# Generate Images

Generates or edits bitmap images such as photos, sprites and transparent cutouts.

- Repository: https://github.com/openai/codex (132724 stars)
- Category: Media
- License: Apache-2.0
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: yes, review before use

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add openai/codex --skill imagegen -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add openai/codex --skill imagegen -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add openai/codex --skill imagegen -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add openai/codex --skill imagegen -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Generate or edit raster images when the task benefits from AI-created bitmap visuals such as photos, illustrations, textures, sprites, mockups, or transparent-background cutouts. Use when Codex should create a brand-new image, transform an existing image, or derive visual variants from references, and the output should be a bitmap asset rather than repo-native code or vector. Do not use when the task is better handled by editing existing SVG/vector/code-native assets, extending an established icon or logo system, or building the visual directly in HTML/CSS/canvas.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Image Generation Skill

Generates or edits images for the current project (for example website assets, game assets, UI mockups, product mockups, wireframes, logo design, photorealistic images, or infographics).

## Top-level modes and rules

This skill has exactly two top-level modes:

- **Default built-in tool mode (preferred):** built-in `image_gen` tool for image generation, editing, and transparent-image requests. Does not require `OPENAI_API_KEY`.
- **Fallback CLI mode:** `scripts/image_gen.py` CLI. Use when the user explicitly asks for or confirms the CLI/API/model path. Requires `OPENAI_API_KEY`.

Within CLI fallback, the CLI exposes three subcommands:

- `generate`
- `edit`
- `generate-batch`

Rules:
- Use the built-in `image_gen` tool by default for normal image generation and editing requests.
- Do not switch to CLI fallback for ordinary quality, size, or file-path control.
- For transparent images, ask built-in `image_gen` for a transparent background and preserve the generated alpha.
- Never silently switch from built-in `image_gen` or CLI `gpt-image-2` to CLI `gpt-image-1.5`; ask the user first unless they explicitly requested `gpt-image-1.5`.
- The word `batch` by itself does not mean CLI fallback. If the user asks for many assets or says to batch-generate assets without explicitly asking for CLI/API/model controls, stay on the built-in path and issue one built-in call per requested asset or variant.
- If the built-in tool fails or is unavailable, tell the user the CLI fallback exists and that it requires `OPENAI_API_KEY`. Proceed only if the user explicitly asks for that fallback.
- If the user explicitly asks for CLI mode, use the bundled `scripts/image_gen.py` workflow. Do not create one-off SDK runners.
- Never modify `scripts/image_gen.py`. If something is missing, ask the user before doing anything else.

The rest: https://github.com/openai/codex/blob/HEAD/codex-rs/skills/src/assets/samples/imagegen/SKILL.md