AI Image Generation
Create stunning AI-generated images with DALL-E 3 and Nano Banana Pro. Learn how to create, edit, and reimagine images with intelligent model routing.
API Keys Required
Image generation requires API keys. OpenAI API key is needed for DALL-E 3, and OpenRouter API key is needed for Nano Banana Pro (image editing). Add your keys in Settings → API Keys.
Interface Overview
The Images page provides a powerful interface for AI-powered image generation. You can create new images from text prompts, edit existing images with specific modifications, or reimagine images with completely new interpretations.
Create
Generate new images from text descriptions
Edit
Modify existing images with precise changes
Reimagine
Create new variations based on existing images
Creating Images
Create new images by describing what you want to see. ARKA's ARKAbrain will automatically choose the best model (DALL-E 3 or Nano Banana Pro) based on your prompt.
Click Create Image
Click the orange "+ Create Image" button in the top-right corner of the Images page.
Enter Your Prompt
Describe the image you want to create. Be specific about subjects, style, lighting, and composition for best results.
Enable Prompt Enhancement
Keep the "Enhance prompt" toggle enabled (default) to let AI improve your prompt with artistic details and technical photography terms.
Configure Options
Choose your preferred size, quality, and style:
Generate
Click "Generate Image" and wait for your creation. You'll see a loading state while the image is being generated.
Pro Tip: Prompt Writing
Include specific details like art style (e.g., "oil painting", "digital art"), lighting (e.g., "golden hour", "dramatic shadows"), and mood (e.g., "serene", "energetic") for more consistent results.
Image Options
| Option | Choices | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1024×1024, 1792×1024, 1024×1792 | Square, Landscape, or Portrait orientation |
| Quality | Standard, HD | HD provides more detail but takes longer |
| Style | Vivid, Natural | Vivid is more dramatic; Natural is more realistic |
Editing Images
Edit mode uses Nano Banana Pro via OpenRouter to make precise modifications to existing images while preserving the original composition and style.
OpenRouter Key Required
Image editing requires an OpenRouter API key with access to Nano Banana Pro. Add your key in Settings → API Keys → OpenRouter.
Select an Image
Click on any image in your gallery to open the detail view.
Click Edit
Click the "Edit" button to open the editing interface.
Describe Your Changes
Enter what you want to change. Be specific, e.g., "Change the sky to sunset colors" or "Add a red hat to the person".
Use Presets (Optional)
Use the preset buttons to quickly apply common modifications like time of day, weather, or art style changes.
Upload & Edit Your Own Images
You can also upload your own images and edit them with Nano Banana Pro. This is perfect for transforming existing photos, creating blueprints from photos, adding effects to your images, or touching up portraits.
Click Upload & Edit
Click the purple "Upload & Edit" button in the header.
Drop or Select Your Image
Drag and drop an image onto the drop zone, or click to browse your files. Supports PNG, JPG, and WEBP up to 10MB.
Describe Your Edit
Enter what you want to change, or use the preset buttons for common transformations.
Generate
Click "Edit Image" to apply your changes with Nano Banana Pro.
Use Cases for Upload & Edit
- Photo Enhancement: Improve lighting, colors, or add artistic effects
- Transform Styles: Convert photos to blueprints, illustrations, or comics
- Portrait Retouching: Professional headshots, glamour shots, skin smoothing
- Weather & Time: Add rain, snow, or change time of day
Edit Presets
Presets provide one-click access to common image modifications. Click any preset to instantly apply it to your edit prompt.
Time of Day
Weather
Season
Art Style
Mood
Modifications
Transforms
Portrait Edits
Reimagining Images
Reimagine mode uses DALL-E 3 to create entirely new interpretations of your existing images. Unlike editing, reimagining generates a completely new image based on a prompt that describes both the original and your desired changes.
Edit vs Reimagine
- Edit: Preserves the original image while making targeted changes
- Reimagine: Creates a brand new image inspired by the original
ARKAbrain Model Routing
ARKA's ARKAbrain automatically selects the best image generation model based on your prompt and the type of operation you're performing.
| Model | Provider | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DALL-E 3 | OpenAI | Photorealistic images, complex scenes, artistic styles |
| Nano Banana Pro | OpenRouter | Image editing, targeted modifications, style preservation |
Each generated image shows a model badge indicating which model was used and why. Click the badge to see the routing explanation.
Managing Images
All generated images are saved to your workspace and can be accessed anytime. Each image stores its original prompt, enhanced prompt (if used), and generation metadata.
Download
Download any image to your device in full resolution. Click the download button in the image detail view.
Delete
Remove images you no longer need. Deleted images cannot be recovered, so download important ones first.
Chat Integration
You can also generate images directly in the chat interface! Simply ask ARKA to create an image, and it will automatically use the image generation tools.
Example prompts:
- "Create an image of a futuristic city at night"
- "Generate a watercolor painting of a mountain landscape"
- "Make me an image of a cute robot reading a book"
Images generated in chat appear inline in the conversation and are also saved to your Images gallery for easy access later.
Tips & Best Practices
Use Prompt Enhancement
Keep the "Enhance prompt" toggle enabled. AI enhancement adds artistic details that significantly improve output quality.
Be Specific
Include details about style, lighting, composition, and mood. "A cat" produces generic results; "A fluffy orange cat sleeping in a sunbeam on a vintage armchair" produces something memorable.
Use Edit for Refinements
If you like an image but want small changes, use Edit mode rather than regenerating. It preserves what you like while fixing what you don't.
Experiment with Presets
Presets can dramatically transform images. Try applying "Golden Hour" or "Oil Painting" to see how they change the mood.