Image Generation

Atom can generate images directly in the chat. Images stream in-place and are automatically imported into your After Effects 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
Create three mood boards for a cyberpunk scene: neon streets, rain-soaked alley, holographic billboards

What You Can Generate

  • Particle sprite sheets — Ask Atom to wire them into layered particle systems in After Effects
  • Mood and concept frames — Block out narrative beats, then have Atom animate parallax passes for pitch boards
  • Texture and decal passes — Generate custom textures and have Atom drop them into materials, mattes, or UI elements on the timeline
  • Reference imagery — Visual direction for color, composition, or style

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 AE 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.

Requirements

Image generation requires an OpenRouter API key (separate from your AI agent). Add your key in Settings → OpenRouter API key. See OpenRouter Setup for details.

Choosing Your Model

Change the image model in Settings → Features → Image Model. 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 (Google) — Fast and efficient with great instruction following (default)
  • GPT-5 Image (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 automation — After generating textures or sprites, ask Atom to place and composite them in your comp. Generated images are auto-imported, so they’re ready to use immediately.