pi-codex-image-gen 0.1.12 → 0.1.14

package/skills/imagegen/SKILL.md

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Generates or edits images for the current project (for example website assets, g
 This skill has exactly two top-level modes:
 
 - **Default Pi tool mode (preferred):** Pi `codex_generate_image` tool for new image generation, edits using up to five local or recent conversation images, reference variants, and simple transparent-image requests. Does not require `OPENAI_API_KEY`.
-- **Fallback CLI mode:** `scripts/image_gen.py` CLI. Use when the user explicitly asks for the CLI/API/model path, or after the user explicitly confirms a true model-native transparency fallback with `gpt-image-1.5`. Requires `OPENAI_API_KEY`.
+- **Fallback CLI mode:** `scripts/image_gen.py` CLI. Use when the user explicitly asks for the CLI/API/model path, or after the user explicitly confirms a native transparency API fallback. Requires `OPENAI_API_KEY` and separate API billing.
 
 Within CLI fallback, the CLI exposes three subcommands:
 
@@ -26,11 +26,14 @@ Within CLI fallback, the CLI exposes three subcommands:
 
 Rules:
 - Use the Pi `codex_generate_image` tool by default for new image generation requests.
+- Image login is separate from chat: use `/login codex-images` and complete the ChatGPT OAuth flow in Pi. The Codex app is not required. Existing legacy Pi `openai-codex` OAuth can be a fallback; new `openai` plan-sharing chat OAuth cannot generate images. Never ask the user to paste login URLs or tokens into chat.
+- The tool's `model` parameter selects a Codex routing model, not Flare or Sunburst. Do not claim a specific served image model unless the response reports it. Read `details.reportedImage` for backend-reported output settings, then inspect the actual image; prompt requests for quality, dimensions, or transparency are not guarantees.
+- Do not automatically repeat quota, connection, timeout, or incomplete-stream failures. The remote generation may already have consumed quota.
 - Use `referencedImagePaths` for edits when every target has a local path. Use `numLastImagesToInclude` only when a target is available solely in recent conversation history. Never provide both selectors. Masks and advanced CLI-only controls still require confirmed CLI fallback.
 - Do not switch to CLI fallback for ordinary generation quality, size, or output file-path control.
 - If the user explicitly asks for a transparent image/background, stay on Pi `codex_generate_image` first: prompt for a flat removable chroma-key background, then remove it locally with the installed helper at `scripts/remove_chroma_key.py`.
 - Never silently switch from Pi `codex_generate_image` or CLI `gpt-image-2` to CLI `gpt-image-1.5`. Treat this as a model/path downgrade and ask the user before doing it, unless the user has already explicitly requested `gpt-image-1.5`, `scripts/image_gen.py`, or CLI fallback.
-- If a transparent request appears too complex for clean chroma-key removal, asks for true/native transparency, or local removal fails validation, explain that true transparency requires CLI `gpt-image-1.5 --background transparent --output-format png` because `gpt-image-2` does not support `background=transparent`, then ask whether to proceed. Run the CLI fallback only after the user confirms.
+- If a transparent request appears too complex for clean chroma-key removal, asks for true/native transparency, or local removal fails validation, offer CLI `gpt-image-2 --background transparent --output-format png` (native transparency preview). Run the CLI fallback only after the user confirms.
 - The word `batch` by itself does not mean CLI fallback. If the user asks for many assets or says to batch-generate assets without explicitly asking for CLI/API/model controls, stay on the Pi tool path and issue one Pi tool call per requested asset or variant.
 - If the Pi tool fails or is unavailable, tell the user the CLI fallback exists and that it requires `OPENAI_API_KEY`. Proceed only if the user explicitly asks for that fallback.
 - If the user explicitly asks for CLI mode, use the bundled `scripts/image_gen.py` workflow. Do not create one-off SDK runners.
@@ -39,7 +42,7 @@ Rules:
 Pi tool save-path policy:
 - In Pi tool mode, generated images are saved under Pi's agent directory by default: `<pi-agent-dir>/generated-images/<pi-session-id>/<image-call-id>.*`. The default Pi agent directory is `~/.pi/agent`, but it can be overridden with `PI_CODING_AGENT_DIR`; use Pi's configured agent directory, not a hardcoded home path.
 - Do not describe or rely on OS temp as the default Pi tool destination.
-- Do not describe or rely on a destination-path argument (if any) on the Pi `codex_generate_image` tool. If a specific location is needed, generate first and then copy the selected output from `<pi-agent-dir>/generated-images/<pi-session-id>/<image-call-id>.*`.
+- Use the tool's `save` and `saveDir` controls to choose a save directory. Custom mode appends a session directory; it does not accept an exact output filename. If an exact asset path is needed, copy the generated image there and leave the original in place.
 - Save-path precedence in Pi tool mode:
   1. If the user names a destination, copy the selected output there and leave the original in place.
   2. If the image is meant for the current project, copy the final selected image into the workspace before finishing and leave the original in place.
@@ -113,7 +116,7 @@ Assume the user wants a new image unless they clearly ask to change an existing
    - If the user's prompt is already specific and detailed, normalize it into a clear spec without adding creative requirements.
    - If the user's prompt is generic, add tasteful augmentation only when it materially improves output quality.
 10. Use the Pi `codex_generate_image` tool by default for generation and supported existing-image edits. Ask for CLI fallback confirmation only when the request requires unsupported controls such as masks.
-11. For transparent-output requests, follow the transparent image guidance below: generate with Pi `codex_generate_image` on a flat chroma-key background, copy the selected output into the workspace or `tmp/imagegen/`, run the installed `scripts/remove_chroma_key.py` helper, and validate the alpha result before using it. If this path looks unsuitable or fails, ask before switching to CLI `gpt-image-1.5`.
+11. For transparent-output requests, follow the transparent image guidance below: generate with Pi `codex_generate_image` on a flat chroma-key background, copy the selected output into the workspace or `tmp/imagegen/`, run the installed `scripts/remove_chroma_key.py` helper, and validate the alpha result before using it. If this path looks unsuitable or fails, ask before switching to the API CLI.
 12. Inspect outputs and validate: subject, style, composition, text accuracy, and invariants/avoid items.
 13. Iterate with a single targeted change, then re-check.
 14. For preview-only work, render the image inline; the underlying file may remain at the default `<pi-agent-dir>/generated-images/<pi-session-id>/<image-call-id>.*` path.
@@ -154,12 +157,12 @@ Do not use #00ff00 anywhere in the subject.
 No cast shadow, no contact shadow, no reflection, no watermark, and no text unless explicitly requested.
 ```
 
-Do not automatically use CLI `gpt-image-1.5 --background transparent --output-format png` instead of chroma keying. Ask the user first when the user asks for true/native transparency, when local removal fails validation, or when the requested image is complex: hair, fur, feathers, smoke, glass, liquids, translucent materials, reflective objects, soft shadows, realistic product grounding, or subject colors that conflict with all practical key colors.
+Do not automatically use CLI `gpt-image-2 --background transparent --output-format png` instead of chroma keying. Ask the user first when the user asks for true/native transparency, when local removal fails validation, or when the requested image is complex: hair, fur, feathers, smoke, glass, liquids, translucent materials, reflective objects, soft shadows, realistic product grounding, or subject colors that conflict with all practical key colors.
 
 Use a concise confirmation like:
 
 ```text
-This likely needs true native transparency. The default Pi tool path uses a chroma-key background plus local removal, but true transparency requires the CLI fallback with gpt-image-1.5 because gpt-image-2 does not support background=transparent. It also requires OPENAI_API_KEY. Should I proceed with that CLI fallback?
+This likely needs native transparency. The Pi tool uses chroma-key removal. The API CLI supports native transparency in preview with gpt-image-2. It requires OPENAI_API_KEY and separate API billing. Should I use that fallback?
 ```
 
 ## Prompt augmentation
@@ -279,7 +282,7 @@ Constraints: change only the background; keep the product and its edges unchange
 - If the prompt is generic, add only the extra detail that will materially help.
 - If the prompt is already detailed, normalize it instead of expanding it.
 - For CLI fallback only, see `references/cli.md` and `references/image-api.md` for model, `quality`, `input_fidelity`, masks, output format, and output-path guidance.
-- For transparent images, use the built-in-first chroma-key workflow unless the request is complex enough to need true CLI transparency; ask before switching to CLI `gpt-image-1.5`.
+- For transparent images, use the built-in-first chroma-key workflow unless the request needs native CLI transparency; ask before switching to the API CLI.
 
 More principles shared by both modes: `references/prompting.md`.
 Copy/paste specs shared by both modes: `references/sample-prompts.md`.
@@ -291,14 +294,14 @@ Asset-type templates (website assets, game assets, wireframes, logo) are consoli
 
 The fallback CLI defaults to `gpt-image-2`.
 
-- Use `gpt-image-2` for new CLI/API workflows unless the request needs true model-native transparent output.
-- If a transparent request may need CLI fallback, ask before using `gpt-image-1.5` unless the user already explicitly requested `gpt-image-1.5`, `scripts/image_gen.py`, or CLI fallback. Explain that the built-in chroma-key path is the default, but true transparency requires `gpt-image-1.5` because `gpt-image-2` does not support `background=transparent`.
+- Keep `gpt-image-2` as the CLI default. For explicit 2.5 requests, use `gpt-image-2.5-flare` for fast generation or `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst` for editing precision. Both also accept `xhigh` and `max` quality and their `2026-09-08` snapshots. Both support the flexible size constraints below; sizes above `2560x1440` are experimental. Leave 2.5 `input_fidelity` unset; support for that control is not verified.
+- Native transparency is available in preview with CLI `gpt-image-2 --background transparent --output-format png` (or `webp`). Ask before switching from Pi to this separately billed API path.
 - `gpt-image-2` always uses high fidelity for image inputs; do not set `input_fidelity` with this model.
 - `gpt-image-2` supports `quality` values `low`, `medium`, `high`, and `auto`.
 - Use `quality low` for fast drafts, thumbnails, and quick iterations. Use `medium`, `high`, or `auto` for final assets, dense text, diagrams, identity-sensitive edits, or high-resolution outputs.
 - Square images are typically fastest to generate. Use `1024x1024` for fast square drafts.
 - If the user asks for 4K-style output, use `3840x2160` for landscape or `2160x3840` for portrait.
-- `gpt-image-2` size may be `auto` or `WIDTHxHEIGHT` if all constraints hold: max edge `<= 3840px`, both edges multiples of `16px`, long-to-short ratio `<= 3:1`, total pixels between `655,360` and `8,294,400`.
+- GPT Image 2 and 2.5 API size may be `auto` or `WIDTHxHEIGHT` if all constraints hold: max edge `<= 3840px`, both edges multiples of `16px`, long-to-short ratio `<= 3:1`, total pixels between `655,360` and `8,294,400`.
 
 Popular `gpt-image-2` sizes:
 - `1024x1024` square

package/skills/imagegen/references/cli.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # CLI reference (`scripts/image_gen.py`)
 
-This file is for the fallback CLI mode only. Read it when the user explicitly asks to use `scripts/image_gen.py` / CLI / API / model controls, or after the user explicitly confirms that a transparent-output request should use the `gpt-image-1.5` true-transparency fallback path.
+This file is for the fallback CLI mode only. Read it when the user requests CLI/API controls or confirms a native transparency API fallback.
 
 `generate-batch` is a CLI subcommand in this fallback path. It is not a top-level mode of the skill.
 The word `batch` in a user request is not CLI opt-in by itself.
@@ -73,12 +73,14 @@ python "$IMAGE_GEN" edit \
 
 `gpt-image-2` is the default model for new CLI fallback work.
 
+For explicit Images 2.5 requests, use `--model gpt-image-2.5-flare` or `--model gpt-image-2.5-sunburst`. Their `2026-09-08` snapshots are also supported. Both accept `--quality xhigh` and `--quality max`, and the flexible size constraints below, including `1536x864`. Sizes above `2560x1440` are experimental. Leave 2.5 `--input-fidelity` unset; support is not verified. These options do not apply to the Pi tool.
+
 - Use `--quality low` for fast drafts, thumbnails, and quick iterations.
 - Use `--quality medium`, `--quality high`, or `--quality auto` for final assets, dense text, diagrams, identity-sensitive edits, and high-resolution outputs.
 - Square images are typically fastest. Use `--size 1024x1024` for quick square drafts.
 - If the user asks for 4K-style output, use `--size 3840x2160` for landscape or `--size 2160x3840` for portrait.
 - Do not pass `--input-fidelity` with `gpt-image-2`; this model always uses high fidelity for image inputs.
-- Do not use `--background transparent` with `gpt-image-2`; the default transparent-image workflow uses Pi `codex_generate_image` on a flat chroma-key background plus local removal. Use `gpt-image-1.5` only after the user explicitly confirms the true-transparent CLI fallback, unless they already requested `gpt-image-1.5`, `scripts/image_gen.py`, or CLI fallback.
+- `gpt-image-2` supports `--background transparent` in preview with PNG or WebP. Confirm the separately billed API fallback before switching from Pi's chroma-key path.
 
 Popular `gpt-image-2` sizes:
 - `1024x1024`
@@ -140,7 +142,7 @@ python "$IMAGE_GEN" generate \
   --out output/imagegen/product-cutout.png
 ```
 
-When using this path, explain briefly that Pi `codex_generate_image` plus chroma-key removal is the default transparent-image path, but this request needs true model-native transparency. `gpt-image-2` does not support `background=transparent`, so `gpt-image-1.5` is required for this confirmed fallback.
+The older-model example above remains available when explicitly requested. Prefer `--model gpt-image-2` for native transparency preview. Explain that this API fallback requires an API key and separate billing; Pi still uses chroma-key removal.
 
 ## Quality, input fidelity, and masks (CLI fallback only)
 These are explicit CLI controls. They are not Pi `codex_generate_image` tool arguments.
@@ -229,8 +231,8 @@ Notes:
 - For many requested deliverable assets, provide one prompt/job per distinct asset and use semantic filenames when possible.
 
 ## CLI notes
-- Supported sizes depend on the model. `gpt-image-2` supports flexible constrained sizes; older GPT Image models support `1024x1024`, `1536x1024`, `1024x1536`, or `auto`.
-- True transparent CLI outputs require `output_format` to be `png` or `webp` and are not supported by `gpt-image-2`.
+- Supported sizes depend on the model. GPT Image 2 and 2.5 (including the documented snapshots) support flexible constrained sizes; older GPT Image models support `1024x1024`, `1536x1024`, `1024x1536`, or `auto`.
+- Native transparent CLI outputs require `output_format` to be `png` or `webp`. GPT Image 2 support is in preview.
 - `--prompt-file`, `--output-compression`, `--moderation`, `--max-attempts`, `--fail-fast`, `--force`, and `--no-augment` are supported.
 - This CLI is intended for GPT Image models. Do not assume older non-GPT image-model behavior applies here.
 

package/skills/imagegen/references/image-api.md

@@ -1,31 +1,39 @@
 # Image API quick reference
 
-This file is for the fallback CLI mode only. Use it when the user explicitly asks to use `scripts/image_gen.py` / CLI / API / model controls, or after the user explicitly confirms that a transparent-output request should use the `gpt-image-1.5` true-transparency fallback path.
+This file is for the fallback CLI mode only. Use it when the user explicitly requests CLI/API controls or confirms a native transparency API fallback.
 
 These parameters describe the Image API and bundled CLI fallback surface. Do not assume they are normal arguments on the Pi `codex_generate_image` tool.
 
 ## Scope
-- This fallback CLI is intended for GPT Image models (`gpt-image-2`, `gpt-image-1.5`, `gpt-image-1`, and `gpt-image-1-mini`).
+- This fallback CLI supports GPT Image models, including `gpt-image-2.5-flare` and `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst`.
 - The Pi `codex_generate_image` tool and the fallback CLI do not expose the same controls.
 
 ## Model summary
 
 | Model | Quality | Input fidelity | Resolutions | Recommended use |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| `gpt-image-2.5-flare` | `low`, `medium`, `high`, `xhigh`, `max`, `auto` | Leave unset; not verified | `auto` or flexible sizes below | Optional fast generation |
+| `gpt-image-2.5-sunburst` | `low`, `medium`, `high`, `xhigh`, `max`, `auto` | Leave unset; not verified | `auto` or flexible sizes below | Optional precision editing |
 | `gpt-image-2` | `low`, `medium`, `high`, `auto` | Always high fidelity for image inputs; do not set `input_fidelity` | `auto` or flexible sizes that satisfy the constraints below | Default for new CLI/API workflows: high-quality generation and editing, text-heavy images, photorealism, compositing, identity-sensitive edits, and workflows where fewer retries matter |
 | `gpt-image-1.5` | `low`, `medium`, `high`, `auto` | `low`, `high` | `1024x1024`, `1024x1536`, `1536x1024`, `auto` | True transparent-background fallback and backward-compatible workflows |
 | `gpt-image-1` | `low`, `medium`, `high`, `auto` | `low`, `high` | `1024x1024`, `1024x1536`, `1536x1024`, `auto` | Legacy compatibility |
 | `gpt-image-1-mini` | `low`, `medium`, `high`, `auto` | `low`, `high` | `1024x1024`, `1024x1536`, `1536x1024`, `auto` | Cost-sensitive draft batches and lower-stakes previews |
 
-## gpt-image-2 sizes
+The CLI also recognizes the `2026-09-08` snapshots of both 2.5 models for extended quality settings. Defaults remain unchanged.
 
-`gpt-image-2` accepts `auto` or any `WIDTHxHEIGHT` size that satisfies all constraints:
+Sources: [Flare](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/models/gpt-image-2.5-flare), [Sunburst](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/models/gpt-image-2.5-sunburst), [image generation guide](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/image-generation.md), and [image tool options](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/tools-image-generation).
+
+## Flexible sizes: GPT Image 2 and 2.5
+
+GPT Image 2 and both 2.5 models accept `auto` or any `WIDTHxHEIGHT` size that satisfies all constraints. The CLI also recognizes their documented dated snapshots.
 
 - Maximum edge length must be less than or equal to `3840px`.
 - Both edges must be multiples of `16px`.
 - Long edge to short edge ratio must not exceed `3:1`.
 - Total pixels must be at least `655,360` and no more than `8,294,400`.
 
+For 2.5, resolutions above `2560x1440` are experimental.
+
 Popular sizes:
 
 | Label | Size | Notes |
@@ -49,8 +57,8 @@ Square images are typically fastest to generate. For 4K-style output, use `3840x
 - `prompt`: text prompt
 - `model`: image model
 - `n`: number of images (1-10)
-- `size`: `auto` by default for `gpt-image-2`; flexible `WIDTHxHEIGHT` sizes are allowed only for `gpt-image-2`; older GPT Image models use `1024x1024`, `1536x1024`, `1024x1536`, or `auto`
-- `quality`: `low`, `medium`, `high`, or `auto`
+- `size`: `auto` by default; GPT Image 2 and 2.5 accept flexible `WIDTHxHEIGHT` sizes under the constraints above; older models use `1024x1024`, `1536x1024`, `1024x1536`, or `auto`
+- `quality`: `low`, `medium`, `high`, or `auto`; the documented 2.5 models also accept `xhigh` and `max`
 - `background`: output transparency behavior (`transparent`, `opaque`, or `auto`) for generated output; this is not the same thing as the prompt's visual scene/backdrop
 - `output_format`: `png` (default), `jpeg`, `webp`
 - `output_compression`: 0-100 (jpeg/webp only)
@@ -68,9 +76,11 @@ Model-specific note for `input_fidelity`:
 
 ## Transparent backgrounds
 
-`gpt-image-2` does not currently support the Image API `background=transparent` parameter. The skill's default transparent-image path is Pi `codex_generate_image` with a flat chroma-key background, followed by local alpha extraction with `python "scripts/remove_chroma_key.py"`.
+`gpt-image-2` supports `background=transparent` in preview with PNG or WebP. The Pi tool has no background parameter, so its default path remains chroma-key generation followed by local alpha extraction.
+
+Both 2.5 API models also document native transparency with PNG or WebP. This public API capability does not establish that subscription parameters are honored.
 
-Use CLI `gpt-image-1.5` with `background=transparent` and a transparent-capable output format such as `png` or `webp` only after the user explicitly confirms that fallback, unless they already requested `gpt-image-1.5`, `scripts/image_gen.py`, or CLI fallback. If the user asks for true/native transparency, the subject is too complex for clean chroma-key removal, or local background removal fails validation, explain the tradeoff and ask before switching.
+Use CLI `gpt-image-2 --background transparent --output-format png` (or `webp`) only after the user chooses the API path. Explain that it requires an API key and separate billing. Do not silently switch to an older model if preview transparency fails.
 
 ## Output
 - `data[]` list with `b64_json` per image

package/skills/imagegen/references/prompting.md

@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ Do not add:
 - Ask for crisp edges, generous padding, and no use of the key color inside the subject.
 - After generation, remove the background locally with `python "scripts/remove_chroma_key.py" --input <source> --out <final.png> --auto-key border --soft-matte --transparent-threshold 12 --opaque-threshold 220 --despill` and validate the alpha result before shipping it.
 - Use soft matte and despill for antialiased edges; hard tolerance-only removal is mainly for flat pixel-art or exact-color fixtures.
-- Use CLI `gpt-image-1.5 --background transparent --output-format png` only after the user explicitly confirms the fallback, or when the user already explicitly requested `gpt-image-1.5`, `scripts/image_gen.py`, or CLI fallback. Ask first for true/native transparency requests, failed chroma-key validation, or complex transparent subjects such as hair, fur, glass, smoke, liquids, translucent materials, reflective objects, or soft shadows.
+- Use CLI `gpt-image-2 --background transparent --output-format png` (preview) only after the user chooses the separately billed API fallback. Offer it for native transparency requests, failed chroma-key validation, or complex subjects such as hair, glass, smoke, or soft shadows.
 
 ## Fallback-only execution controls
 - `quality`, `input_fidelity`, explicit masks, output format, and output paths are fallback-only execution controls.
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ Do not add:
 - If the user explicitly chooses CLI fallback, see `references/cli.md` and `references/image-api.md` for those controls.
 - In CLI fallback mode, `gpt-image-2` is the default. It supports `quality=low|medium|high|auto`; use `low` for fast drafts and thumbnails, and move to `medium`, `high`, or `auto` for final assets.
 - `gpt-image-2` always uses high fidelity for image inputs, so do not set `input_fidelity` with that model.
-- If a transparent request needs true CLI transparency, ask before using `gpt-image-1.5` unless the user already explicitly chose it. Explain that Pi-tool chroma-key removal is the default path, but `gpt-image-2` does not support `background=transparent`.
+- For native transparency, offer the GPT Image 2 API preview with PNG or WebP. Ask before switching from Pi's chroma-key path to API billing.
 - If the user asks for 4K-style output with `gpt-image-2`, use `3840x2160` for landscape or `2160x3840` for portrait.
 
 ## Use-case tips

package/skills/imagegen/references/sample-prompts.md

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ CLI model notes:
 - `gpt-image-2` is the fallback CLI default for new workflows.
 - `gpt-image-2` supports `quality` values `low`, `medium`, `high`, and `auto`.
 - For 4K-style `gpt-image-2` output, use `3840x2160` or `2160x3840`.
-- If transparent output needs true CLI fallback, ask before using `gpt-image-1.5` unless the user already explicitly requested `gpt-image-1.5`, `scripts/image_gen.py`, or CLI fallback. Explain that Pi-tool chroma-key removal is the default path, but `gpt-image-2` does not support `background=transparent`.
+- For native transparency, offer CLI `gpt-image-2 --background transparent --output-format png` (preview). Ask before switching from Pi's chroma-key path to separate API billing.
 - Do not set `input_fidelity` with `gpt-image-2`; image inputs already use high fidelity.
 
 For prompting principles (structure, specificity, invariants, iteration), see `references/prompting.md`.
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ Scene/backdrop: perfectly flat solid #00ff00 chroma-key background for local bac
 Constraints: background must be one uniform color with no shadows, gradients, texture, reflections, floor plane, or lighting variation; crisp silhouette; generous padding; no halos or fringing; preserve label text exactly; no restyling; do not use #00ff00 anywhere in the subject
 ```
 
-Post-process note: after Pi tool generation, run `python "scripts/remove_chroma_key.py" --input <source> --out <final.png> --auto-key border --soft-matte --transparent-threshold 12 --opaque-threshold 220 --despill`. Ask before using CLI `gpt-image-1.5 --background transparent --output-format png` for true/native transparency, failed chroma-key validation, or complex subjects such as hair, fur, glass, smoke, liquids, translucent materials, reflections, or soft shadows, unless the user already explicitly requested `gpt-image-1.5`, `scripts/image_gen.py`, or CLI fallback.
+Post-process note: after Pi tool generation, run `python "scripts/remove_chroma_key.py" --input <source> --out <final.png> --auto-key border --soft-matte --transparent-threshold 12 --opaque-threshold 220 --despill`. For native transparency, failed validation, or complex subjects, offer CLI `gpt-image-2 --background transparent --output-format png` (preview). Ask before switching to separate API billing.
 
 ### style-transfer
 ```

package/skills/imagegen/scripts/image_gen.py

@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
 """Fallback CLI for explicit image generation or editing with GPT Image models.
 
-Used only when the user explicitly opts into CLI fallback mode, or when explicit
-transparent output requires the `gpt-image-1.5` fallback path.
+Used only when the user explicitly opts into CLI fallback mode, including
+confirmed native transparency requests with separate API billing.
 
 Defaults to gpt-image-2 and a structured prompt augmentation workflow.
 """
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ def _parse_size(size: str) -> Optional[Tuple[int, int]]:
     return int(match.group(1)), int(match.group(2))
 
 
-def _validate_gpt_image_2_size(size: str) -> None:
+def _validate_flexible_size(size: str, model: str) -> None:
     if size == "auto":
         return
 
@@ -132,20 +132,20 @@ def _validate_gpt_image_2_size(size: str) -> None:
     total_pixels = width * height
 
     if max_edge > GPT_IMAGE_2_MAX_EDGE:
-        _die("gpt-image-2 size maximum edge length must be less than or equal to 3840px.")
+        _die(f"{model} size maximum edge length must be less than or equal to 3840px.")
     if width % 16 != 0 or height % 16 != 0:
-        _die("gpt-image-2 size width and height must be multiples of 16px.")
+        _die(f"{model} size width and height must be multiples of 16px.")
     if max_edge / min_edge > GPT_IMAGE_2_MAX_RATIO:
-        _die("gpt-image-2 size long edge to short edge ratio must not exceed 3:1.")
+        _die(f"{model} size long edge to short edge ratio must not exceed 3:1.")
     if total_pixels < GPT_IMAGE_2_MIN_PIXELS or total_pixels > GPT_IMAGE_2_MAX_PIXELS:
         _die(
-            "gpt-image-2 size total pixels must be at least 655,360 and no more than 8,294,400."
+            f"{model} size total pixels must be at least 655,360 and no more than 8,294,400."
         )
 
 
 def _validate_size(size: str, model: str) -> None:
-    if model == GPT_IMAGE_2_MODEL:
-        _validate_gpt_image_2_size(size)
+    if _is_gpt_image_2(model) or _is_gpt_image_2_5(model):
+        _validate_flexible_size(size, model)
         return
 
     if size not in ALLOWED_LEGACY_SIZES:
@@ -154,9 +154,23 @@ def _validate_size(size: str, model: str) -> None:
         )
 
 
-def _validate_quality(quality: str) -> None:
-    if quality not in ALLOWED_QUALITIES:
-        _die("quality must be one of low, medium, high, or auto.")
+def _is_gpt_image_2(model: str) -> bool:
+    return model in {GPT_IMAGE_2_MODEL, "gpt-image-2-2026-04-21"}
+
+
+def _is_gpt_image_2_5(model: str) -> bool:
+    return model in {
+        "gpt-image-2.5-flare",
+        "gpt-image-2.5-flare-2026-09-08",
+        "gpt-image-2.5-sunburst",
+        "gpt-image-2.5-sunburst-2026-09-08",
+    }
+
+
+def _validate_quality(quality: str, model: str) -> None:
+    allowed = ALLOWED_QUALITIES | {"xhigh", "max"} if _is_gpt_image_2_5(model) else ALLOWED_QUALITIES
+    if quality not in allowed:
+        _die(f"quality for {model} must be one of {', '.join(sorted(allowed))}.")
 
 
 def _validate_background(background: Optional[str]) -> None:
@@ -187,13 +201,8 @@ def _validate_model_specific_options(
     background: Optional[str],
     input_fidelity: Optional[str] = None,
 ) -> None:
-    if model != GPT_IMAGE_2_MODEL:
+    if not _is_gpt_image_2(model):
         return
-    if background == "transparent":
-        _die(
-            "transparent backgrounds are not supported in gpt-image-2, the latest model. "
-            "Use --model gpt-image-1.5 --background transparent --output-format png instead."
-        )
     if input_fidelity is not None:
         _die(
             "input_fidelity is not supported in gpt-image-2 because image inputs always use high fidelity for this model."
@@ -210,7 +219,7 @@ def _validate_generate_payload(payload: Dict[str, Any]) -> None:
     quality = str(payload.get("quality", DEFAULT_QUALITY))
     background = payload.get("background")
     _validate_size(size, model)
-    _validate_quality(quality)
+    _validate_quality(quality, model)
     _validate_background(background)
     _validate_model_specific_options(model=model, background=background)
     oc = payload.get("output_compression")
@@ -978,7 +987,7 @@ def main() -> int:
 
     _validate_model(args.model)
     _validate_size(args.size, args.model)
-    _validate_quality(args.quality)
+    _validate_quality(args.quality, args.model)
     _validate_background(args.background)
     _validate_model_specific_options(
         model=args.model,