create an image of" or "generate an image of". Otherwise, the multimodal model might respond with text instead of the image.

Limitations:

Image generation using Gemini 2.5 Flash Image has the following limitations:

For best performance, use the following languages: EN, es-MX, ja-JP, zh-CN, hi-IN.
Image generation doesn't support audio or video inputs.
The model might not create the exact number of images you ask for.
For best results, include a maximum of three images in an input.
When generating an image containing text, first generate the text and then generate an image with that text.
Image or text generation might not work as expected in these situations:
- The model might only create text. If you want images, clearly ask for images in your request. For example, "provide images as you go along."
- The model might create text as an image. To generate text, specifically ask for text output. For example, "generate narrative text along with illustrations."
- The model might stop generating content even when it's not finished. If this occurs, try again or use a different prompt.

Generate images

The following sections cover how to generate images using either Vertex AI Studio or using the API.

For guidance and best practices for prompting, see Design multimodal prompts.

Console

To use image generation:

Open Vertex AI Studio > Create prompt.
Click Switch model and select gemini-2.5-flash-image from the menu.
In the Outputs panel, select Image and text from the drop-down menu.
Write a description of the image you want to generate in the text area of the Write a prompt text area.
Click the Prompt () button.

Gemini will generate an image based on your description. This process should take a few seconds, but may be comparatively slower depending on capacity.

Python

Install

pip install --upgrade google-genai

To learn more, see the SDK reference documentation.

Set environment variables to use the Gen AI SDK with Vertex AI:

# Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values
# with appropriate values for your project.
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global
export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True

from google import genai
from google.genai.types import GenerateContentConfig, Modality
from PIL import Image
from io import BytesIO

client = genai.Client()

response = client.models.generate_content(
    model="gemini-2.5-flash-image",
    contents=("Generate an image of the Eiffel tower with fireworks in the background."),
    config=GenerateContentConfig(
        response_modalities=[Modality.TEXT, Modality.IMAGE],
        candidate_count=1,
        safety_settings=[
            {"method": "PROBABILITY"},
            {"category": "HARM_CATEGORY_DANGEROUS_CONTENT"},
            {"threshold": "BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE"},
        ],
    ),
)
for part in response.candidates[0].content.parts:
    if part.text:
        print(part.text)
    elif part.inline_data:
        image = Image.open(BytesIO((part.inline_data.data)))
        image.save("output_folder/example-image-eiffel-tower.png")
# Example response:
#   I will generate an image of the Eiffel Tower at night, with a vibrant display of
#   colorful fireworks exploding in the dark sky behind it. The tower will be
#   illuminated, standing tall as the focal point of the scene, with the bursts of
#   light from the fireworks creating a festive atmosphere.

Node.js

Install

npm install @google/genai

To learn more, see the SDK reference documentation.

Set environment variables to use the Gen AI SDK with Vertex AI:

# Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values
# with appropriate values for your project.
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global
export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True

const fs = require('fs');
const {GoogleGenAI, Modality} = require('@google/genai');

const GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT = process.env.GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT;
const GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION =
  process.env.GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION || 'us-central1';

async function generateContent(
  projectId = GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT,
  location = GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION
) {
  const ai = new GoogleGenAI({
    vertexai: true,
    project: projectId,
    location: location,
  });

  const response = await ai.models.generateContentStream({
    model: 'gemini-2.0-flash-exp',
    contents:
      'Generate an image of the Eiffel tower with fireworks in the background.',
    config: {
      responseModalities: [Modality.TEXT, Modality.IMAGE],
    },
  });

  const generatedFileNames = [];
  let imageIndex = 0;
  for await (const chunk of response) {
    const text = chunk.text;
    const data = chunk.data;
    if (text) {
      console.debug(text);
    } else if (data) {
      const fileName = `generate_content_streaming_image_${imageIndex++}.png`;
      console.debug(`Writing response image to file: ${fileName}.`);
      try {
        fs.writeFileSync(fileName, data);
        generatedFileNames.push(fileName);
      } catch (error) {
        console.error(`Failed to write image file ${fileName}:`, error);
      }
    }
  }

  return generatedFileNames;
}

Java

Learn how to install or update the Java.

To learn more, see the SDK reference documentation.

Set environment variables to use the Gen AI SDK with Vertex AI:

# Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values
# with appropriate values for your project.
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global
export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True


import com.google.genai.Client;
import com.google.genai.types.Blob;
import com.google.genai.types.Candidate;
import com.google.genai.types.Content;
import com.google.genai.types.GenerateContentConfig;
import com.google.genai.types.GenerateContentResponse;
import com.google.genai.types.Part;
import com.google.genai.types.SafetySetting;
import java.awt.image.BufferedImage;
import java.io.ByteArrayInputStream;
import java.io.File;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;
import javax.imageio.ImageIO;

public class ImageGenMmFlashWithText {

  public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
    // TODO(developer): Replace these variables before running the sample.
    String modelId = "gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview";
    String outputFile = "resources/output/example-image-eiffel-tower.png";
    generateContent(modelId, outputFile);
  }

  // Generates an image with text input
  public static void generateContent(String modelId, String outputFile) throws IOException {
    // Client Initialization. Once created, it can be reused for multiple requests.
    try (Client client = Client.builder().location("global").vertexAI(true).build()) {

      GenerateContentConfig contentConfig =
          GenerateContentConfig.builder()
              .responseModalities("TEXT", "IMAGE")
              .candidateCount(1)
              .safetySettings(
                  SafetySetting.builder()
                      .method("PROBABILITY")
                      .category("HARM_CATEGORY_DANGEROUS_CONTENT")
                      .threshold("BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE")
                      .build())
              .build();

      GenerateContentResponse response =
          client.models.generateContent(
              modelId,
              "Generate an image of the Eiffel tower with fireworks in the background.",
              contentConfig);

      // Get parts of the response
      List<Part> parts =
          response
              .candidates()
              .flatMap(candidates -> candidates.stream().findFirst())
              .flatMap(Candidate::content)
              .flatMap(Content::parts)
              .orElse(new ArrayList<>());

      // For each part print text if present, otherwise read image data if present and
      // write it to the output file
      for (Part part : parts) {
        if (part.text().isPresent()) {
          System.out.println(part.text().get());
        } else if (part.inlineData().flatMap(Blob::data).isPresent()) {
          BufferedImage image =
              ImageIO.read(new ByteArrayInputStream(part.inlineData().flatMap(Blob::data).get()));
          ImageIO.write(image, "png", new File(outputFile));
        }
      }

      System.out.println("Content written to: " + outputFile);
      // Example response:
      // Here is the Eiffel Tower with fireworks in the background...
      //
      // Content written to: resources/output/example-image-eiffel-tower.png
    }
  }
}

REST

Run the following command in the terminal to create or overwrite this file in the current directory:

curl -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $(gcloud auth print-access-token)" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  https://${API_ENDPOINT}:generateContent \
  -d '{
    "contents": {
      "role": "USER",
      "parts": { "text": "Create a tutorial explaining how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in three easy steps."},
    },
    "generation_config": {
      "response_modalities": ["TEXT", "IMAGE"],
     },
     "safetySettings": {
      "method": "PROBABILITY",
      "category": "HARM_CATEGORY_DANGEROUS_CONTENT",
      "threshold": "BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE"
    },
  }' 2>/dev/null >response.json

Note: You must include responseModalities: ["TEXT", "IMAGE"] in your configuration. Image-only output is not supported with these models.

Gemini will generate an image based on your description. This process should take a few seconds, but may be comparatively slower depending on capacity.

Generate interleaved images and text

Gemini 2.5 Flash Image can generate interleaved images with its text responses. For example, you can generate images of what each step of a generated recipe might look like to go along with the text of that step, without having to make separate requests to the model to do so.

Console

To generate interleaved images with text responses:

Open Vertex AI Studio > Create prompt.
Click Switch model and select gemini-2.5-flash-image from the menu.
In the Outputs panel, select Image and text from the drop-down menu.
Write a description of the image you want to generate in the text area of the Write a prompt text area. For example, "Create a tutorial explaining how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in three easy steps. For each step, provide a title with the number of the step, an explanation, and also generate an image, generate each image in a 1:1 aspect ratio."
Click the Prompt () button.

Gemini will generate a response based on your description. This process should take a few seconds, but may be comparatively slower depending on capacity.

Python

Install

pip install --upgrade google-genai

To learn more, see the SDK reference documentation.

Set environment variables to use the Gen AI SDK with Vertex AI:

# Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values
# with appropriate values for your project.
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global
export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True

from google import genai
from google.genai.types import GenerateContentConfig, Modality
from PIL import Image
from io import BytesIO

client = genai.Client()

response = client.models.generate_content(
    model="gemini-2.5-flash-image",
    contents=(
        "Generate an illustrated recipe for a paella."
        "Create images to go alongside the text as you generate the recipe"
    ),
    config=GenerateContentConfig(response_modalities=[Modality.TEXT, Modality.IMAGE]),
)
with open("output_folder/paella-recipe.md", "w") as fp:
    for i, part in enumerate(response.candidates[0].content.parts):
        if part.text is not None:
            fp.write(part.text)
        elif part.inline_data is not None:
            image = Image.open(BytesIO((part.inline_data.data)))
            image.save(f"output_folder/example-image-{i+1}.png")
            fp.write(f"![image](example-image-{i+1}.png)")
# Example response:
#  A markdown page for a Paella recipe(`paella-recipe.md`) has been generated.
#   It includes detailed steps and several images illustrating the cooking process.

Java

Learn how to install or update the Java.

To learn more, see the SDK reference documentation.

Set environment variables to use the Gen AI SDK with Vertex AI:

# Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values
# with appropriate values for your project.
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global
export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True


import com.google.genai.Client;
import com.google.genai.types.Blob;
import com.google.genai.types.Candidate;
import com.google.genai.types.Content;
import com.google.genai.types.GenerateContentConfig;
import com.google.genai.types.GenerateContentResponse;
import com.google.genai.types.Part;
import java.awt.image.BufferedImage;
import java.io.BufferedWriter;
import java.io.ByteArrayInputStream;
import java.io.File;
import java.io.FileWriter;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;
import javax.imageio.ImageIO;

public class ImageGenMmFlashTextAndImageWithText {

  public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
    // TODO(developer): Replace these variables before running the sample.
    String modelId = "gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview";
    String outputFile = "resources/output/paella-recipe.md";
    generateContent(modelId, outputFile);
  }

  // Generates text and image with text input
  public static void generateContent(String modelId, String outputFile) throws IOException {
    // Client Initialization. Once created, it can be reused for multiple requests.
    try (Client client = Client.builder().location("global").vertexAI(true).build()) {

      GenerateContentResponse response =
          client.models.generateContent(
              modelId,
              Content.fromParts(
                  Part.fromText("Generate an illustrated recipe for a paella."),
                  Part.fromText(
                      "Create images to go alongside the text as you generate the recipe.")),
              GenerateContentConfig.builder().responseModalities("TEXT", "IMAGE").build());

      try (BufferedWriter writer = new BufferedWriter(new FileWriter(outputFile))) {

        // Get parts of the response
        List<Part> parts =
            response
                .candidates()
                .flatMap(candidates -> candidates.stream().findFirst())
                .flatMap(Candidate::content)
                .flatMap(Content::parts)
                .orElse(new ArrayList<>());

        int index = 1;
        // For each part print text if present, otherwise read image data if present and
        // write it to the output file
        for (Part part : parts) {
          if (part.text().isPresent()) {
            writer.write(part.text().get());
          } else if (part.inlineData().flatMap(Blob::data).isPresent()) {
            BufferedImage image =
                ImageIO.read(new ByteArrayInputStream(part.inlineData().flatMap(Blob::data).get()));
            ImageIO.write(
                image, "png", new File("resources/output/example-image-" + index + ".png"));
            writer.write("![image](example-image-" + index + ".png)");
          }
          index++;
        }

        System.out.println("Content written to: " + outputFile);

        // Example response:
        // A markdown page for a Paella recipe(`paella-recipe.md`) has been generated.
        // It includes detailed steps and several images illustrating the cooking process.
        //
        // Content written to:  resources/output/paella-recipe.md
      }
    }
  }
}

REST

Run the following command in the terminal to create or overwrite this file in the current directory:

curl -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $(gcloud auth print-access-token)" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  https://${API_ENDPOINT}:generateContent \
  -d '{
    "contents": {
      "role": "USER",
      "parts": { "text": "Create a tutorial explaining how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in three easy steps. For each step, provide a title with the number of the step, an explanation, and also generate an image, generate each image in a 1:1 aspect ratio."},
    },
    "generation_config": {
      "response_modalities": ["TEXT", "IMAGE"],
     },
     "safetySettings": {
      "method": "PROBABILITY",
      "category": "HARM_CATEGORY_DANGEROUS_CONTENT",
      "threshold": "BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE"
    },
  }' 2>/dev/null >response.json

Note: You must include responseModalities: ["TEXT", "IMAGE"] in your configuration. Image-only output is not supported with these models.

Gemini will generate an image based on your description. This process should take a few seconds, but may be comparatively slower depending on capacity.

Locale-aware image generation

Gemini 2.5 Flash Image can also include information about your location when providing text or image responses. For example, you can generate images of types of locations or experiences that take your current location into account without having to specify your location to the model to do so.

Console

To use locale-aware image generation:

Open Vertex AI Studio > Create prompt.
Click Switch model and select gemini-2.5-flash-image from the menu.
In the Outputs panel, select Image and text from the drop-down menu.
Write a description of the image you want to generate in the text area of the Write a prompt text area. For example, "Generate a photo of a typical breakfast."
Click the Prompt () button.

Gemini will generate a response based on your description. This process should take a few seconds, but may be comparatively slower depending on capacity.

Python

Install

pip install --upgrade google-genai

To learn more, see the SDK reference documentation.

Set environment variables to use the Gen AI SDK with Vertex AI:

# Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values
# with appropriate values for your project.
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global
export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True

from google import genai
from google.genai.types import GenerateContentConfig, Modality
from PIL import Image
from io import BytesIO

client = genai.Client()

response = client.models.generate_content(
    model="gemini-2.5-flash-image",
    contents=("Generate a photo of a breakfast meal."),
    config=GenerateContentConfig(response_modalities=[Modality.TEXT, Modality.IMAGE]),
)
for part in response.candidates[0].content.parts:
    if part.text:
        print(part.text)
    elif part.inline_data:
        image = Image.open(BytesIO((part.inline_data.data)))
        image.save("output_folder/example-breakfast-meal.png")
# Example response:
#   Generates a photo of a vibrant and appetizing breakfast meal.
#   The scene will feature a white plate with golden-brown pancakes
#   stacked neatly, drizzled with rich maple syrup and ...

Java

Learn how to install or update the Java.

To learn more, see the SDK reference documentation.

Set environment variables to use the Gen AI SDK with Vertex AI:

# Replace the `GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT` and `GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION` values
# with appropriate values for your project.
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT=GOOGLE_CLOUD_PROJECT
export GOOGLE_CLOUD_LOCATION=global
export GOOGLE_GENAI_USE_VERTEXAI=True


import com.google.genai.Client;
import com.google.genai.types.Blob;
import com.google.genai.types.Candidate;
import com.google.genai.types.Content;
import com.google.genai.types.GenerateContentConfig;
import com.google.genai.types.GenerateContentResponse;
import com.google.genai.types.Part;
import java.awt.image.BufferedImage;
import java.io.ByteArrayInputStream;
import java.io.File;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;
import javax.imageio.ImageIO;

public class ImageGenMmFlashLocaleAwareWithText {

  public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
    // TODO(developer): Replace these variables before running the sample.
    String modelId = "gemini-2.5-flash-image-preview";
    String outputFile = "resources/output/example-breakfast-meal.png";
    generateContent(modelId, outputFile);
  }

  // Generates an image with text input
  public static void generateContent(String modelId, String outputFile) throws IOException {
    // Client Initialization. Once created, it can be reused for multiple requests.
    try (Client client = Client.builder().location("global").vertexAI(true).build()) {

      GenerateContentResponse response =
          client.models.generateContent(
              modelId,
              "Generate a photo of a breakfast meal.",
              GenerateContentConfig.builder().responseModalities("TEXT", "IMAGE").build());

      // Get parts of the response
      List<Part> parts =
          response
              .candidates()
              .flatMap(candidates -> candidates.stream().findFirst())
              .flatMap(Candidate::content)
              .flatMap(Content::parts)
              .orElse(new ArrayList<>());

      // For each part print text if present, otherwise read image data if present and
      // write it to the output file
      for (Part part : parts) {
        if (part.text().isPresent()) {
          System.out.println(part.text().get());
        } else if (part.inlineData().flatMap(Blob::data).isPresent()) {
          BufferedImage image =
              ImageIO.read(new ByteArrayInputStream(part.inlineData().flatMap(Blob::data).get()));
          ImageIO.write(image, "png", new File(outputFile));
        }
      }

      System.out.println("Content written to: " + outputFile);

      // Example response:
      // Here is a photo of a breakfast meal for you!
      //
      // Content written to: resources/output/example-breakfast-meal.png
    }
  }
}

REST

Run the following command in the terminal to create or overwrite this file in the current directory:

curl -X POST \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $(gcloud auth print-access-token)" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  https://${API_ENDPOINT}:generateContent \
  -d '{
    "contents": {
      "role": "USER",
      "parts": { "text": "Generate a photo of a typical breakfast."},
    },
    "generation_config": {
      "response_modalities": ["TEXT", "IMAGE"],
     },
     "safetySettings": {
      "method": "PROBABILITY",
      "category": "HARM_CATEGORY_DANGEROUS_CONTENT",
      "threshold": "BLOCK_MEDIUM_AND_ABOVE"
    },
  }' 2>/dev/null >response.json

Note: You must include responseModalities: ["TEXT", "IMAGE"] in your configuration. Image-only output is not supported with these models.

Gemini will generate an image based on your description. This process should take a few seconds, but may be comparatively slower depending on capacity.

Generate images with Gemini Stay organized with collections Save and categorize content based on your preferences.

Image generation

Generate images

Console

Python

Install

Node.js

Install

Java

REST

Generate interleaved images and text

Console

Python

Install

Java

REST

Locale-aware image generation

Console

Python

Install

Java

REST

Generate images with Gemini