Guide for generating and editing images using generative AI with the nanobanana CLI
Scanned 6/1/2026
Install via CLI
openskills install tools-only/X-Skills---
name: nanobanana
description: Guide for generating and editing images using generative AI with the nanobanana CLI
license: MIT
---
# Nanobanana
This is a guide for generating and editing images using the nanobanana CLI tool.
Nanobanana is a command-line interface for the Nano Banana image generation API, which uses Google's generative AI models.
## Installation
If the nanobanana CLI is not already installed, install it using:
```bash
go install maragu.dev/nanobanana@latest
```
## Prerequisites
The `GOOGLE_API_KEY` environment variable must be set, or a `.env` file with the key must be present in the working directory.
## Generating images
To generate a single image:
```bash
nanobanana generate output.png "a beautiful sunset over mountains"
```
The output can be either a `.png` or `.jpg` file.
## Using the pro model
To use the higher-quality pro model for generation:
```bash
nanobanana generate -pro output.png "a beautiful sunset over mountains"
```
The `-pro` flag enables Google's premium generative AI model, which typically produces higher quality results but may take slightly longer to generate.
## Editing existing images
To edit or modify an existing image using a text prompt:
```bash
nanobanana generate -i input.png output.png "make the sky purple and add stars"
```
This is useful for making specific changes to existing images based on natural language instructions.
## Tips for effective prompts
- Be specific and descriptive about what you want in the image
- Include details about style, colors, mood, composition, and subject matter
- For edits, clearly describe what should change while the rest remains the same
- You can reference art styles, artists, or specific visual aesthetics
## Examples
Generate a logo:
```bash
nanobanana generate logo.png "minimalist tech company logo with geometric shapes in blue and white"
```
Create concept art:
```bash
nanobanana generate concept.png "futuristic city skyline at night with neon lights and flying vehicles, cyberpunk style"
```
Edit an existing photo:
```bash
nanobanana generate -i photo.png enhanced.png "enhance the colors and make it look like golden hour"
```
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