Image Generation

Atom can generate images directly in the chat. Images stream in place and are automatically imported into the open project.

Quick Start

Ask Atom to generate images just like you’d request any other task:

Generate a 16:9 particle sprite sheet with 8 different fire particle variations

Generate a 16:9 illustrated background for the opening title

Create three mood boards for a cyberpunk scene: neon streets, rain-soaked alley, holographic billboards

What You Can Generate

Title and graphic backgrounds — Create stills for openers, lower thirds, interstitials, and end cards
Mood and concept frames — Explore visual directions before choosing footage, titles, or color treatments
Texture and overlay passes — Generate paper, grain, light, or interface elements to layer into an edit
Reference imagery — Establish color, framing, composition, or style for the sequence

Controlling the Output

Aspect Ratio

Specify the dimensions you need:

Generate a 1:1 square icon of a glowing atom symbol

Create a 16:9 landscape background of a desert sunset

Common ratios: 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4

Multiple Images

Request multiple variations or shots:

Generate 4 different logo concepts for a tech startup

Create 3 versions of this scene with different lighting: morning, noon, dusk

Atom supports up to 8 generated images per request.

Where Images Are Stored

Generated images are saved in your project folder at:

[Your After Effects Project Folder]/Atom Assets/image-cache/

Generated assets are auto-imported into an Atom folder in the Project panel. Atom does not place them into a comp unless you ask.

[Your Premiere Project Folder]/Atom Premiere Assets/image-cache/

Generated assets are auto-imported into the Atom Generated Media bin. Atom does not place them into a sequence unless you ask.

Requirements

Image generation requires an OpenRouter API key, separate from the AI account you use for chat. Add your key in Settings → Integrations. See Integrations for details.

Choosing Your Model

Change the image model in Settings → Integrations. The model selector shows relative pricing and organizes models into groups.

Available Models

Nano Banana Pro (Google) — Most capable, with exceptional detail and coherence
Nano Banana 2 (Google) — Fast and efficient with great instruction following (default)
GPT Image 2 (OpenAI) — Flagship model with transparency support
GPT-5 Image Mini (OpenAI) — Lightweight and fast for quick asset creation

Tips for Better Results

Be specific — Describe style, composition, colors, and mood
Iterate naturally — Refine in the same chat: “Make those colors more saturated” or “Add more contrast”

Combine with editing — After generating a title background or overlay, ask Atom to place it in the active sequence. Generated images are auto-imported, so they’re ready to use immediately.