Image Gen — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Lets coding agents produce and modify local image assets via Gemini and OpenAI. Helpful whenever a workflow requires UI mockups, logos, or banner drafts.
claude mcp add --env GEMINI_API_KEY=<GEMINI_API_KEY> --env OPENAI_API_KEY=<OPENAI_API_KEY> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL> --transport stdio image-gen -- npx -y @nuver-labs/image-gen-mcpWhat Image Gen does
This server exposes three tools to your coding assistant: generate_image, edit_image, and list_capabilities. Output files write directly to project folders on disk. The agent inspects the rendered graphics right away and adjusts them on subsequent turns.
Users can select aspect ratios, resolutions up to 4K on Gemini 3.x, or transparent backgrounds via OpenAI models. Image modifications accept up to 16 source files as references. Original files stay untouched. Running the server requires a valid API key for Gemini or OpenAI.
What it helps with
- render graphic assets into local directories from text prompts
- produce icons with transparent backgrounds using OpenAI
- iterate on visual mockups without overwriting source files
- check active model providers using list_capabilities
Example prompts for the agent
- Create a 16:9 sunset hero banner and write it to assets/hero.png
- Remove the background from public/logo.png and keep it transparent
- Generate three square paper plane icons into design/drafts/
How to install Image Gen
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env GEMINI_API_KEY=<GEMINI_API_KEY> --env OPENAI_API_KEY=<OPENAI_API_KEY> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL> --transport stdio image-gen -- npx -y @nuver-labs/image-gen-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. 4 more environment variables are in the server README
Platform CLI
codex mcp add image-gen --env GEMINI_API_KEY=<GEMINI_API_KEY> --env OPENAI_API_KEY=<OPENAI_API_KEY> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL> --env IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL> -- npx -y @nuver-labs/image-gen-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. 4 more environment variables are in the server README
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"image-gen": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@nuver-labs/image-gen-mcp"
],
"env": {
"GEMINI_API_KEY": "<GEMINI_API_KEY>",
"OPENAI_API_KEY": "<OPENAI_API_KEY>",
"IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER": "<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER>",
"IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL": "<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL>",
"IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL": "<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. 4 more environment variables are in the server README
Config file
{
"servers": {
"image-gen": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@nuver-labs/image-gen-mcp"
],
"env": {
"GEMINI_API_KEY": "<GEMINI_API_KEY>",
"OPENAI_API_KEY": "<OPENAI_API_KEY>",
"IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER": "<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER>",
"IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL": "<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL>",
"IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL": "<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. 4 more environment variables are in the server README
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e GEMINI_API_KEY=<GEMINI_API_KEY> -e OPENAI_API_KEY=<OPENAI_API_KEY> -e IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_DEFAULT_PROVIDER> -e IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_GEMINI_MODEL> -e IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL=<IMAGE_GEN_MCP_OPENAI_MODEL> image-gen npx -y @nuver-labs/image-gen-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. 4 more environment variables are in the server README
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Image Gen
How do I install Image Gen in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add image-gen -e GEMINI_API_KEY=<GEMINI_API_KEY> -e OPENAI_API_KEY=<OPENAI_API_KEY> -- npx -y @nuver-labs/image-gen-mcp. Start a fresh Claude Code session afterwards and verify the setup with claude mcp list.
What does Image Gen do?
It enables coding assistants to generate new pictures or adjust existing artwork using Gemini and OpenAI APIs. Saved images land straight in the workspace.
Do I need credentials for both Gemini and OpenAI?
No, configuring a single provider is sufficient. You can omit the environment variable for whichever API you do not intend to use.
