---
name: nanobanana
description: Guide for generating and editing images using generative AI with the nanobanana CLI
license: MIT
---

# Nanobanana

This is a guide for generating and editing images using the nanobanana CLI tool.

Nanobanana is a command-line interface for the Nano Banana image generation API, which uses Google's generative AI models.

## Installation

If the nanobanana CLI is not already installed, install it using:

```bash
go install maragu.dev/nanobanana@latest
```

## Prerequisites

The `GOOGLE_API_KEY` environment variable must be set, or a `.env` file with the key must be present in the working directory.

## Generating images

To generate a single image:

```bash
nanobanana generate output.png "a beautiful sunset over mountains"
```

The output can be either a `.png` or `.jpg` file.

## Using the pro model

To use the higher-quality pro model for generation:

```bash
nanobanana generate -pro output.png "a beautiful sunset over mountains"
```

The `-pro` flag enables Google's premium generative AI model, which typically produces higher quality results but may take slightly longer to generate.

## Editing existing images

To edit or modify an existing image using a text prompt:

```bash
nanobanana generate -i input.png output.png "make the sky purple and add stars"
```

This is useful for making specific changes to existing images based on natural language instructions.

## Tips for effective prompts

- Be specific and descriptive about what you want in the image
- Include details about style, colors, mood, composition, and subject matter
- For edits, clearly describe what should change while the rest remains the same
- You can reference art styles, artists, or specific visual aesthetics

## Examples

Generate a logo:
```bash
nanobanana generate logo.png "minimalist tech company logo with geometric shapes in blue and white"
```

Create concept art:
```bash
nanobanana generate concept.png "futuristic city skyline at night with neon lights and flying vehicles, cyberpunk style"
```

Edit an existing photo:
```bash
nanobanana generate -i photo.png enhanced.png "enhance the colors and make it look like golden hour"
```