Enables AI-powered image generation using Google's Gemini and Imagen models, supporting multiple aspect ratios, dynamic model selection, and high-resolution (2K/4K) output with strong text-in-image rendering capabilities.
šØ Imagen MCP Server
A high-quality Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables AI assistants to generate images using Google's Gemini and Imagen models.
š Overview
Imagen MCP provides AI-powered image generation capabilities to any MCP-compatible client (such as Claude Desktop, VS Code with GitHub Copilot, or custom applications). It connects to Google's AI platform to provide access to cutting-edge image generation models.
Why Use This MCP Server?
š Dynamic Model Selection: Query available models and choose the best one for your needs
š¼ļø High-Quality Output: Access to Gemini and Imagen models for 2K/4K resolution images
š Flexible Aspect Ratios: Support for multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 16:9, 9:16, etc.)
š¤ Text Rendering: Strong text-in-image rendering with Gemini models
�� Secure Configuration: API keys stored securely via environment variables
š Easy Integration: Works with any MCP-compatible AI assistant
š¦ Minimal Dependencies: Only requires
fastmcp- all other functionality uses Python standard library
⨠Features
Tool | Description |
| Verify API key configuration and connectivity |
| Discover available image generation models |
| Select which model to use for generation |
| Check which model is currently selected |
| Generate images from text descriptions |
| Save generated images to the filesystem |
| Generate and save in a single operation |
š§ Prerequisites
Python 3.9+ (uses standard library features available in 3.9+)
Google AI API Key (Get one here)
An MCP-compatible client (Claude Desktop, VS Code with Copilot, etc.)
š Quick Start
1. Clone the Repository
2. Install Dependencies
Or using a virtual environment (recommended):
3. Configure API Key
Create a .env file in the project root:
Or set it as an environment variable directly in your MCP client configuration.
š” Tip: Get your API key from Google AI Studio
4. Test the Server
āļø Configuration
Environment Variables
Variable | Description | Required |
| Google AI API key | ā Yes |
| Default model to use (defaults to
) | ā No |
Model selection fallback (highest priority first): explicit tool parameter ā runtime set_image_model ā IMAGEN_MODEL_ID env var ā built-in default gemini-3-pro-image-preview.
Supported Aspect Ratios
Aspect Ratio | Use Case |
| Social media posts, profile pictures |
,
| Photography, prints |
,
| Traditional displays |
,
| Instagram posts |
,
| Widescreen, mobile stories |
| Ultra-wide, cinematic |
Note: Not all models support all aspect ratios. The server will automatically retry without aspect ratio if not supported.
š MCP Client Integration
Claude Desktop
Add to your Claude Desktop configuration file:
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
VS Code with GitHub Copilot
Add to your VS Code MCP settings (.vscode/mcp.json or user settings):
Or run the VS Code command: MCP: Open User Configuration and add the server.
Using with uv (Recommended for Isolation)
If you have uv installed:
š Tools Reference
check_api_status
Verify that your API key is configured and working.
Parameters: None
Returns:
list_image_models
Discover available image generation models for your API key.
Parameters: None
Returns:
set_image_model
Select which model to use for image generation.
Parameters:
Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
| string | ā | Model ID from
|
Returns:
generate_image_from_prompt
Generate an image from a text description.
Parameters:
Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
| string | ā | Detailed text description of the image |
| string | ā | One of the supported aspect ratios |
| string | ā | Override the current model |
Returns:
save_image_to_file
Save a base64-encoded image to a file.
Parameters:
Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
| string | ā | Base64-encoded image data |
| string | ā | File path to save the image |
Returns:
generate_and_save_image
Generate an image and save it to a file in one operation.
Parameters:
Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
| string | ā | Detailed text description of the image |
| string | ā | File path to save the image |
| string | ā | One of the supported aspect ratios |
| string | ā | Override the current model |
Returns:
š” Usage Examples
Once the server is connected to your AI assistant, you can use natural language:
First-Time Setup
"Check if my API key is configured correctly" "List available image generation models" "Set the model to gemini-2.0-flash-exp-image-generation"
Basic Image Generation
"Generate a sunset over mountains with vibrant orange and purple colors"
Product Photography
"Create a product shot of a smartwatch on a minimalist white surface with dramatic lighting"
Specific Dimensions
"Generate a 16:9 banner image for a tech blog featuring abstract circuit patterns"
Save to Project
"Generate a hero image for my website and save it to assets/images/hero.png"
šļø Project Structure
š”ļø Security Considerations
API Key Protection: Never commit your API key. Use environment variables or
.envfilesSecure Storage: The
.envfile is included in.gitignoreby defaultMCP Configuration: API keys can be passed securely via MCP client env configuration
File System Access: Be mindful of where images are saved
š Troubleshooting
Common Issues
"Missing API key" error
Ensure
GOOGLE_AI_API_KEYis set in your environment or.envfileCheck that the
.envfile is in the project root directoryVerify the key is passed in your MCP client configuration
"No model selected" error
Use
list_image_modelsto see available modelsUse
set_image_modelto select one before generating
"Aspect ratio is not enabled" error
The server automatically retries without aspect ratio
Some models don't support custom aspect ratios
No image models found
Your API key may not have access to image generation models
Check your Google AI Studio account for API access
Connection issues with MCP client
Verify the path in your MCP configuration is absolute
Check that Python is in your system PATH
Ensure all dependencies are installed
Debugging
Check your MCP client's logs:
Claude Desktop: Check the application logs
VS Code: View Output panel ā MCP
š¤ Contributing
We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.
Ways to Contribute
š Report bugs and issues
š” Suggest new features
š Improve documentation
š§ Submit pull requests
š License
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
š Acknowledgments
Model Context Protocol - The protocol specification
FastMCP - Python MCP framework
Google Gemini - Image generation models
š¬ Support
Issues: GitHub Issues
Discussions: GitHub Discussions