GPT Image 2
OpenAI API Image Workflows and Cost Guide
Choose the Images or Responses API, estimate GPT Image 2 output cost, and build a measurable generation and review workflow.
2026/05/24
OpenAI API image workflows
Choose the API from the shape of the job, not from the number of images. A direct generate-or-edit request is simpler in the Images API; a sequence that depends on earlier output and feedback belongs in the Responses API.
Official API paths
OpenAI's docs describe two useful paths for image work:
- The Images API for generating or editing images
- The Responses API for image input, image output, and multi-turn image generation
When you use the Responses API image tool, the docs show an action setting that can stay automatic or be forced to generate or edit. The same docs also describe multi-turn iteration with previous_response_id.
GPT Image 2 output-cost reference
OpenAI's September 2026 image-generation guide lists these example output costs. Text input and reference-image input are additional.
| Quality | 1024 x 1024 | 1024 x 1536 | 1536 x 1024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | $0.006 | $0.005 | $0.005 |
| Medium | $0.053 | $0.041 | $0.041 |
| High | $0.211 | $0.165 | $0.165 |
For a realistic estimate, record the API response usage, accepted-output rate, and average retries. A $0.053 draft that needs three attempts costs more than one accepted draft, and edit requests with reference images also add input-token cost. Recheck the official pricing page before budgeting because model pricing can change.
What to plan
- Prompt input
- Output format
- Revision loop
- Review handoff
- Publishing check
Workflow shape
- Draft the prompt.
- Generate the first image.
- Review one change at a time.
- Save the approved version.
- Move the result into your publishing flow.