What is ChatGPT Images?
ChatGPT Images is the image generation and editing feature inside ChatGPT, also available in Codex and, as GPT-Image models, in the OpenAI API. Describe an image or upload one and say what to change; since November 4, 2026 it runs on Images 2.6, which OpenAI says is 50% faster and adds animated GIFs. It is on every ChatGPT plan, with more capacity on paid plans.
What can you make with it?
Ask ChatGPT for an image in a conversation, or choose More and then Images. It can follow instructions to add text, add details and make the background transparent, in any aspect ratio. Upload a photo and describe a change to edit it. Images 2.6 adds animated GIFs, for example a looping product shot. Generation can take a few minutes for complex requests, and you can keep chatting meanwhile.
Try one edit round
Suggested workflow: generate a simple poster with a headline, then select only the headline area with the selection tool and ask for a different wording. Check whether the rest of the image stayed the same. OpenAI notes that selections are not always precise and edits may spread beyond the selected area, so compare the before and after.
On mobile, open the image full-screen to edit, comment, resize or remove it. In Codex you can generate and edit images too.
Using it in the API
Developers use GPT-Image-2.6 Flare, the faster model, or Sunburst, for more detail and precise edits. Both support generation, editing, transparent backgrounds, a complexity parameter of low, medium or high, and output as PNG, JPEG, WebP, SVG or GIF. Markup-guided edits take a transparent PNG overlay that marks where to change the image.
Plans and access
ChatGPT Images is on all tiers on web, iOS and Android. Images with thinking is available on Plus, Pro and Business and, per OpenAI, coming to Enterprise and Edu. OpenAI does not publish exact image limits for Free in the help article. API prices are on OpenAI's pricing page and are separate from ChatGPT plans.
What stands out
- Generation and editing in the chat, with a selection tool for regional edits
- Any aspect ratio, text in images and transparent backgrounds
- Animated GIFs with Images 2.6
- API models GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst with markup, SVG output and a complexity setting
Before you choose
- Regional edits can affect areas outside the selection.
- Exact Free-plan limits are not published in the help article.
- Check OpenAI's usage terms before commercial use of generated images.
Go to the source
Sources & further reading
Based on the official documentation below. Features and access can change; check the provider before making a decision.
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