🔥 How to Use OpenAI Image API in n8n (Fast Setup Guide)
By
Max Gibson
The wait is finally over! OpenAI has just launched API access for their groundbreaking image generation feature, and we are beyond excited to dive in. This is a game-changer for anyone working in automation, development, or content creation — especially if you’re already using n8n to orchestrate workflows. Let’s get into the setup and show you how to make the most of this powerful new tool.
(Video here: https://youtu.be/YmDezgolqzU?si=nJFkuC0q6EZolIA1 )
🚀 What’s the Big Deal?
Until now, OpenAI’s image generation tools have mostly lived inside their own platform. But with API access, we can now programmatically generate images on demand — automatically, scalably, and creatively. Whether you're building bots, web apps, or automation flows, this opens up a whole new dimension.
Check it out for yourself:
⚙️ How To Use It In n8n
Here’s a quick and dirty walkthrough of how to hook this up inside n8n.
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Use HTTP Request Node – n8n already supports OpenAI in its credentials, so this part is smooth. Add your OpenAI credentials and select the proper model.
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Set Headers – Include Content-Type: application/json to ensure everything works correctly.
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Build the Body – It’s fairly straightforward. The model, the prompt, the number of images (just one in this case), and the output format (base64).
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Handle the Output – The response gives you a base64 string. Use a Set node to store it, and from there, you’ll convert that base64 string into a binary file.
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Convert to File – Use the Move Binary Data or equivalent to output an actual image file. You can now use it wherever you want: Telegram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, or internal tools.
đź’ˇ Real Talk
This setup works great for generating one image at a time. If you're batching or scaling, you'll need to adapt the logic — potentially looping and dynamically naming files.
It’s rough, it's raw, but it works — and fast. We put this together the moment API access dropped, and it’s already sparking crazy ideas.
🧠Use Cases We're Hyped About
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Generating dynamic product images for ecommerce
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On-the-fly memes or branded visuals
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Automated content for newsletters, blogs, and social
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Custom avatars or visual assistants in chat interfaces
đź“Ł Final Thoughts
This is a HUGE leap forward. The integration possibilities with OpenAI's image API are nearly endless, and with n8n's flexibility, it's only limited by your imagination.
We’re pumped. Try it out, and let us know in the comments how you’re using it or what you’re building with it. Let’s go!
