# Image Generation

Use **Image Generation** when you want a workflow step to create images from a prompt and reuse the generated assets later in the workflow.

## Configuration

| Option                                                                                                                                      | Required | Description                                                                                     |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Name                                                                                                                                        | No       | Label for the step in the workflow canvas.                                                      |
| Prompt                                                                                                                                      | Yes      | The text entered in **Prompt**.                                                                 |
| Image Size                                                                                                                                  | No       | One of the visible size tiles in the settings form.                                             |
| Image Count                                                                                                                                 | No       | Number of images to generate.                                                                   |
| Image Quality                                                                                                                               | No       | Quality level for the generated images.                                                         |
| Image Background                                                                                                                            | No       | Background mode for the image output.                                                           |
| Image Moderation                                                                                                                            | No       | Moderation setting for the generation request.                                                  |
| Output Format                                                                                                                               | No       | Output file format.                                                                             |
| Output Compression                                                                                                                          | No       | Compression level for formats that support it.                                                  |
| Charge Type                                                                                                                                 | No       | Whether the step uses **Hosted** or **Personal** billing.                                       |
| When the step fails                                                                                                                         | No       | Controls whether the workflow should **Terminate Workflow** or **Continue** if this step fails. |
| Use the **Insert Variable** button next to **Prompt** when part of the image description should come from workflow inputs or earlier steps. |          |                                                                                                 |

This step uses **Settings** and **Output** tabs. The **Output** tab shows the generated images as a gallery after a successful test run.

## Output

This step outputs an array of generated asset records. Each item includes uploaded asset data such as:

* `id`
* `file_url`
* `file_name`
* `file_size`
* `file_type`

Use the base output reference to pass the full array forward:

```
{{STEP_IDENTIFIER.output}}
```

To reference a specific generated image field, use an indexed path such as:

```
{{step_2.output.0.file_url}}
{{step_2.output.0.file_name}}
```

Use the variable picker after a test run to confirm the exact path you want to insert.

## Example

Add **Image Generation** to your workflow.

Write a detailed **Prompt** such as `Create a product hero image for a blue insulated water bottle on a clean studio background`.

Choose a **Size**, set **Image Count**, then adjust **Quality**, **Background**, **Moderation**, and **Output Format** as needed.

If you want smaller JPEG or WebP output, lower **Output Compression**. If you keep **Output Format** set to **PNG**, that compression control stays disabled.

Click **Run** in the step header. After the run finishes, open **Output** to review the returned images and use the variable picker to reference the generated asset fields in later steps.

## Notes

* If **Output Format** is **JPEG**, **Transparent** is not available in **Background**.
* If **Output Format** is **PNG**, **Output Compression** is disabled in the editor.
* This step returns uploaded asset records, not just raw image bytes.
* Generated file URLs are useful when a later step needs to pass an image reference forward.

See also: [Creating and Editing](https://docs.fetchhive.com/workflows/creating-and-editing) and [Testing and Iteration](https://docs.fetchhive.com/workflows/testing-and-iteration)