Tutorial Updated: April 2026 8 min read GPT Image 2

How to Use GPT Image 2: Generate, Edit, and Export Images Step by Step

GPT Image 2 lets you generate 4K images, edit photos, and render text inside visuals — all by typing what you want in plain English. This guide covers everything from your first prompt to advanced workflows like character series, API automation, and multi-region image editing.

What you need to start

  • A browser — no software to install or GPU required
  • A free account to claim your 10 welcome credits
  • A clear description (prompt) of the image you want to create

Trial Pack: 10 free credits (up to 5 images) · Quality evaluation only.Credit Packs: Commercial license · High-res output · Credits never expire — packs start from $9.9 (one-time).

Part 1

How to Generate Your First Image with GPT Image 2 (3 Steps)

From opening the tool to downloading your first result — under 5 minutes.

Step 1 — Open GPT Image 2

Go to GPT Image 2. Simply use the text input field at the top of the page to start your evaluation instantly. Once you're ready, sign up to claim your 10 free credits."

GPT Image 2 interface — text input and generate

Step 2 — Type a Prompt

In the input field, describe the image you want. Use plain English. Include subject, background, lighting, and style when you can.

"A white leather sneaker on dark concrete, soft overhead studio light, subtle shadow underneath, product photography, 4K"

You don't need every element every time. The more specific you are, the closer the first result will be.

Step 3 — Generate & Refine

Click Generate. Your image is ready in about 4–8 seconds. Your high-quality result is provided automatically for immediate download.Advanced features like background removal are included with any paid Credit Pack.

Fine-tune with ease. If the output isn’t quite right, simply adjust your description directly in the prompt field. You can tweak the details and re-generate until the image matches your vision exactly.

GPT Image 2 output — game design example
Part 2

How to Write Prompts for GPT Image 2 (With Examples)

A better prompt gets you closer on the first try. Use: [Subject] + [Background] + [Lighting] + [Style] + [Resolution] — a priority list, not a rigid formula.

E-commerce product image

Clean studio shot for listings.

A matte black water bottle on a white marble surface, soft diffused light from the left, minimal shadow, studio product photography, 4K
Marketing poster with headline

Put exact text in quotes — e.g. reading 'MOVE FORWARD'.

A bold lifestyle poster, dark navy background, large white serif headline text reading 'MOVE FORWARD', minimal layout, centered composition, 4K
Character series (establish)

For follow-ups, re-describe the character in brackets at the start of each prompt.

A young girl, age 8, curly red hair, freckles, wearing a yellow raincoat and red boots, standing in a park, overcast light, flat storybook illustration style
Infographic

Label each text element explicitly.

A clean infographic diagram showing 3 steps in a horizontal flow: Step 1 labeled 'Input', Step 2 labeled 'Process', Step 3 labeled 'Output'. Each step in a circle. White background, blue and gray color scheme, sans-serif labels, minimal design
Interior visualization
A modern living room, late afternoon sunlight through large floor-to-ceiling windows, cream sofa, walnut coffee table, indoor plants, clean Scandinavian interior design, architectural visualization style, 4K

5 prompt mistakes that produce bad results

  • Too vague — "a nice product photo" → Name product, surface, lighting, style: "a ceramic coffee mug on a wooden table, warm side light, lifestyle photography"
  • Contradictory instructions — pick one lighting mood and stick to it.
  • Vague text — quote the exact string: "reading 'SUMMER SALE 50% OFF'"
  • Too many heroes at once — one main idea per prompt; add more in follow-up edits.
  • Brand colors without specs — use hex or names: "deep navy (#1B2A4A) and warm white (#FAF8F5)"
Part 3

How to Edit an Existing Image with GPT Image 2

Upload any image and describe the change. No masking or layers. PNG or JPEG up to 10MB.

  1. Click the upload icon next to the prompt field
  2. Upload your image
  3. Type what you want changed
  4. Click Generate
Background replacement
  • Replace the background with a white studio wall, keep the subject
  • Change the background to a sunset beach scene, keep the foreground intact
Object removal
  • Remove the coffee cup from the left side of the image and fill it naturally
  • Remove the watermark in the top-right corner
Color and style
  • Change the jacket from red to navy blue
  • Make the overall lighting warmer — golden hour tone
  • Convert to black and white, high contrast
Part 4

How to Add Readable Text Inside GPT Image 2 Images

Put the exact text you want in quotation marks inside your prompt. The model treats quoted text as literal.

✅ a product label with the text reading 'COLD BREW COFFEE'
❌ a product label with a product name on it
Posters & packaging
"A craft coffee bag label, kraft paper texture, bold dark brown serif font, product name text reading 'MORNING RITUAL', subtext reading 'Single Origin Ethiopia · Medium Roast', minimal design"
Social Media Graphics

Select your preferred aspect ratio (2:3, 1:1, or 3:2) from the settings menu. There's no need to mention dimensions in your text—the model handles the layout automatically.

"A vibrant Instagram Story graphic with a gradient background from coral to peach, bold white sans-serif text reading 'NEW COLLECTION', subtext reading 'Shop Now →', clean and modern minimalist layout"
Other languages

Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Devanagari work with the same quoting method.

"A clean product poster, white background, large black serif Chinese text reading '신제품 출시', subtext in smaller text reading 'New Arrival', minimal layout, 4K"
GPT Image 2 poster with text rendering in other languages
Part 5

Resolution and Aspect Ratio

Set your resolution and quality levels before you generate. Choosing the right aspect ratio first ensures the model optimizes the composition for your specific layout.

Output QualityCreditsBest For
Medium Quality (~1024px)2 Credits / ImageSocial media posts, blog headers, and quick ideation.
High Quality (Pro)10 Credits / ImageProfessional marketing assets, e-commerce, and high-end design.
4K Ultra-ResolutionComing SoonPrint-ready materials and large-scale displays.
Ratio: 1:1, 2:3, 3:2Select in settings. No need to include dimensions in your prompt.

Professional Delivery & Features

Automated Format Optimization

The system automatically selects the optimal file format for your specific generation to ensure the best balance between quality and performance. No manual configuration required.

Transparent Backgrounds

Available on all Credit Packs ($9.9+). Download assets with backgrounds already removed—perfect for instant integration into Figma, Shopify, or Canva.

Part 6

Practical Workflow Examples

Copy and adapt these high-performing prompts. Remember to set your aspect ratio and quality (Medium/High) in the settings menu before clicking Generate.

E-commerce Product Photography

Pro tip: Use any Credit Pack to unlock professional background removal for these shots.

"A matte black stainless steel water bottle on a clean white studio background, soft cinematic lighting from the left side, subtle natural shadows, high-end commercial product photography style"
Marketing Ad with Text

Leverage the 96% text accuracy to include headlines directly in your visual.

"A lifestyle flat lay of luxury skincare products on a cream linen surface, warm morning sunlight with soft palm leaf shadows, bold black serif text reading 'YOUR SKIN, ELEVATED', elegant editorial layout"
Branded Social Media Assets

Best with 1:1 or 2:3 ratios. Describe the mood and elements together for a cohesive one-shot result.

"A modern home office setup with a high-end laptop, a cup of steaming coffee, and a small succulent, soft focus background, vibrant colors, clean minimal design, space for text overlay on the right"

One-Shot Prompting:Since each generation is independent, ensure your prompt describes the subject, environment, and lighting all at once for the most consistent professional quality. Paid Credit Packs ($9.9+) provide permanent credits so you can experiment without pressure.

Part 7

Advanced — Maximizing Quality & Consistency

Strategic Quality Selection

Maximize your Credit Pack by using Medium Quality (2 credits) for initial brainstorming and layout testing. Once you’ve perfected your prompt, switch to High Quality (10 credits) for the final professional-grade asset.

One-Shot Style Precision

Since the model delivers its best work from a single, detailed instruction, include specific stylistic keywords like "cinematic lighting", "shot on 35mm lens", or "minimalist editorial style". This ensures the model aligns the entire composition without needing multiple adjustment steps.

4K Ultra-Resolution (Upcoming)

We are currently developing a native 4K upscaling engine. This feature will allow you to take your 10-credit High Quality generations and enhance them for large-scale print and 4K displays. Stay tuned for this update—all existing Credit Pack users will get early access.

Note: GPT Image 2 is a focused creative tool for web use; it does not offer API access. All purchased credits are permanent and will never expire, giving you total freedom to create whenever inspiration strikes.

Part 8

8 Pro Tips for GPT Image 2

  • Describe light direction and source (e.g., "soft morning light from the upper left") for the most realistic shadows.
  • Always use quotation marks when you need readable text in the image (e.g., "SALE NOW ON").
  • The model works best in "One-Shot"—include subject, background, and lighting in a single, detailed prompt.
  • Select your aspect ratio (1:1, 2:3, or 3:2) in the settings menu; do not mention dimensions in your prompt.
  • Purchase any Credit Pack to unlock the one-click background removal feature for professional assets.
  • Use Medium Quality (2 credits) to test your prompt ideas, then switch to High Quality (10 credits) for the final result.
  • Since credits never expire, you can buy a pack once and use them at your own pace without subscription pressure.
  • Start with your 10 free welcome credits to evaluate the quality before moving to a paid Credit Pack.

GPT Image 2 — Common Questions

Pricing & Usage Guide

How do I write a good prompt for GPT Image 2?
The model works best with "One-Shot" prompting. Include the subject, background, lighting, and style in a single, comprehensive description. The more context you provide in the initial box, the more cohesive the result will be.
Can I edit or refine a generated image?
Every generation is independent. If you need a change, simply adjust your text in the prompt field and generate again. The model does not currently support sequential editing or conversation-style modifications.
How do I get readable text inside an image?
Always put the specific text in quotation marks, e.g., 'a neon sign reading "OPEN LATE"'. This signals the model to use its advanced text-rendering engine.
How many free images do I get?
New users receive 10 free welcome credits upon registration. This allows you to generate up to 5 Medium-quality images for quality evaluation.
Do I need a monthly subscription?
No. GPT Image 2 uses a flexible Credit Pack system ($9.9 to $49.9). You only pay for what you need, and your purchased credits never expire.
How do I change the aspect ratio?
Select your preferred ratio (1:1, 2:3, or 3:2) from the settings menu before clicking Generate. There is no need to include dimensions inside your text prompt.
How do I remove the background?
Professional background removal is an exclusive feature for paid Credit Pack users. It allows you to download your subject as a transparent asset for easy design integration.
Is 4K resolution available?
Native 4K upscaling is currently in development and will be released as a "Coming Soon" feature. At present, the High Quality (Pro) setting provides the best professional output for 10 credits.
What is the difference between Medium and High quality?
Medium Quality costs 2 credits and is ideal for quick tests and social media. High Quality costs 10 credits and uses more advanced processing for commercial-grade details and lighting.

Need more details? Visit our Pricing & Credit Guide.

Ready to Create Your First Masterpiece?

Try it instantly for free—no account required for your first few images. Sign up to claim your 10 welcome credits and experience professional-grade text rendering. No subscriptions, no hidden fees—just simple credit packs that never expire.

One-time PurchaseCommercial RightsPermanent Credits