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openai-images-mcp

Generate and edit images with OpenAI's gpt-image and DALL·E models, exposed as Model Context Protocol tools. Supports gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, gpt-image-1-mini, dall-e-3, and dall-e-2.

Tools

Tool

Purpose

Models

list_models

List supported models and their capabilities (sizes, qualities, edit/variation support).

all

generate_image

Generate one or more images from a text prompt.

gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, gpt-image-1-mini, dall-e-3, dall-e-2

edit_image

Edit existing images with a prompt and optional mask.

gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, gpt-image-1-mini, dall-e-2

create_variation

Generate variations of an image.

dall-e-2 only

All generated files are saved to disk. Set return_image_content: true on any call to also receive the images as MCP image blocks (useful when the client should "see" the result, but adds a lot of tokens).

Related MCP server: GPT Image MCP Server

Install

npm install
npm run build

Configure your MCP client

Claude Desktop / Claude Code

Add to claude_desktop_config.json (or your project's .mcp.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "dalle": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/dalle-mcp/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "OPENAI_API_KEY": "sk-...",
        "DALLE_OUTPUT_DIR": "/absolute/path/where/images/save"
      }
    }
  }
}

Environment variables

Variable

Purpose

OPENAI_API_KEY

Required. Your OpenAI API key.

OPENAI_BASE_URL

Optional. Override OpenAI base URL.

OPENAI_ORG_ID

Optional.

OPENAI_PROJECT_ID

Optional.

DALLE_OUTPUT_DIR

Optional. Default directory for saved images. Falls back to ~/dalle-mcp-output.

DALLE_DEFAULT_MODEL

Optional. Model used when a tool call omits model. Default gpt-image-1.5.

Tool reference

generate_image

Required: prompt.

Optional: model, size, quality, n, background, output_format, output_compression, moderation, style, user, output_dir, filename_prefix, return_image_content.

Model-specific notes:

  • GPT Image (gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, gpt-image-1-mini): sizes auto|1024x1024|1536x1024|1024x1536, qualities auto|low|medium|high. Supports background, output_format, output_compression, moderation.

  • DALL·E 3: sizes 1024x1024|1792x1024|1024x1792, qualities standard|hd, n must be 1, supports style.

  • DALL·E 2: sizes 256x256|512x512|1024x1024, quality standard.

edit_image

Required: prompt, images (absolute paths, up to 16 for GPT Image).

Optional: mask (transparent pixels indicate editable regions), plus the generation options above. DALL·E 3 does not support edits.

create_variation

DALL·E 2 only. Required: image (PNG, square, under 4MB).

Optional: n, size (256x256|512x512|1024x1024), output_dir, filename_prefix, return_image_content.

list_models

No arguments. Returns a JSON document describing each model's sizes, qualities, and supported options — handy for the caller to consult before picking parameters.

Development

npm run dev     # run with tsx, no build step
npm run build   # tsc to dist/
npm start       # node dist/index.js

The server speaks MCP over stdio, so you can drive it with any MCP-compatible client or manually by piping JSON-RPC messages to node dist/index.js.

Notes

  • DALL·E 2 and DALL·E 3 are deprecated by OpenAI and support ends 2026-05-12; prefer the GPT Image family.

  • GPT Image models always return base64 data; DALL·E models are asked for base64 as well so files can be saved without a second HTTP round-trip.

Available Tools

4 tools
create_variationCreate image variationA

Generate variations of an existing image using DALL·E 2 (the only model that supports variations). Results are saved to disk and file paths are returned.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
imageYesAbsolute path to the source image (PNG, square, <4MB).
nNoNumber of variations to generate (default 1).
sizeNoOutput size. Default 1024x1024.
userNo
output_dirNo
filename_prefixNo
return_image_contentNo

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It discloses that results are saved to disk and file paths are returned, but does not cover potential side effects, error conditions, or rate limits. Adequate but not thorough.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences deliver key information efficiently with no filler. Front-loaded with the primary verb and resource, making it easy to parse.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given no output schema, the description mentions file paths returned, covering the essential output. With 7 parameters and no annotations, it could elaborate on return format or usage of optional parameters, but is largely sufficient for a simple generation tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 43%, with only image and size having descriptions. The description adds context that results are saved to disk, implying output_dir and filename_prefix usage, but does not fully explain user or return_image_content. Partially compensates for gaps.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool generates variations of an existing image using DALL·E 2, specifying the resource and action. It distinguishes from siblings like generate_image and edit_image by highlighting the model and purpose.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explicitly mentions using DALL·E 2 as the only model supporting variations, guiding when to use this tool. It lacks explicit when-not-to-use or alternative tools, but provides clear context for appropriate use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

edit_imageEdit imageC

Edit one or more existing images using a text prompt and optional mask. Supports gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, gpt-image-1-mini, and dall-e-2. Results are saved to disk and file paths are returned.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
promptYesDescription of the desired edit.
imagesYesAbsolute paths to input image files (png/jpg/webp). Up to 16 for GPT Image.
maskNoAbsolute path to a mask image. Transparent pixels indicate areas to edit. Must match the first input image's dimensions.
modelNoModel to use. DALL·E 3 does not support edits. Defaults to env DALLE_DEFAULT_MODEL or gpt-image-1.5.
sizeNo
qualityNo
nNo
backgroundNo
output_formatNo
output_compressionNo
input_fidelityNoGPT Image only. 'high' preserves more of the original image.
userNo
output_dirNo
filename_prefixNo
return_image_contentNo

TDQS

C2.6/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It mentions saving to disk and returning file paths, but does not disclose other behavioral traits such as destructiveness, permissions, or model-specific behaviors. The description is minimal.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise with three sentences and front-loads the main action. It could be more structured but is efficient.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 15 parameters, low schema coverage, no output schema, and sibling tools, the description is incomplete. It does not cover parameter details or usage contexts, leaving significant gaps for an agent.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters1/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is only 33%, so the description should compensate. It only mentions 'text prompt' and 'optional mask', which are already captured in the schema. No additional meaning is provided for the other 13 parameters.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'edit' and the resource 'existing images' using a text prompt and optional mask. It distinguishes from siblings like 'generate_image' by focusing on existing images, but does not explicitly contrast.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus its siblings. It does not mention alternative tools for generation or variation, leaving the agent without context for selection.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

generate_imageGenerate imageB

Create one or more images from a text prompt using OpenAI's image models (gpt-image-1.5, gpt-image-1, gpt-image-1-mini, dall-e-3, dall-e-2). Images are saved to disk and file paths are returned.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
promptYesText description of the image to generate.
modelNoModel to use. Defaults to env DALLE_DEFAULT_MODEL or gpt-image-1.5.
sizeNoImage dimensions. Allowed values depend on the model (see list_models).
qualityNoGPT Image: auto|low|medium|high. DALL·E 3: standard|hd. DALL·E 2: standard.
nNoNumber of images to generate. DALL·E 3 supports only 1.
backgroundNoGPT Image only. Use 'transparent' with png/webp for alpha channel output.
output_formatNoGPT Image only. Output file format.
output_compressionNoGPT Image only. Compression % for jpeg/webp (0-100).
moderationNoGPT Image only. Content moderation strictness.
styleNoDALL·E 3 only. Vivid = hyper-real/dramatic, natural = more muted.
userNoEnd-user identifier for OpenAI abuse monitoring.
output_dirNoAbsolute directory to save generated images. Defaults to $DALLE_OUTPUT_DIR or ~/dalle-mcp-output.
filename_prefixNoPrefix used when naming saved files (alphanumeric/underscore/dash).
return_image_contentNoIf true, return the generated images as MCP image content blocks in addition to saving them to disk. Adds significant tokens. Default: false.

TDQS

B3.3/5.0
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Description mentions images are saved to disk and file paths returned, but lacks details on API calls, costs, or side effects. With no annotations, more behavioral context would be beneficial.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Single sentence, concise and front-loaded. No wasted words, though could be slightly more structured.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 14 parameters, no output schema, and zero annotations, the description is too minimal. Does not explain return format sufficiently (e.g., optional image content), error handling, or directory behavior.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds no additional parameter information beyond what schema provides.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Description clearly states 'Create one or more images from a text prompt' and lists specific models, distinguishing it from siblings like create_variation (variations) and edit_image (edits).

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like create_variation or edit_image. Agent must infer from context.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

list_modelsList image modelsA

List supported OpenAI image models with their capabilities (sizes, qualities, edit/variation support, etc.). Use this before calling generate_image or edit_image to check which options a model accepts.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It does not explicitly state that the tool is read-only or non-destructive, which is expected for a listing operation. The behavioral disclosure is insufficient.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, front-loaded with the action and resource, no wasted words. Every sentence adds value.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given no parameters and no output schema, the description covers the tool's purpose and usage context. It could mention the output format, but it's fairly complete for a simple list operation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has no parameters, and schema description coverage is 100%. The description adds no parameter info, which is acceptable since none exist. Baseline of 4 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb ('List') and resource ('supported OpenAI image models') and distinguishes from siblings by stating to use this tool before generate_image or edit_image to check model capabilities.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explicitly advises to use this tool before calling generate_image or edit_image, providing clear context. It does not list when not to use, but the guidance is clear enough.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Tool Schema Changelog

Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. 4 tool updatesv0.1.0
    • First observedcreate_variation
    • First observededit_image
    • First observedgenerate_image
    • First observedlist_models

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose: generating new images, editing existing ones, creating variations, and listing supported models. There is no overlap or confusion between them.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern using snake_case (create_variation, edit_image, generate_image, list_models), making them predictable and easy to understand.

Tool Count5/5

With 4 tools, the server is well-scoped for its purpose of generating and manipulating images via OpenAI's APIs. Each tool earns its place without unnecessary duplication or gaps.

Completeness5/5

The set covers the full lifecycle of image creation: generating, editing, and creating variations, along with a model listing tool for configuration. No obvious missing functionality for the intended domain.

Maintenance

ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessNo issues

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