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> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.simplified.com/skills/platform-operators/generate-image/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.simplified.com/_mcp/server.

# Generate Image

**Skill ID:** `generate-image` · [Install skills](/skills/install) · [Canonical source](https://github.com/celeryhq/simplified-ai/tree/main/skills/generate-image)

## Try it

> Create a vertical product image using my uploaded product asset and save it for reuse.

The instructions below describe the workflow. Installed skills and connected tools are separate; use only operations exposed by your authorized connection.

For background removal/replacement, restoration, upscaling, masked edits, or format conversion, use `edit-image`. Continue here for prompt/reference-guided generation.

Create or edit an image with Simplified and retain an asset ID when the result will be reused. Use the current generation tool schema as the request contract; model catalogs describe availability and limits, not a reason to substitute provider-specific field names.

## Workflow

1. Resolve workspace/teamspace scope when needed using `simplified-workspace`. Carry its `space_id` into related calls.
2. Resolve existing references with `manage-assets`: search names/tags with `api_listAssets` if available, or use supplied IDs/URLs. Check asset readiness with `api_getAsset` before generating.
3. Select a compatible model from `api_listImageModels`, or `api_getModelFields(type: "image")` if that is the discovery tool exposed in this client. Inspect `api_getImageModelFields` or the available model-fields tool for limits/options when the request requires a particular resolution, quality, reference count, or provider. Honor explicit model choices when supported. Model IDs and credit costs can change; do not guess them.
4. Build the nested request below. Use `storage: "asset"` for reusable outputs; use `transient` only for an explicitly temporary result. The current schema recommends/defaults to asset storage; pass the choice explicitly.
5. Call `api_generateImage` when the user requests generation. Generation spends credits: clarify once when cost, quantity, or intent is ambiguous. Do not add a confirmation when the user already authorized that generation.
6. Wait for the tool's response, inspect its actual status, and report the result. Current apikit waits for completion; do not start a second job or manually poll while the call is still active.

## Current request contract

```json
{
  "model": "<model ID returned by discovery>",
  "storage": "asset",
  "parameters": {
    "prompt": "A studio product photo with space for a headline",
    "aspect_ratio": "4:5",
    "count": 1
  }
}
```

This is a template: substitute a discovered model ID before calling it. `model`, `storage`, and `parameters` are top-level. `prompt`, `aspect_ratio`, `count`, and `reference_images` belong inside `parameters`.

For editing, add `parameters.reference_images: ["<ready asset UUID>"]`. For composition, supply several references in that array; supported counts depend on the model. Prefer workspace asset UUIDs. The image tool also accepts absolute HTTP(S) image URLs; preserve the full signed query string if using one. Local paths, filenames, and another workspace's UUIDs are invalid.

`capability` is optional: no references selects `prompt`, one selects `reference_image`, and several select `multiple_images`. Several references compose one output; use `count` for several generated outputs. If setting a capability explicitly, confirm the model supports it.

Use the normalized public field `reference_images` for every model. Do not replace it with provider fields such as `input_image` or `source_image`, even if a catalog describes internal provider fields. Add optional model-specific controls only when the generation schema/live contract accepts them.

## Choose for the outcome

For ordinary social graphics, select a currently available general model; for dense text/layout or higher resolution, inspect compatible models and limits. For continuity/editing, filter by reference support. When the user specifies a provider, use that family's currently recommended compatible ID. For a budget-sensitive request, inspect available credit metadata and generate only the requested count. Treat credit rates as estimates unless the tool explicitly guarantees the charge; size, quality, and count can affect usage.

## Storage and results

| Mode        | Use                                                                          |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `asset`     | Save in the Asset Library and retain a reusable UUID                         |
| `transient` | Temporary output URL without a permanent asset ID                            |
| `default`   | Save in the image gallery; do not assume this supplies an Asset Library UUID |

Read the returned envelope rather than assuming all clients return identical wrappers. Common successful image results are in `detail.result`; entries can be URL strings (transient) or objects containing `asset_id` and `url` (asset). Keep every returned output when generating multiple images.

Present the result using the client’s supported preview or a usable link and include the permanent `asset_id` when present. Signed file URLs may expire even for saved assets. Refresh them with `api_getAsset`. If the user later wants to reuse a transient image, import its accessible URL with `api_createAsset` instead of generating again.

For social drafts, hand off actual IDs to `simplified-social.media`; generation is not permission to publish.

## Errors and incomplete jobs

An accepted request is not proof of a finished image. On timeout/pending status, retain the returned job identifiers and use only the continuation operation the response/tool schema specifies. Never blindly repeat a paid generation. Report provider errors and use the supported-value list for a targeted correction. A 429 may indicate quota or rate limits: report its actual message rather than assuming credits are always exhausted.

Examples users can ask: “Make a vertical product photo and save it”; “Find my uploaded logo and use it in a poster”; “Edit this asset to use a blue background”; “Create three variations for review.”

> Use this Simplified skill from a compatible connected assistant.