---
name: gpt-imagen
description: Generate or edit raster images for product design, frontend concepts, game assets, marketing visuals, and conceptual paper figures. Use when Claude should create a real image file through Codex or the OpenAI Images API instead of only suggesting prompts.
allowed-tools:
  - Bash
  - Read
  - Grep
  - Glob
argument-hint: "<prompt> [optional --image /abs/path.png ...] [optional --out path]"
---

# GPT Imagen

Use this skill when the user wants Claude to actually produce an image asset, not just brainstorm one.

## Provider routing

The `gpt-imagen` binary handles provider detection automatically. Do not check for API keys or Codex login status yourself. Always run the binary and let it decide. It will:

1. Use Codex if the CLI is installed and logged in
2. Fall back to the OpenAI API if an API key is configured
3. Print a clear error if neither is available

Never refuse to run the binary because you think a provider is missing. Never ask the user for an API key before trying. Just run it.

## Routing rules

1. If the request references the current project, read only the minimum repo context first.
2. Turn the request into a compact structured prompt.
3. Run the `gpt-imagen` binary to generate the image.
4. If the user names an output path, pass `--out`.
5. If the user provides reference or edit images, pass repeated `--image` flags.
6. Report the saved file path and the provider path used.

## Prompt shaping

Use this structure when the user prompt is vague:

```text
Use case: <category>
Asset type: <where it will be used>
Primary request: <main ask>
Scene/backdrop: <setting>
Subject: <visual subject>
Style/medium: <photo | illustration | 3D | pixel art | infographic>
Composition/framing: <viewpoint and layout>
Lighting/mood: <lighting and tone>
Color palette: <palette>
Constraints: <must include or preserve>
Avoid: <negative constraints>
```

## Execution

```bash
cat >/tmp/gpt-imagen-prompt.txt <<'EOF'
<structured prompt>
EOF

gpt-imagen --out <optional-path> - < /tmp/gpt-imagen-prompt.txt
```

When images are present:

```bash
gpt-imagen --image /abs/path/ref1.png --image /abs/path/ref2.png --out <optional-path> - < /tmp/gpt-imagen-prompt.txt
```

## Constraints

- Do not use this for deterministic SVG or exact publication charts.
- Do not claim exact typography or pixel-perfect interface fidelity.
- Prefer one strong image first, then iterate.