GPT Image 2.6: Flare vs Sunburst, GIFs, SVG Export and Pricing

Last updated: 9 November 2026

What is new in Images 2.6

Flare vs Sunburst

A practical workflow many reviewers suggest: draft and explore on Flare, then move the chosen composition to Sunburst for the final. For most edits, OpenAI recommends low complexity with the quality level the deliverable needs.

Pricing

Both models share the same published token rates, in US dollars per million tokens:

Per-image cost depends on resolution, quality and the number of edit rounds, so there is no single price per image. OpenAI provides an output calculator for estimates. GIF costs grow with frame count and frame size, and SVG work may involve both image generation and another model’s usage. Test with your real briefs before budgeting. In ChatGPT, image generation is included in your plan, subject to usage limits.

See OpenAI API pricing and how to estimate AI API costs.

How to use Images 2.6 in ChatGPT

1. Open ChatGPT on any plan and describe the image, including subject, style, layout, colours and any text.
2. For a GIF, ask for an animated GIF and describe the motion, number of frames and whether it should loop.
3. For a vector, ask for an SVG and keep the design simple: flat shapes and limited colours.
4. Refine with specific edits: “Move the headline to the top, keep everything else the same.”
5. Download and review at full size before using it.

See how to generate images in ChatGPT and AI image prompts.

Marketing use cases

• Social content: quick Flare variations for A/B testing creatives.
• Reaction GIFs and stickers featuring a brand mascot you own.
• Product imagery: lifestyle scenes for products, finalised on Sunburst. Make sure images do not misrepresent the product.
• Website graphics: SVG icons and simple illustrations that scale cleanly.
• Storyboards: animated sketches for video concepts before production.
• Blog and article covers that relate clearly to the topic.

Limitations to watch

• Text in images. Reviewers still report missed details in on-image text. Proofread every word.
• Flat logo-style graphics. At least one reviewer ranked Sunburst weakly on clean flat vector work. For logos, see AI logo generators or work with a designer.
• GIF timing. Frames may need a human pass for timing and small details.
• No fixed resolution table. OpenAI’s model pages do not list a fixed resolution ladder.
• Real people and brands. Do not create misleading images of real people or use other companies’ trademarks.

Images 2.6 vs other image tools

For a broader list, see the best AI image generators.

Disclosure, provenance and rights

OpenAI now watermarks generated content, and the EU AI Act requires clear disclosure of realistic AI images of real-seeming people, places or events in many professional uses. Keep provenance data intact, label realistic synthetic images where required and check rights before using AI images commercially. See EU AI Act Article 50 for marketers and can you copyright AI content.

A simple Flare-to-Sunburst workflow for teams

1. Brief: write the goal, audience, format, text and brand colours.
2. Explore on Flare: generate several quick concepts at low quality.
3. Choose: pick one composition with the team.
4. Finalise on Sunburst: regenerate at higher quality and make precise edits.
5. Review: check text, product accuracy, brand fit and disclosure needs.
6. Export: PNG or JPEG for photos, SVG for graphics, GIF for motion.

Prompt templates for Images 2.6

Clear, structured prompts get better results on both models. Adapt these:

Social post image

Square social media image for [brand], [one-line message].
Subject: [what to show]. Style: [flat illustration / photo-real / 3D].
Colours: [brand colours]. Leave space at the top for a headline.
No text in the image.

Product lifestyle scene

Photo-realistic lifestyle image of [product, exact colour and size]
on [surface] in [setting], [time of day] light, shallow depth of field.
The product must look exactly like the reference image. No logos except the product's own.

Animated GIF

Animated GIF, 8 frames, looping. A simple mascot [describe] waves and smiles,
flat colours [colours], plain background. Smooth motion, no text.

SVG icon set

Set of 6 simple line icons as SVG: [list icons].
2px stroke, rounded ends, single colour [hex], 24 by 24 grid, consistent style.

Choosing quality and complexity

Quality checklist before publishing

1. Text: every word spelled correctly and placed well, or removed and added in a design tool.
2. Hands, faces and fine details: no distortions.
3. Product accuracy: colours, shapes and features match the real product.
4. Brand fit: colours, style and tone match your guidelines.
5. Rights: no third-party logos, characters or recognisable people without permission.
6. Disclosure: labels where required for realistic synthetic images.
7. File format: PNG or WebP for web, SVG for scalable graphics, GIF for short loops.
8. Accessibility: descriptive alt text when published on your site.

Using images to support AI visibility

Images help pages earn attention and clicks, including from AI answers that show images. Use original, relevant images with descriptive file names and alt text, and avoid generic stock-style visuals that add nothing. For blog content, an image that summarises the main point, such as a checklist or comparison, is more useful than decoration. See answer-first content.

Frequently asked questions