OpenAI
Image generation model
GPT Image 1
OpenAI's GPT Image 1 generates and edits images via the dedicated Images API.
At a glance
- Per image
- Not available
- Output / 1M
- $40
- Image Elo
- Not available
- Editing Elo
- 1106
- Max prompt
- 400K
- Released
- Jun 2026
Pricing
GPT Image 1 price per image
What one image costs, the underlying API rates, and what bigger batches add up to.
| Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024) | Not available |
|---|---|
| Image outputPer 1M image tokens | $40 |
| Tokens per imageFor one ~1MP image | Not available |
| Prompt textPer 1M input tokens | $10 |
Single image
1 image
Not available
Social media batch
50 images
Not available
Product catalog
1,000 images
Not available
Quality
GPT Image 1 image quality rankings
Elo ratings from Design Arena, where people vote between two anonymous images made from the same prompt. Higher is better.
Image generation
Not available
Not available for this category
Image editing
#71106
Wins 46.6% of head-to-head votes
Graphic design
Not available
Not available for this category
Logos
Not available
Not available for this category
Rank is the model’s position on the Design Arena leaderboard for each category.
Specs
Inputs, outputs, and creative controls
What it accepts, what it gives back, and which controls you get.
- Accepts
- Image, Text
- Produces
- Image
- Max prompt length
- 400K tokens
- Reasoning step
- No
- Release date
- June 24, 2026
- Image editingAccepts reference or source images
- Text alongside imagesCan explain or caption what it made
- Thinks before drawingPlans the image with a reasoning step
- Reproducible seedsSame seed, same image
- Temperature controlTrade consistency for variety
Compare
GPT Image 1 vs other models
See how GPT Image 1 stacks up head to head on price, benchmarks, and features.
VSGPT Image 1 vs GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
OpenAI vs OpenAI
See comparisonVS
GPT Image 1 vs Nano Banana 2 Lite
OpenAI vs Google
See comparisonVSGPT Image 1 vs GPT-5.4 Image 2
OpenAI vs OpenAI
See comparisonVSGPT Image 1 vs GPT Image 2
OpenAI vs OpenAI
See comparisonVSGPT Image 1 vs GPT Image 2.5 Flare
OpenAI vs OpenAI
See comparisonVSGPT Image 1 vs Nano Banana 2.1
OpenAI vs Google
See comparisonAlternatives
GPT Image 1 alternatives
Similar models worth considering, and where each one has the edge.
Microsoft
MAI-Image-2.6
Microsoft
MAI-Image-2.5
OpenAI
GPT-5 Image
Want to learn about other models? Browse all models
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does GPT Image 1 cost per image?
GPT Image 1 charges $40 per 1M image output tokens. The token count for one image is not available, so there is no per-image price.
Can GPT Image 1 edit existing images?
Yes. GPT Image 1 accepts reference images, so you can upload a photo and ask for changes like a new background, a different style, or added text.
What is the best alternative to GPT Image 1?
MAI-Image-2.6 from Microsoft is a strong alternative. It offers: better at image generation, better at image editing, better at graphic design.
Can I use GPT Image 1 alongside other image models?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to GPT Image 1 and any other image models you pick at the same time, so you can compare results side by side.
Try GPT Image 1 next to every other image model.
Use GPT Image 1 alongside all the other image models. Use one at a time, or multiple together. Get the best image from AI.