How to Generate Images with ChatGPT Image 2 — Complete Guide

ChatGPT Image 2 (GPT Image 2) is OpenAI's latest image generation model, available through your existing ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription. It supports text-to-image generation, image editing, style transfer, and multi-reference composition — all without needing a separate API key or per-image billing.

If you have a ChatGPT Plus (US$20/month) or Pro (US$200/month) plan, you already have access to Image 2. No additional setup required.

Method 1: ChatGPT Web Interface

The simplest way — just open chatgpt.com and describe what you want:

• Text-to-image: "Create a flat design icon of a coffee cup with steam"
• Image editing: Upload an image and say "Change the background to a beach sunset"
• Style transfer: Upload an image and say "Repaint this in watercolor style"

That is it — the image appears in the chat within seconds.

Method 2: ChatGPT Mobile App

The ChatGPT iOS and Android apps also support Image 2. Tap the image icon in the message bar, describe what you want, and the model generates it inline.

Method 3: Via AI Agent (OpenClaw)

If you run a self-hosted AI agent like OpenClaw, you can configure it to use GPT Image 2 directly. Set imageGenerationModel.primary to openai/gpt-image-2 and provide your OpenAI API key. This lets your agent generate images on demand without opening a browser.

• Be specific: "A golden retriever puppy sitting on a green lawn at sunset" works better than "a dog outside"
• Mention style: Add "cartoon style", "realistic photo", "flat design", "watercolor painting" to guide the output
• Use reference images: Upload an existing image and ask the model to modify it — this preserves composition while changing the rendering
• Text-heavy images: Image 2 handles infographics and text layouts well. Try "Create a timeline showing AI milestones from 2020 to 2026"
• Iterate: If the first result is not quite right, refine your prompt — "same image but brighter lighting and wider angle"

Image 2 is included in your ChatGPT subscription — no per-image charges:

• ChatGPT Plus (US$20/month): Limited number of Image 2 generations per day
• ChatGPT Pro (US$200/month): Higher daily limits plus access to other advanced features

If you need unlimited API access for production use, you will need an OpenAI API account with per-image billing instead.

• Content creation: Blog headers, social media graphics, YouTube thumbnails
• Product photography: Generate product shots without a studio
• UI design: Quick mockups, icon sets, placeholder images
• Education: Visual aids, diagrams, illustrative examples
• Personal projects: Wallpapers, avatars, custom illustrations

Image not generating?

• Make sure you are on a ChatGPT Plus or Pro plan (free tier has limited or no Image 2 access)
• Check your daily usage limit — Plus users get a generous but finite number per day
• Try simplifying your prompt — very long or contradictory descriptions may confuse the model

Quality not as expected?

• Add more specific details: lighting, angle, color palette, mood
• Try a different aspect ratio — some compositions work better in 16:9 vs 1:1
• Use a reference image for style guidance