Generates one or more images from a text prompt (T2I) or a text prompt + reference image(s) (I2I). Submits the job, polls until terminal, and returns the final image URLs. Default model is 'grok-imagine-t2i' (fast, 2 images per generation, 6 credits). Use list_image_models to see the full lineup with pricing. For I2I, pass `referenceImages` as an array of public image URLs and pick a model with I2I support (e.g. 'grok-imagine-i2i', 'wan-2.5-spicy-i2i').
## Model selection guide (when the user does not specify a model)
Default: `grok-imagine-t2i` (6 cr, 2 outputs per call, fast, general purpose).
**Strong recommendation: when a single high-quality output is what's wanted** (most agent / one-shot workflows), prefer `gpt-image-2-t2i` (9 cr @ 1K / higher @ 2K, single deterministic image, best general quality across realism, illustration, typography, and composition; supports up to 2K resolution and most aspect ratios including auto). This is the front-runner for serious creative output where you don't need to pick from 6 variations.
Pick a different model when the prompt has these signals:
- "single best result" / "one image" / production / no time to pick from variations -> `gpt-image-2-t2i` (9 cr, 1 output, top general quality)
- "photoreal" / "photo of" / "realistic" -> `gpt-image-2-t2i` (9 cr, best general realism), `nano-banana-2` (8 cr @ 1K), or `z-image-turbo` (2 cr, fastest)
- "highest quality" / "premium" / no budget -> `gpt-image-2-t2i` at 2K (12 cr), or `grok-imagine-quality-t2i` (14 cr)
- Text inside the image (signs, posters, typography) -> `gpt-image-2-t2i` (strongest lettering of the live models)
- Album art / cover art -> `gpt-image-2-t2i` for one strong image; `grok-imagine-t2i` for 2 variations to choose from; `seedream-v4-t2i` if 4K wanted
- Logo or design with embedded text -> `gpt-image-2-t2i`
- NSFW / adult / explicit -> `wan-2.5-spicy-t2i` (auto-tags creation as 18+; routes to adult gallery)
- Cheapest possible / quick test -> `z-image-turbo` (2 cr)
- Multiple variations to compare -> keep `grok-imagine-t2i` (2 outputs per call) or use `numImages` on a multi-output model
For I2I (reference image provided): prefer the dedicated `aetherwave_edit_image` tool for "change something in this image" intent. Use `aetherwave_generate_image` with I2I models only when you specifically want style transfer, premium quality (`grok-imagine-quality-i2i`), or adult content (`wan-2.5-spicy-i2i`).
Always pass an explicit `aspectRatio` (e.g. "1:1" for square album art, "16:9" for video thumbnails, "9:16" for shorts/reels). Some upstream providers reject submissions with no aspect ratio.
Ask the user only when:
- The prompt contradicts itself (e.g., "highest quality but cheapest")
- The user requested "the best model" with no context, surface 2-3 options with tradeoffs
- A single generation would cost more than 20 credits and the user has not confirmed
Returns within ~45 s. If the result has state "running" the job is still rendering: poll aetherwave_get_job with the returned taskId and kind every ~10 s. Pass wait:true ONLY if your MCP client permits tool calls longer than 60 s (most do not). Pass async:true to get the taskId back immediately without waiting.