nano-banana-claude

---
name: nano-banana-claude
description: Generate images with Nano Banana 2 (and GPT Image 2, Seedream, Flux, Z-Image) from inside Claude Code, using a Claude Imagine API key — no Google API key required. Use when the user asks to generate, create, or make an image, illustration, icon, hero graphic, mockup, or any visual asset.
---

# Nano Banana for Claude Code

Generates images through the Claude Imagine API. Nano Banana 2 is the default
model. Billing is in Claude Imagine credits — there is no Google AI Studio
project, no Google billing account, and no Gemini key to source.

## Setup (once)

1. Create an API key at https://claudeimagine.com/settings/apikeys — it is
   displayed once and stored only as a hash, so copy it immediately. If you
   lose it, delete that key and create a new one.
2. Export it:

```bash
export CLAUDEIMAGINE_API_KEY="sk-..."
```

Put the export in your shell profile to persist it. New accounts get free
signup credits, so the first images cost nothing.

## Generating an image

Run the bundled script — `scripts/generate.py`, alongside this SKILL.md. Commands
run from the project root, so prefix it with this Skill's directory (normally
`.claude/skills/nano-banana-claude/`). It writes the image to disk and prints
the path.

```bash
python3 .claude/skills/nano-banana-claude/scripts/generate.py \
  "a red ceramic teapot on a windowsill, soft morning light"
```

`--out` is relative to the working directory, so images land in the user's
project, not in the Skill folder.

Options:

- `--model` — `nano-banana-2` (default), `gpt-image-2`, `seedream-4.5`,
  `flux-2-pro`, `z-image`. Seedream and Flux need a Pro or Studio plan.
- `--aspect` — `1:1` (default), `4:3`, `3:4`, `16:9`, `9:16`
- `--out` — output path (default: an auto-named `.png` in the current directory)

```bash
python3 scripts/generate.py "isometric server rack icon, flat vector" \
  --model nano-banana-2 --aspect 1:1 --out assets/icon.png
```

## Writing the prompt

Nano Banana 2 follows descriptive, sentence-form prompts better than
comma-separated tag soup. When the user's request is short, expand it before
calling the script — state the subject, the setting, the lighting, and the
framing, then generate.

Weak: `cat logo`
Better: `a minimal line-art cat face logo, single black stroke on white, centered, generous margins`

## Costs and failures

- Nano Banana 2 costs 3 credits per image on every plan, including free.
- Failed generations are refunded automatically.
- HTTP 402 means the balance is short — top up at https://claudeimagine.com/pricing
- HTTP 401 means the key is missing, wrong, or revoked.

Report the credit cost back to the user after a batch so they can track spend.

## Notes

Claude Imagine is an independent tool, not affiliated with Anthropic or Google.
Claude is a trademark of Anthropic, PBC; Nano Banana and Gemini are trademarks
of Google LLC.