claude-api-images

name	claude-api-images
description	Use when sending images to the Claude API. Triggers on image token optimization, pre-resizing, vision API calls, image dimensions for Claude.

Claude API Image Tokens

When sending images to the Claude API, follow these rules to avoid wasting tokens:

• Token formula: tokens = (width * height) / 750
• Auto-downscale: Images are resized if longest edge > 1568px or total pixels > 1.15 megapixels (~1568x1568 for 1:1)
• Max size: 8000x8000 (or 2000x2000 if sending >20 images). Max 5MB per image. Max 100 images per request.
• Supported formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP
• Always pre-resize to avoid paying for resolution Claude will discard. Pre-resizing also reduces TTFT latency.
• Optimal sizes by aspect ratio (largest that avoids auto-resize):

Aspect Ratio	Dimensions	Tokens
1:1	1092x1092	~1,590
3:4	951x1268	~1,608
2:3	896x1344	~1,605
9:16	819x1456	~1,590
1:2	784x1568	~1,639

• For batch image analysis, prefer PNG format (lossless) at the optimal size for the aspect ratio.
• If images don't need full resolution (e.g., thumbnails for selection), resize smaller to save more tokens.