---
title: "Use GPT Image in OpenClaw via RunAPI — Image API Guide"
url: "https://runapi.ai/openclaw-gpt-image.md"
canonical: "https://runapi.ai/openclaw-gpt-image"
locale: "en"
model: "gpt-image"
---

# Use GPT Image in OpenClaw.

GPT Image 2 is OpenAI's dedicated image generation model — text-to-image and instruction-based image editing with up to 4K output resolution and transparent background support. OpenClaw agents call it through the same RunAPI key and /v1 endpoint used for chat, with no extra skills to install.

## API example

```bash
curl -X POST https://runapi.ai/v1/text_to_image \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $RUNAPI_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "gpt-image-2-text-to-image",
    "prompt": "A product photo of a glass perfume bottle on a marble surface, transparent background, studio lighting, the label reads AURORA in gold serif font",
    "output_resolution": "2k",
    "aspect_ratio": "3:4"
  }'

```

### Response

```json
{
  "task_id": "tsk_abc123",
  "status": "pending",
  "model": "gpt-image-2-text-to-image"
}

```

## How it works

1. **Configure RunAPI** — Set the RUNAPI_API_KEY environment variable in your shell profile. If RunAPI is already configured in OpenClaw for chat, the same key works for GPT Image — no additional setup needed.
2. **Call GPT Image 2** — Send a POST request to the text_to_image endpoint with model set to gpt-image-2-text-to-image. Include a descriptive prompt with layout and style instructions. Set output_resolution to 2k or 4k for higher detail. For editing existing images, use the edit_image endpoint with gpt-image-2-image-to-image and provide source_image_urls.
3. **Get the result** — The API returns a task_id immediately. Poll the task status endpoint until the status changes to completed, then retrieve the output image URL from the response. GPT Image 2 typically completes within 10–30 seconds depending on resolution.

## Parameters

| Parameter | Type | Description |
|-----------|------|-------------|
| `model` | `string` | Required. gpt-image-2-text-to-image for generation, gpt-image-2-image-to-image for editing. |
| `prompt` | `string` | Required. Natural language description of the desired image. Supports detailed instructions for layout, text overlays, and style. |
| `output_resolution` | `string` | Optional. Output resolution — 1k (default), 2k, or 4k. Higher resolution costs more per image. |
| `aspect_ratio` | `string` | Optional. Defaults to auto. Supports 1:1, 3:2, 2:3, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16, and more. |
| `source_image_urls` | `array` | Required for edit_image endpoint. One or more URLs of source images to edit. |

## FAQ

### Can I use GPT Image 2 in OpenClaw?

Yes. OpenClaw agents call GPT Image 2 through the RunAPI text_to_image endpoint. Set the model field to gpt-image-2-text-to-image and send the request with the same RUNAPI_API_KEY you use for chat. No extra skills or plugins required.

### What is the difference between GPT Image 2 and GPT-4o Image?

GPT Image 2 is OpenAI's dedicated image generation model with higher quality, 4K output, and transparent background support. GPT-4o Image generates images within a chat context but is limited to 1:1, 3:2, or 2:3 aspect ratios. Both are available through RunAPI — use gpt-image-2-text-to-image for standalone generation and gpt-4o-image for chat-integrated image output.

### Does GPT Image 2 support transparent backgrounds?

Yes. GPT Image 2 can output images with transparent backgrounds when instructed in the prompt. This is useful for product photos, logos, and UI elements. Specify transparency in your prompt — for example, "product photo with transparent background."

### How does GPT Image 2 pricing work on RunAPI?

GPT Image 2 is billed per image based on output resolution: 1k is the lowest cost, 2k is mid-range, and 4k is the most expensive. The same rate applies to both text_to_image and edit_image. Check the RunAPI pricing page for current per-image rates. Failed generations are not charged.

### Can I edit an existing image with GPT Image 2?

Yes. Use the edit_image endpoint with model set to gpt-image-2-image-to-image. Pass the source image URLs in source_image_urls and describe the edit in the prompt — for example, "change the background to a beach sunset" or "add a red hat to the person." GPT Image 2 follows natural language editing instructions.


## Links

- [OpenClaw setup guide →](https://runapi.ai/openclaw)
- [GPT Image models →](https://runapi.ai/models/gpt-image)
- [Model catalog](https://runapi.ai/models)
- [API docs](https://runapi.ai/docs)