Seedream 5.0 — AI Image Generation & Editing by ByteDance

# Seedream — AI Image Generation & Editing by ByteDance

Generate and edit AI images using ByteDance's Seedream — featuring text-to-image generation, image editing, and batch sequential generation across 3 model generations.

Seedream v5.0 Lite is the latest flagship model with enhanced quality, typography excellence, poster design capabilities, PNG output support, and built-in prompt optimization (Standard/Fast modes). It supports up to 4K resolution with 16 preset sizes and can process up to 14 reference images for editing.

> **Data usage note**: This skill sends text prompts and image URLs to the Atlas Cloud API (`api.atlascloud.ai`) for image generation and editing. No data is stored locally beyond the downloaded output files. API usage incurs charges per image based on the model selected.

---

## Key Capabilities

- **Text-to-Image** — Generate images from text descriptions, up to 4K resolution
- **Image Editing** — Edit images while preserving facial features, lighting, and color tones (up to 14 reference images)
- **Batch Sequential Generation** — Generate up to 15 related images in a single request
- **Batch Sequential Editing** — Edit multiple images in batch while maintaining consistency
- **Typography & Poster Design** — Excels at text rendering in images, poster layouts, and brand visuals
- **Prompt Optimization** — Built-in Standard (higher quality) and Fast (quicker) prompt optimization modes
- **PNG Output** — Supports both JPEG and PNG output formats (v5.0 Lite)
- **16 Preset Resolutions** — From 2K to 4K tier: 2048×2048, 2304×1728, 4096×2304, 4704×2016, and more
- **3 Generations** — v5.0 Lite (latest), v4.5, v4

---

## Setup

1. Sign up at https://www.atlascloud.ai
2. Console → API Keys → Create new key
3. Set env: `export ATLASCLOUD_API_KEY="your-key"`

The API key is tied to your Atlas Cloud account and its pay-as-you-go balance. All usage is billed to this account. Atlas Cloud does not currently support scoped keys — the key grants access to all models available on your account.

---

## Script Usage

This skill includes a Python script for image generation. Zero external dependencies required.

### List available image models

```bash
python scripts/generate_image.py list-models
```

### Generate an image

```bash
python scripts/generate_image.py generate \
  --model "MODEL_ID" \
  --prompt "Your prompt here" \
  --output ./output
```

### Upload a local image (for editing)

```bash
python scripts/generate_image.py upload ./local-image.jpg
```

### Edit an image

```bash
python scripts/generate_image.py generate \
  --model "MODEL_ID" \
  --prompt "Edit instruction" \
  --image "https://...uploaded-url..."
```

Run `python scripts/generate_image.py generate --help` for all options. Extra model params can be passed as key=value (e.g. `aspect_ratio=16:9 resolution=2k`).

---

## Pricing

All prices are per image generated. Atlas Cloud offers up to 10% off compared to standard API pricing.

### Seedream v5.0 Lite

| Model | Original Price | Atlas Cloud | Type |
|-------|:--------------:|:-----------:|------|
| `bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite` | ~~$0.035~~ | **$0.032** | Text-to-Image |
| `bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite/edit` | ~~$0.035~~ | **$0.032** | Image Editing |
| `bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite/sequential` | ~~$0.035~~ | **$0.032** | Batch Text-to-Image |
| `bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite/edit-sequential` | ~~$0.035~~ | **$0.032** | Batch Image Editing |

### Seedream v4.5

| Model | Atlas Cloud | Type |
|-------|:-----------:|------|
| `bytedance/seedream-v4.5` | **$0.036** | Text-to-Image |
| `bytedance/seedream-v4.5/edit` | **$0.036** | Image Editing |
| `bytedance/seedream-v4.5/sequential` | **$0.036** | Batch Text-to-Image |
| `bytedance/seedream-v4.5/edit-sequential` | **$0.036** | Batch Image Editing |

### Seedream v4

| Model | Atlas Cloud | Type |
|-------|:-----------:|------|
| `bytedance/seedream-v4` | **$0.024** | Text-to-Image |
| `bytedance/seedream-v4/edit` | **$0.024** | Image Editing |
| `bytedance/seedream-v4/sequential` | **$0.024** | Batch Text-to-Image |
| `bytedance/seedream-v4/edit-sequential` | **$0.024** | Batch Image Editing |

> Standard API pricing sourced from [fal.ai/seedream-5.0](https://fal.ai/seedream-5.0). Seedream v5.0 Lite generates images at ~2-3 seconds per image, making it one of the fastest high-quality image models available.

---

## Parameters

### Text-to-Image (v5.0 Lite)

| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|---------|-------------|
| `prompt` | string | Yes | - | Image description (recommended: under 600 English words) |
| `size` | string | No | 2048*2048 | Output size in WIDTH*HEIGHT pixels (see Size Options below) |
| `output_format` | string | No | jpeg | Output format: "jpeg" or "png" |
| `optimize_prompt_options` | object | No | - | Prompt optimization: Standard (higher quality) or Fast mode |
| `enable_base64_output` | boolean | No | false | Return Base64 instead of URL |

### Image Editing (v5.0 Lite)

Same as text-to-image, plus:

| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|---------|-------------|
| `images` | array | Yes | - | Images to edit: URLs or Base64 (max 14, formats: JPEG/PNG/WEBP/BMP/TIFF/GIF) |

### Batch Sequential (v5.0 Lite)

Same as text-to-image / image editing, plus:

| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|---------|-------------|
| `max_images` | integer | No | 1 | Number of images to generate (1-15, total with input must not exceed 15) |

### Text-to-Image (v4.5 / v4)

| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|-----------|------|----------|---------|-------------|
| `prompt` | string | Yes | - | Image description |
| `size` | string | No | 2048*2048 | Output size in WIDTH*HEIGHT pixels |
| `enable_base64_output` | boolean | No | false | Return Base64 instead of URL |

### Size Options (v5.0 Lite — 16 presets)

**2K Tier:**
`2048*2048`, `2304*1728`, `1728*2304`, `2848*1600`, `1600*2848`, `2496*1664`, `1664*2496`, `3136*1344`

**3K+ Tier:**
`3072*3072`, `3456*2592`, `2592*3456`, `4096*2304`, `2304*4096`, `2496*3744`, `3744*2496`, `4704*2016`

---

## Workflow: Submit → Poll → Download

### Text-to-Image Example (v5.0 Lite)

```bash
# Step 1: Submit
curl -s -X POST "https://api.atlascloud.ai/api/v1/model/generateImage" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $ATLASCLOUD_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite",
    "prompt": "A minimalist Japanese-style poster for a tea ceremony, elegant typography, zen garden background, warm earth tones",
    "size": "2304*4096",
    "output_format": "png"
  }'
# Returns: { "code": 200, "data": { "id": "prediction-id" } }

# Step 2: Poll (every 3 seconds, typically completes in 2-3s)
curl -s "https://api.atlascloud.ai/api/v1/model/prediction/{prediction-id}" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $ATLASCLOUD_API_KEY"
# Returns: { "code": 200, "data": { "status": "completed", "outputs": ["https://...image-url..."] } }

# Step 3: Download
curl -o output.png "IMAGE_URL_FROM_OUTPUTS"
```

### Image Editing Example (v5.0 Lite)

```bash
curl -s -X POST "https://api.atlascloud.ai/api/v1/model/generateImage" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $ATLASCLOUD_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite/edit",
    "prompt": "Change the background to a sunset beach scene, keep the person unchanged",
    "images": ["https://example.com/photo.jpg"],
    "size": "2304*1728",
    "output_format": "jpeg"
  }'
```

### Batch Sequential Example (v5.0 Lite)

```bash
curl -s -X POST "https://api.atlascloud.ai/api/v1/model/generateImage" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $ATLASCLOUD_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite/sequential",
    "prompt": "A series of product photos for a coffee brand: latte art, espresso close-up, coffee beans, packaging design",
    "size": "2048*2048",
    "max_images": 4,
    "output_format": "jpeg"
  }'
# Returns multiple images in outputs array
```

### Batch Sequential Editing Example

```bash
curl -s -X POST "https://api.atlascloud.ai/api/v1/model/generateImage" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $ATLASCLOUD_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "model": "bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite/edit-sequential",
    "prompt": "Apply a warm vintage film filter, slightly desaturated with golden highlights",
    "images": ["https://example.com/photo1.jpg", "https://example.com/photo2.jpg", "https://example.com/photo3.jpg"],
    "max_images": 3,
    "output_format": "jpeg"
  }'
```

### Polling Logic

- `processing` / `starting` → wait 3s, retry (typically takes 2-3s for single image)
- `completed` / `succeeded` → done, get URL(s) from `data.outputs[]`
- `failed` → error, read `data.error`

### Atlas Cloud MCP Tools (if available)

If the Atlas Cloud MCP server is configured, use built-in tools:

```
atlas_generate_image(model="bytedance/seedream-v5.0-lite", params={...})
atlas_get_prediction(prediction_id="...")
```

---

## Implementation Guide

1. **Determine task type**:
   - Text-to-image: user describes what they want to generate
   - Image editing: user provides existing image(s) and describes modifications
   - Batch sequential: user needs multiple related images in one go
   - Batch sequential editing: user needs consistent edits across multiple images

2. **Choose model version**:
   - **v5.0 Lite** (recommended): Best quality, typography, PNG support, prompt optimization
   - **v4.5**: Strong alternative with poster/brand design focus
   - **v4**: Budget option at $0.024/image

3. **Choose single vs sequential**:
   - **Single**: One image per request (default)
   - **Sequential**: Up to 15 related images per request — ideal for product series, storyboards, brand asset sets

4. **Extract parameters**:
   - Prompt: be descriptive about style, composition, colors, typography if needed
   - Size: pick from 16 presets; consider aspect ratio (portrait/landscape/square/ultrawide)
   - Output format: PNG for transparency or lossless, JPEG for smaller files
   - Prompt optimization: Standard for best quality, Fast for speed

5. **Execute**: POST to generateImage API → poll prediction → download

6. **Present result**: show file path, display image if possible

## Prompt Tips

Seedream produces excellent results especially for:

- **Typography & Text**: "A poster with bold title 'SPRING SALE' in elegant serif font, floral frame..."
- **Poster Design**: "Movie poster for a sci-fi thriller, dark blue tones, futuristic cityscape..."
- **Brand Visuals**: "Product packaging design for organic tea brand, minimalist, earth tones..."
- **Multi-reference Editing**: Provide multiple reference images for consistent style transfer
- **Batch Series**: Use sequential mode for "A 4-panel comic strip..." or "Product photos from 4 angles..."

---

## Model Comparison

| Feature | v5.0 Lite | v4.5 | v4 |
|---------|:---------:|:----:|:--:|
| Price | $0.032 | $0.036 | $0.024 |
| Max Resolution | 4K+ (4704×2016) | 4K (4096×4096) | 4K (4096×4096) |
| PNG Output | Yes | No | No |
| Prompt Optimization | Standard/Fast | No | No |
| Typography Quality | Best | Excellent | Good |
| Speed | ~2-3s | ~3-5s | ~3-5s |
| Batch Sequential | Up to 15 | Up to 15 | Up to 15 |
| Max Reference Images | 14 | 14 | 14 |