For image generation in ChatGPT, use ChatGPT Images 2.6. For a production API, choose between gpt-image-2.6-sunburst and gpt-image-2.6-flare: Sunburst is the better starting point when detail and editing precision matter most; Flare is the better starting point when faster iteration matters more. ChatGPT Images is the experience inside ChatGPT; the named models are API choices. [1–3]
Choose by workflow
- Creating images directly in ChatGPT: Use ChatGPT Images 2.6; you don’t need to choose an API model ID. [1]
- Production images where detail or edit accuracy is critical: Start with
gpt-image-2.6-sunburst. OpenAI describes it for detailed visual work and image editing. [2] - Interactive products where speed is a priority: Start with
gpt-image-2.6-flare. OpenAI positions Flare for interactive image generation and editing workflows. [3, 5]
If you’re unsure, test both models using the prompts, reference images, output dimensions, and quality settings you expect in production. Compare what determines whether an image is usable—such as text, layout, whether edits preserve important objects, and response time—rather than relying on a general-purpose ranking. [5]
Which API should you use?
The model choice is separate from the API-surface choice:
- One image-generation or editing request: Use the Image API.
- Conversational image creation or multi-step editing: Use the Responses API with its image-generation tool. [4]
For a new API workflow, evaluate gpt-image-2.6-sunburst and gpt-image-2.6-flare. Before rollout, confirm that the selected model is enabled for your API organization in the current model documentation. [2, 3]
Cost: check current API pricing
Check OpenAI’s current API pricing for the selected model before budgeting. This guide does not provide a verified per-image estimate; don’t use ChatGPT plan pricing as an API cost estimate. [6]
Is GPT-4o still the best choice?
Third-party reviews published in 2025 favored GPT-4o for some creative-generation tasks, including text in images and conversational creation. Those reviews are historical and do not establish today’s best option. For a new selection, distinguish the ChatGPT image-generation experience from the API model choice, and use the current product and model documentation above. [1–3, 7]
Sources
Introducing Images 2.6 — OpenAI
GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst Model — OpenAI API