| name | smtools-image-generation |
| description | Generate images from text prompts using AI models via OpenRouter or Kie.ai. Use when the user asks to generate, create, draw, or illustrate an image. |
Image Generation Skill
Generate images from text prompts. Default provider is OpenRouter (synchronous). Alternative: Kie.ai (async, task-based).
When to Activate
Activate when the user asks to:
- Generate, create, draw, paint, illustrate, or render an image
- Make a picture, artwork, photo, or illustration
- Visualize something as an image
How to Use
Run the generation script with an absolute path to avoid directory change prompts:
bash SKILL_DIR/scripts/run.sh --prompt "PROMPT" [OPTIONS]
Replace SKILL_DIR with the absolute path to this skill's root directory.
Options
| Flag | Description |
|---|
-p, --prompt | Text prompt (required) |
--provider | openrouter (default) or kie |
-m, --model | Model name (provider-specific) |
-o, --output | Output file path |
-c, --config | Path to config.json |
--list-models | List available models |
-v, --verbose | Debug output to stderr |
Output
The script outputs JSON to stdout:
{"status": "ok", "image_path": "/absolute/path/to/image.png", "model": "google/gemini-3.1-flash-image-preview", "provider": "openrouter"}
After successful generation, show the user the image path and confirm the image was created.
Provider Selection
- OpenRouter (default): Fast, synchronous. Models:
google/gemini-3.1-flash-image-preview, google/imagen-4, stabilityai/stable-diffusion-3. Requires OPENROUTER_API_KEY.
- Kie.ai: Async task-based. Models:
flux-ai, midjourney, google-4o-image, ghibli-ai. Requires KIE_API_KEY. Use when the user explicitly requests Kie.ai or a Kie-specific model.
Examples
Basic generation:
bash SKILL_DIR/scripts/run.sh -p "A serene mountain lake at sunset"
Specific model:
bash SKILL_DIR/scripts/run.sh -p "Cyberpunk cityscape" -m "google/imagen-4"
Kie.ai provider:
bash SKILL_DIR/scripts/run.sh -p "Studio Ghibli forest" --provider kie -m ghibli-ai
Custom output path:
bash SKILL_DIR/scripts/run.sh -p "A red fox" -o /tmp/fox.png
Error Handling
| Error | Action |
|---|
| Missing API key | Tell the user to set the environment variable (OPENROUTER_API_KEY or KIE_API_KEY) |
| Network/timeout error | Retry once. If still failing, inform the user |
| No image in response | Show the raw error from the JSON output |
| Kie.ai task timeout | Inform user that generation took too long, suggest retrying |
Setup
If the skill has not been set up yet, run:
bash SKILL_DIR/setup.sh
Security
- Never display or log API keys
- Never modify config.json without user permission