Last refreshed 2026-05-10. Next refresh: weekly.
Why use GPT Image 1 on OpenAI API?
OpenAI API offers GPT Image 1 with competitive pricing. OpenAI is a leading AI research and deployment company dedicated to developing safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence (AGI) for humanity.
Compare GPT Image 1 across 2 providers to find the best fit for your use caseSetup recipe
Python + curlpip install openaiexport OPENAI_API_KEY=...import os
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI() # reads OPENAI_API_KEY from env
response = client.chat.completions.create(gpt-image-1Request example
import os
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI() # reads OPENAI_API_KEY from env
response = client.chat.completions.create(
model="gpt-image-1",
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}]
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)Gotchas
- Use the model slug directly, e.g. "gpt-4o" or "gpt-4.1-mini".
- The examples expect OPENAI_API_KEY; rename it only if your application config maps the new variable.
Compare GPT Image 1 Across Providers
| Provider | Input (per 1M) | Output (per 1M) |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI API | — | — |
| Vercel AI Gateway | $5.00 | $40.00 |
Pricing
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1024x1024 image | Low $0.011 / Medium $0.042 / High $0.167 |
| Portrait / landscape image | Low $0.016 / Medium $0.063 / High $0.250 |
Capabilities
About GPT Image 1
GPT Image 1 is OpenAI's first publicly released autoregressive image generation model. Made available via the API on April 23, 2025 (ChatGPT launched it March 25, 2025 where it generated over 700 million images in the first week). Supports low, medium, and high quality tiers with per-image pricing at $0.011/$0.042/$0.167 for 1024×1024. Superseded by GPT Image 1.5 in December 2025.
FAQ
How does OpenAI API compare to other GPT Image 1 providers?
GPT Image 1 is available from 2 providers. The cheapest input pricing is $5/1M tokens from Vercel AI Gateway.
What API model ID do I use for GPT Image 1 on OpenAI API?
Use the model ID gpt-image-1 when calling OpenAI API's API.
Who created GPT Image 1?
GPT Image 1 was created by OpenAI as part of the GPT Image model family.
Is GPT Image 1 open source?
GPT Image 1 is not open source; the seed data lists it as proprietary.