AI Image Generation - Claude Skill + MCP

AI-powered image generation using Google Gemini or OpenAI (gpt-image-2), integrated with Claude Code.

Features

• Generate images from text prompts using Google Gemini or OpenAI (gpt-image-2)
• Dual-provider support: model name routes the request automatically (gpt-image*/dall-e* → OpenAI, everything else → Gemini)
• Proactive Claude skill suggests images for websites, presentations, and more
• Two execution modes: CLI script (skill-only) or MCP server (protocol-based)
• Configurable aspect ratios (1:1, 16:9, 9:16, etc.)
• Multiple model support (quality vs speed) across both providers
• Optional reference images to guide generation (up to 5, PNG/JPEG/WebP) on both providers
• Images saved to disk within the configured output directory, with file paths returned
• MCP server speaks the MCP 2026-07-28 spec, with backward compatibility for older MCP clients

Prerequisites

• Google Gemini API key (Get one here) and/or an OpenAI API key (Get one here) — at least one is required
• Node.js 20+ (only for manual installation)

Installation

Quick Install (Claude Code Plugin)

The plugin installs skill + CLI + MCP server in one step—no separate configuration needed.

# Add the marketplace
/plugin marketplace add guinacio/claude-image-gen

# Install the plugin
/plugin install media-pipeline@media-pipeline-marketplace

Or install directly from GitHub:

/plugin install guinacio/claude-image-gen

Once installed:

• Skill uses the bundled CLI script (no MCP overhead)
• MCP server is also available for direct tool calls

Tip: Since the skill runs the CLI directly, you can disable the MCP server in Claude Code's MCP list to reduce startup overhead. The skill will continue to work without it.

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Quick Install (Claude Desktop Extension)

For Claude Desktop users, install the pre-built extension:

1. Download media-pipeline.mcpb from Releases
2. Open Claude Desktop
3. Go to Settings → Extensions → Advanced settings
4. Click Install Extension and select the .mcpb file
5. Enter your Gemini and/or OpenAI API key when prompted (at least one is required)

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Manual Installation

For developers who want to customize or build from source:

1. Build the MCP Server

cd mcp-server
npm install
npm run bundle

2. Use the Standalone CLI

cd mcp-server
GEMINI_API_KEY=your-api-key-here node build/cli.bundle.js \
  --prompt "Landing page hero image for a fintech startup" \
  --aspect-ratio "16:9"

The CLI routes to Gemini or OpenAI based on the model name and returns structured JSON on stdout. It does not require the MCP server layer. Any custom output path must still remain inside the configured output directory.

3. Add to Claude Code

Option A: Using MCP server

claude mcp add --transport stdio media-pipeline \
  --env GEMINI_API_KEY=your-api-key-here \
  -- node /path/to/claude-image-gen/mcp-server/build/bundle.js

The -- separates Claude CLI flags from the server command.

Option B: Manual config

Add to your Claude Code config (~/.claude.json):