gpt-image-1-5
Generate and edit images using OpenAI's GPT Image 1.5 model. Use when the user asks to generate, create, edit, modify, change, alter, or update images. Also use when user references an existing image file and asks to modify it in any way (e.g., "modify this image", "change the background", "replace X with Y"). Supports text-to-image generation and image editing with optional mask. DO NOT read the image file first - use this skill directly with the --input-image parameter.
When & Why to Use This Skill
The GPT Image 1.5 skill empowers Claude to generate and edit high-quality images using OpenAI's advanced vision models. It provides a seamless interface for text-to-image generation, precise mask-based inpainting, and comprehensive image modifications. With support for transparent backgrounds, variable aspect ratios (square, portrait, landscape), and quality controls, this tool streamlines the creative process for designers and marketers directly within their chat workflow.
Use Cases
- Marketing Asset Generation: Create unique, high-quality illustrations, logos, or mascots with transparent backgrounds for use in digital ads and landing pages.
- Precise Image Inpainting: Use mask files to edit specific regions of an image, such as adding a new object to a room or replacing a person's clothing while keeping the rest of the image intact.
- Style and Background Modification: Transform the mood of existing photos by changing backgrounds (e.g., 'change the sky to a sunset') or applying new artistic styles through natural language prompts.
- Social Media Content Creation: Quickly generate visuals tailored to specific platform requirements using portrait, landscape, or square aspect ratio presets.
| name | gpt-image-1-5 |
|---|---|
| description | Generate and edit images using OpenAI's GPT Image 1.5 model. Use when the user asks to generate, create, edit, modify, change, alter, or update images. Also use when user references an existing image file and asks to modify it in any way (e.g., "modify this image", "change the background", "replace X with Y"). Supports text-to-image generation and image editing with optional mask. DO NOT read the image file first - use this skill directly with the --input-image parameter. |
GPT Image 1.5 - Image Generation & Editing
Generate new images or edit existing ones using OpenAI's GPT Image 1.5 model.
- Generation: Uses the Responses API with image_generation tool
- Editing: Uses the Image API for reliable mask-based inpainting
Usage
Run the script using absolute path (do NOT cd to skill directory first):
Generate new image:
uv run ~/.claude/skills/gpt-image-1-5/scripts/generate_image.py --prompt "your image description" --filename "output-name.png" [--quality low|medium|high] [--size 1024x1024|1024x1536|1536x1024|auto] [--background transparent|opaque|auto] [--api-key KEY]
Edit existing image (without mask - full image edit):
uv run ~/.claude/skills/gpt-image-1-5/scripts/generate_image.py --prompt "editing instructions" --filename "output-name.png" --input-image "path/to/input.png" [--size 1024x1024|1024x1536|1536x1024|auto] [--api-key KEY]
Edit existing image (with mask - precise inpainting):
uv run ~/.claude/skills/gpt-image-1-5/scripts/generate_image.py --prompt "what to put in masked area" --filename "output-name.png" --input-image "path/to/input.png" --mask "path/to/mask.png" [--size 1024x1024|1024x1536|1536x1024|auto] [--api-key KEY]
Important: Always run from the user's current working directory so images are saved where the user is working, not in the skill directory.
Parameters
Quality Options
- low - Fastest generation, lower quality
- medium (default) - Balanced quality and speed
- high - Best quality, slower generation
Map user requests:
- No mention of quality ->
medium - "quick", "fast", "draft" ->
low - "high quality", "best", "detailed", "high-res" ->
high
Size Options
- 1024x1024 (default) - Square format
- 1024x1536 - Portrait format
- 1536x1024 - Landscape format
- auto - Let the model decide based on prompt
Map user requests:
- No mention of size ->
1024x1024 - "square" ->
1024x1024 - "portrait", "vertical", "tall" ->
1024x1536 - "landscape", "horizontal", "wide" ->
1536x1024
Background Options (generation only)
- auto (default) - Model decides
- transparent - Transparent background (PNG/WebP output)
- opaque - Solid background
API Key
The script checks for API key in this order:
--api-keyargument (use if user provided key in chat)OPENAI_API_KEYenvironment variable
If neither is available, the script exits with an error message.
Filename Generation
Generate filenames with the pattern: yyyy-mm-dd-hh-mm-ss-name.png
Format: {timestamp}-{descriptive-name}.png
- Timestamp: Current date/time in format
yyyy-mm-dd-hh-mm-ss(24-hour format) - Name: Descriptive lowercase text with hyphens
- Keep the descriptive part concise (1-5 words typically)
- Use context from user's prompt or conversation
- If unclear, use random identifier (e.g.,
x9k2,a7b3)
Examples:
- Prompt "A serene Japanese garden" ->
2025-12-17-14-23-05-japanese-garden.png - Prompt "sunset over mountains" ->
2025-12-17-15-30-12-sunset-mountains.png - Prompt "create an image of a robot" ->
2025-12-17-16-45-33-robot.png - Unclear context ->
2025-12-17-17-12-48-x9k2.png
Image Editing
Both editing modes use the Image API (images.edit endpoint) with gpt-image-1.5 for reliable results.
Without Mask (Full Image Edit)
When the user wants to modify an existing image without specifying exact regions:
- Use
--input-imageparameter with the path to the image - The prompt should contain editing instructions (e.g., "make the sky more dramatic", "change to cartoon style")
- A fully transparent mask is auto-generated, allowing the model to edit the entire image
With Mask (Precise Inpainting)
When the user wants to edit specific regions:
- Use
--input-imageparameter with the path to the image - Use
--maskparameter with a PNG mask file - The mask should have transparent areas (alpha=0) where edits should occur
- The prompt describes what should appear in the masked region
Common editing tasks: add/remove elements, change style, adjust colors, replace backgrounds, etc.
Prompt Handling
For generation: Pass user's image description as-is to --prompt. Only rework if clearly insufficient.
For editing: Pass editing instructions in --prompt (e.g., "add a rainbow in the sky", "make it look like a watercolor painting")
Preserve user's creative intent in both cases.
Output
- Saves PNG to current directory (or specified path if filename includes directory)
- Script outputs the full path to the generated image
- Do not read the image back - just inform the user of the saved path
Examples
Generate new image:
uv run ~/.claude/skills/gpt-image-1-5/scripts/generate_image.py --prompt "A serene Japanese garden with cherry blossoms" --filename "2025-12-17-14-23-05-japanese-garden.png" --quality high --size 1536x1024
Generate with transparent background:
uv run ~/.claude/skills/gpt-image-1-5/scripts/generate_image.py --prompt "A cute cartoon cat mascot" --filename "2025-12-17-14-25-30-cat-mascot.png" --background transparent --quality high
Edit existing image (full image):
uv run ~/.claude/skills/gpt-image-1-5/scripts/generate_image.py --prompt "make the sky more dramatic with storm clouds" --filename "2025-12-17-14-27-00-dramatic-sky.png" --input-image "original-photo.jpg"
Edit with mask (inpainting):
uv run ~/.claude/skills/gpt-image-1-5/scripts/generate_image.py --prompt "a flamingo swimming" --filename "2025-12-17-14-30-00-lounge-flamingo.png" --input-image "lounge.png" --mask "mask.png"