Generating images with the image generation tool

Give a Mate an image generation tool, then ask it to create or edit images right in the conversation.

Last updated About 13 hours ago

An image generation tool lets a Mate create an image from a description, or edit an image that you attach, right in the conversation. The images come back as attachments that you can open and download. This article shows how to give a Mate an image tool and how to ask for good images.

This page replaces the former article about "Image-gen Mates": image generation is a tool that you attach to any Mate, not a kind of Mate.

Choose and install an image tool

The Tool Store has several image tools, in the Image generation category. Each one uses a different image model. Its Overview tab says what it does best: photorealism, text in images, editing, combining several images.

Installing a tool needs tool-management rights: the Expert plan by default; your organization's plans may differ.

  1. In the sidebar, open Mates & tools, then Tools Store.
  2. Filter by the Image generation category and open a tool to read its Overview and How to use tabs.
  3. Click Install. If the tool asks for setup, fill it in, then click Install.
  4. In the Attach {name} to Mates dialog, click the Mates that should create images, then click Save access.

To attach an image tool you already installed, open the Mate, then its Tools tab, then Add a tool.

Using your own key for a tool is available with the Enterprise offer. See "Using your own keys for tools".

Tools Store filtered on the Image generation category

Create an image

  1. Open a conversation with a Mate that has an image tool.
  2. Describe the image you want. The more precise, the better:
    • the subject and the scene,
    • the style: photo, illustration, flat icon, watercolor...
    • the colors, the light, the mood,
    • the format: square, portrait or landscape,
    • any text that must appear in the image, between quotes.
  3. The Mate calls the tool and adds the image to its reply, as an attachment.
  4. Ask for changes in plain words: "Same image, but at night", "Make the logo bigger".

Example: "Create a photorealistic image of a cyclist on a mountain road at sunrise, landscape format, warm light, no text."

Edit or combine images

Most image tools can also work from your own pictures.

  1. Attach one or more images to your message.
  2. Say what to change: "Remove the background", "Put this product on a marble table", "Combine these two photos into one poster".

The Mate sends your attachments to the tool and returns the new image.

Good to know

  • The result depends on the model. If a tool struggles with a style or with text, try another image tool of the store.
  • Check what the image shows before you publish it: generated images can contain errors, such as wrong text or extra details.
  • To see what the Mate asked the tool, click Tools called under its message. You can read the prompt the Mate sent.