Localized reading guide
imagegenPurpose, usage and source
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.
Source retrieved:
- Source repository
- openai/skills
- SKILL.md
skills/.system/imagegen/SKILL.md- Repository stars
- 28,420
- Repository updated
- 2026-10-29
- Categories
- Design
- Last collected
License: License file needs review
Workflow excerpts are reading aids, not executable instructions from Codez. No third-party Skill was run to produce this page.
The purpose and workflow passages below are upstream material, organized and translated for reading. They are distinct from the separately labeled Codez editorial analysis.
What this Skill does
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.
How the upstream workflow works
Workflow
Decide the top-level mode: built-in by default, fallback CLI only if explicitly requested. Decide the intent: generate or edit. Decide whether the output is preview-only or meant to be consumed by the current project. Decide the execution strategy: single asset vs repeated built-in calls vs CLI generate-batch.
When to use
Generate a new image (concept art, product shot, cover, website hero) Generate a new image using one or more reference images for style, composition, or mood Edit an existing image (inpainting, lighting or weather transformations, background replacement, object removal, compositing, transparent background) Produce many assets or variants for one task
Upstream passage · L49 ↗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).
Upstream passage · L6 ↗Use case: <taxonomy slug>
Asset type: <where the asset will be used>
Primary request: <user's main prompt>
Input images: <Image 1: role; Image 2: role> (optional)
Scene/backdrop: <environment>
Subject: <main subject>
Style/medium: <photo/illustration/3D/etc>
Composition/framing: <wide/close/top-down; placement>
Lighting/mood: <lighting + mood>
Color palette: <palette notes>
Materials/textures: <surface details>
Text (verbatim): "<exact text>"
Constraints: <must keep/must avoid>
Avoid: <negative constraints>Requirements and setup
Dependencies
Prefer uv for dependency management in this repo. Required Python package:
Environment
OPENAI_API_KEY must be set for live API calls. Do not ask the user for OPENAI_API_KEY when using the built-in image_gen tool.
Limits and quality checks
No separate limits passage was selected from this file. This does not mean the Skill is safe for every input or environment. Review the complete source and validate your own result.
Start with a safe trial
- Check the supported host and the repository installation instructions. Keep the Skill directory and its referenced scripts, assets and documentation together; SKILL.md alone may omit dependencies.
- Give the agent your real input, desired output and acceptance criteria. Invocation syntax and available tools depend on the host; this site does not assume a universal install command.
- Try the source workflow in a disposable project or on a copy. Review operations that change files, remote services or billable resources before allowing them.
- Validate the output against the source quality checks and your own requirements. A successful trigger or a high repository Star count does not establish a correct result.
Read further in the source
- Image Generation Skill
- Top-level modes and rules
- When to use
- When not to use
- Decision tree
- Workflow
- Prompt augmentation
- Specificity policy
- Use-case taxonomy (exact slugs)
- Shared prompt schema
- Prompting best practices
- Guidance by asset type
- Temporary files and output conventions
- Dependencies
- Environment
- Script-mode notes
- Reference map
Related Skills
Translation and scope
This reading guide selects passages from the pinned upstream SKILL.md. Translation is assisted. It is not a complete manual or a claim of tested compatibility. Read the original and its referenced files before use.
This introduction refers to the pinned version below; current repository activity and collection time are shown separately.
- Pinned source
- Read the original ↗
- Source retrieved
- Source commit
49f948faa9258a0c61caceaf225e179651397431- Source SHA-256
826d05b806d51fa81cd650f1c0854b0a1f7fbccd1b152c588ded1797a2e7218f