Gemini Image

Gemini image generation

Generate images via the Gemini Interactions API with plain curl. Auth is transparent: the gateway injects the x-goog-api-key header, you never set or see a key. If a call returns 401/403, the Gemini key is not connected; tell the operator, never ask for a raw key.

Models (July 2026 lineup - use ONLY these)

Do not use gemini-2.5-flash-image (legacy, deprecated by Google).

Text-to-image (the quick recipe)

mkdir -p /workspace/agent/images
curl -s -X POST "https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/interactions" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "gemini-3.1-flash-image",
    "input": [{"type": "text", "text": "YOUR PROMPT"}],
    "response_format": {"type": "image", "mime_type": "image/png", "aspect_ratio": "1:1", "image_size": "1K"}
  }' > /tmp/gen.json

jq -r '[.steps[] | select(.type=="model_output") | .content[] | select(.type=="image") | .data] | last' /tmp/gen.json \
  | base64 -d > /workspace/agent/images/out.png

Then send with mcp__nanoclaw__send_file({ to: "<destination>", path: "/workspace/agent/images/out.png", text: "..." }). Every send tool requires a named to destination; list_destinations shows the options.

If the jq path returns empty, inspect /tmp/gen.json for an error object or a text-only refusal before retrying.

Options:

• aspect_ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 2:3, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 9:16, 16:9, 21:9. Ads: 1:1 or 4:5 feed, 9:16 stories/reels.
• image_size: 1K (default, fine for chat), 2K, 4K. Uppercase K required.
• generation_config: {"thinking_level": "high"} for complex compositions (3.1 Flash Image; default is minimal).

Image editing (image + text in)

Base64-encode the source image into the input array:

B64=$(base64 -w0 source.jpg)
curl -s -X POST "https://generativelanguage.googleapis.com/v1beta/interactions" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d "{
    \"model\": \"gemini-3.1-flash-image\",
    \"input\": [
      {\"type\": \"text\", \"text\": \"EDIT INSTRUCTION\"},
      {\"type\": \"image\", \"mime_type\": \"image/jpeg\", \"data\": \"$B64\"}
    ]
  }" > /tmp/gen.json

Up to 10 object reference images and 4 character references on the default model. For strict brand/style matching (logo placement, style refs), switch to gemini-3-pro-image.

Iterating (multi-turn)

Each response JSON has an id. To refine the previous image, pass "previous_interaction_id": "<id>" with the new instruction instead of re-describing everything. This is the recommended way to iterate on a creative with the user.

Real-data images (grounded)

Add "tools": [{"type": "google_search"}] to generate imagery from live facts (weather cards, event posters, market snapshots). Add "search_types": ["web_search", "image_search"] inside the tool object for visual grounding too. Not available on the lite model.

Ad-creative tips

• Always state the text that must appear on the image verbatim, in quotes, and its language; these models render text reliably when told exactly.
• Describe the product, audience, and mood, not camera jargon.
• Generate 2-3 variants with different angles rather than one "perfect" ask; use the lite model for cheap variant sweeps, then upscale the winner on the default model at 2K.

Cost note

This is a metered Google API, separate from the Claude subscription. A 1K image on the default model costs cents; 4K and Pro cost more, and thinking tokens bill by default. Generate deliberately, not speculatively.