fal-text-to-image

name	fal-text-to-image
description	Generate high-quality images from text prompts using fal.ai's text-to-image models. Supports intelligent model selection, style transfer, and professional-grade outputs.

fal.ai Text-to-Image Generation Skill

Generate production-quality images from text prompts using fal.ai's state-of-the-art text-to-image models including FLUX, Recraft V3, Imagen4, and more.

When to Use This Skill

Trigger when user:

• Requests image generation from text descriptions
• Wants to create images with specific styles (vector, realistic, typography)
• Needs high-resolution professional images (up to 2K)
• Wants to use a reference image for style transfer
• Mentions specific models like FLUX, Recraft, or Imagen
• Asks for logo, poster, or brand-style image generation

Quick Start

Basic Usage

uv run python fal-text-to-image "A cyberpunk city at sunset with neon lights"

With Specific Model

uv run python fal-text-to-image -m flux-pro/v1.1-ultra "Professional headshot of a business executive"

With Style Reference Image

uv run python fal-text-to-image -i reference.jpg "A mountain landscape" -m flux-2/lora/edit

Model Selection Guide

The script intelligently selects the best model based on task context:

flux-pro/v1.1-ultra (Default for High-Res)

• Best for: Professional photography, high-resolution outputs (up to 2K)
• Strengths: Photo realism, professional quality
• Use when: User needs publication-ready images
• Endpoint: fal-ai/flux-pro/v1.1-ultra

recraft/v3/text-to-image (SOTA Quality)

• Best for: Typography, vector art, brand-style images, long text
• Strengths: Industry-leading benchmark scores, precise text rendering
• Use when: Creating logos, posters, or text-heavy designs
• Endpoint: fal-ai/recraft/v3/text-to-image

flux-2 (Best Balance)

• Best for: General-purpose image generation
• Strengths: Enhanced realism, crisp text, native editing
• Use when: Standard image generation needs
• Endpoint: fal-ai/flux-2

flux-2/lora (Custom Styles)

• Best for: Domain-specific styles, fine-tuned variations
• Strengths: Custom style adaptation
• Use when: User wants specific artistic styles
• Endpoint: fal-ai/flux-2/lora

flux-2/lora/edit (Style Transfer)

• Best for: Image-to-image editing with style references
• Strengths: Specialized style transfer
• Use when: User provides reference image with -i flag
• Endpoint: fal-ai/flux-2/lora/edit

imagen4/preview (Google Quality)

• Best for: High-quality general images
• Strengths: Google's highest quality model
• Use when: User specifically requests Imagen or Google models
• Endpoint: fal-ai/imagen4/preview

stable-diffusion-v35-large (Typography & Style)

• Best for: Complex prompts, typography, style control
• Strengths: Advanced prompt understanding, resource efficiency
• Use when: Complex multi-element compositions
• Endpoint: fal-ai/stable-diffusion-v35-large

ideogram/v2 (Typography Specialist)

• Best for: Posters, logos, text-heavy designs
• Strengths: Exceptional typography, realistic outputs
• Use when: Text accuracy is critical
• Endpoint: fal-ai/ideogram/v2

bria/text-to-image/3.2 (Commercial Safe)

• Best for: Commercial projects requiring licensed training data
• Strengths: Safe for commercial use, excellent text rendering
• Use when: Legal/licensing concerns matter
• Endpoint: fal-ai/bria/text-to-image/3.2

Command-Line Interface

uv run python fal-text-to-image [OPTIONS] PROMPT

Arguments:
  PROMPT                    Text description of the image to generate

Options:
  -m, --model TEXT         Model to use (see model list above)
  -i, --image TEXT         Path or URL to reference image for style transfer
  -o, --output TEXT        Output filename (default: generated_image.png)
  -s, --size TEXT          Image size (e.g., "1024x1024", "landscape_16_9")
  --seed INTEGER           Random seed for reproducibility
  --steps INTEGER          Number of inference steps (model-dependent)
  --guidance FLOAT         Guidance scale (higher = more prompt adherence)
  --help                   Show this message and exit

Authentication Setup

Before first use, set your fal.ai API key:

export FAL_KEY="your-api-key-here"

Or create a .env file in the skill directory:

FAL_KEY=your-api-key-here

Get your API key from: https://fal.ai/dashboard/keys

Advanced Examples

High-Resolution Professional Photo

uv run python fal-text-to-image \
  -m flux-pro/v1.1-ultra \
  "Professional headshot of a business executive in modern office" \
  -s 2048x2048

Logo/Typography Design

uv run python fal-text-to-image \
  -m recraft/v3/text-to-image \
  "Modern tech startup logo with text 'AI Labs' in minimalist style"

Style Transfer from Reference

uv run python fal-text-to-image \
  -m flux-2/lora/edit \
  -i artistic_style.jpg \
  "Portrait of a woman in a garden"

Reproducible Generation

uv run python fal-text-to-image \
  -m flux-2 \
  --seed 42 \
  "Futuristic cityscape with flying cars"

Model Selection Logic

The script automatically selects the best model when -m is not specified:

1. If -i provided: Uses flux-2/lora/edit for style transfer
2. If prompt contains typography keywords (logo, text, poster, sign): Uses recraft/v3/text-to-image
3. If prompt suggests high-res needs (professional, portrait, headshot): Uses flux-pro/v1.1-ultra
4. If prompt mentions vector/brand: Uses recraft/v3/text-to-image
5. Default: Uses flux-2 for general purpose

Output Format

Generated images are saved with metadata:

• Filename includes timestamp and model name
• EXIF data stores prompt, model, and parameters
• Console displays generation time and cost estimate

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
FAL_KEY not set	Export FAL_KEY environment variable or create .env file
Model not found	Check model name against supported list
Image reference fails	Ensure image path/URL is accessible
Generation timeout	Some models take longer; wait or try faster model
Rate limit error	Check fal.ai dashboard for usage limits

Cost Optimization

• Free tier: FLUX.2 offers 100 free requests (expires Dec 25, 2025)
• Pay per use: FLUX Pro charges per megapixel
• Budget option: Use flux-2 or stable-diffusion-v35-large for general use
• Premium: Use flux-pro/v1.1-ultra only when high-res is required

File Structure

fal-text-to-image/
├── SKILL.md                    # This file
├── pyproject.toml              # Dependencies (uv)
├── fal-text-to-image           # Main executable script
├── references/
│   └── model-comparison.md     # Detailed model benchmarks
└── outputs/                    # Generated images (created on first run)

Dependencies

Managed via uv:

• fal-client: Official fal.ai Python SDK
• python-dotenv: Environment variable management
• pillow: Image handling and EXIF metadata
• click: CLI interface

Best Practices

1. Model Selection: Let the script auto-select unless you have specific needs
2. Reference Images: Use high-quality references for best style transfer results
3. Prompt Engineering: Be specific and descriptive for better outputs
4. Cost Awareness: Monitor usage on fal.ai dashboard
5. Reproducibility: Use --seed for consistent results during iteration

Resources

• fal.ai Documentation: https://docs.fal.ai/
• Model Playground: https://fal.ai/explore/search
• API Keys: https://fal.ai/dashboard/keys
• Pricing: https://fal.ai/pricing

Limitations

• Requires active fal.ai API key
• Subject to fal.ai rate limits and quotas
• Internet connection required
• Some models have usage costs (check pricing)
• Image reference features limited to specific models