A fast, high-quality image generation and editing model with reference-based changes, custom dimensions, multiple quality settings, and transparent output for frequent visual production.
OpenAI
GPT Image 2.5 Flare is OpenAI's GPT Image 2.5 model for fast, high-quality everyday image generation. Its official API ID is gpt-image-2.5-flare. The model accepts text and image inputs and returns image output, supporting both prompt-based creation and reference-image editing. A dated gpt-image-2.5-flare-2026-09-08 snapshot is available when a workflow needs pinned behavior.
Flare can be selected directly through the Image API or used as the image_generation tool in the Responses API. It shares the family's main controls for custom dimensions, low through max quality, PNG/JPEG/WebP output, transparent backgrounds, compression, and streaming partial previews. Its positioning emphasizes rapid iteration and everyday creation; OpenAI recommends Sunburst when editing precision matters most.
low, medium, high, xhigh, max, and auto.| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Speed-Oriented Family Tier | Serves everyday generation, previews, and frequently refreshed visual tasks as the faster 2.5 endpoint. |
| Unified Generation and Editing | Handles prompt creation and image-input revision without switching models between drafting and variation stages. |
| Image API and Responses API | Supports direct media requests as well as contextual tool calls and multi-turn applications. |
| Six Quality Settings | Explicitly spans quick drafts through higher-quality output or lets auto select for the request. |
| Flexible File and Canvas Controls | Supports custom dimensions, three formats, JPEG/WebP compression, and transparent or automatic backgrounds. |
| Streaming Generation Feedback | Returns up to three partial previews so interfaces can show progress before the final image is ready. |
GPT Image 2.5 Flare targets fast, high-quality everyday generation, while Sunburst targets maximum capability and editing precision. Start with Flare for ideation, frequent content updates, and visual variants, and evaluate Sunburst first for complex local edits, multi-reference composition, or strict preservation requirements.
Yes, GPT Image 2.5 Flare accepts text and image inputs for reference-based editing in addition to prompt-only generation. Use it for everyday background changes, style variants, and asset revisions, then compare with Sunburst when the edit region or referenced attributes must be retained more precisely.
GPT Image 2.5 Flare accepts custom WIDTHxHEIGHT dimensions. Each edge must be a multiple of 16, the aspect ratio must remain between 1:3 and 3:1, neither edge can exceed 3840 pixels, and total pixels must stay between 655,360 and 8,294,400; dimensions above 2560×1440 remain experimental.
Start with a lower quality setting and a recommended standard size to validate the visual direction, optionally streaming up to three partial previews. After approval, submit a separate request at the desired final quality; partial images are progress feedback and should not be treated as finished deliverables.
First check the live LinkModel model page for the Flare platform ID, generation and edit entry points, reference-image fields, custom dimensions, quality settings, transparent-background controls, and response format. Reuse LinkModel's shared authentication and client setup only after support is confirmed rather than copying OpenAI-native IDs, URLs, or Responses tool structures.
Output tokens are calculated from the quality grid, aspect ratio, and total pixel area. Estimated cost equals output tokens multiplied by the price per 1 million output tokens.
| Output specification | Resolution | Our pricing | Official |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 1024 × 1024 | $0.00441 / image | $0.00588 / image |
| Low | 1024 × 1536 | $0.003555 / image | $0.00474 / image |
| Low | 1536 × 1024 | $0.003555 / image | $0.00474 / image |
| Medium | 1024 × 1024 | $0.0098775 / image | $0.01317 / image |
| Medium | 1024 × 1536 | $0.0077175 / image | $0.01029 / image |
| Medium | 1536 × 1024 | $0.0077175 / image | $0.01029 / image |
| High | 1024 × 1024 | $0.03951 / image | $0.05268 / image |
| High | 1024 × 1536 | $0.03087 / image | $0.04116 / image |
| High | 1536 × 1024 | $0.03087 / image | $0.04116 / image |
| XHigh | 1024 × 1024 | $0.070245 / image | $0.09366 / image |
| XHigh | 1024 × 1536 | $0.0553275 / image | $0.07377 / image |
| XHigh | 1536 × 1024 | $0.0553275 / image | $0.07377 / image |
| Max | 1024 × 1024 | $0.15804 / image | $0.21072 / image |
| Max | 1024 × 1536 | $0.12348 / image | $0.16464 / image |
| Max | 1536 × 1024 | $0.12348 / image | $0.16464 / image |