Description
AI Featured Image Generator is a powerful WordPress plugin that adds a “Generate Featured Image” button to your post editor. When clicked, it uses AI image generation APIs from OpenAI (or Gemini for pro users) to create unique featured images based on your post title, selected style, and optional custom prompt. Pro users can also generate images directly inside the Gutenberg editor using the AI Image Generator block, perfect for adding inline images throughout your content.
Video Walkthrough
Free Features
- OpenAI Integration: Generate stunning images using OpenAI’s powerful image generation API
- Multiple AI Models: Choose between GPT Image 1 (Standard), GPT Image 1.5 (Enhanced), and GPT Image 1 Mini (Faster & Cheaper)
- Custom Prompt Input: Fine-tune image generation with custom prompts
- 13 Style Presets: None, Realistic, Artistic, Cartoon, Sketch, Watercolor, 3D Render, Pixel Art, Cyberpunk, Fantasy, Anime, Minimalist, Technicolor
- Configurable Image Sizes: 1024×1024 Square, 1024×1536 Portrait, 1536×1024 Landscape
- Output Format Selection: WebP, PNG, or JPEG with WebP as default for optimal compression
- Image Quality Control: Adjust quality from 1-100 for both global settings and individual posts/pages
- Multisite Support: Fully compatible with WordPress multisite installations
- Text Control: Option to allow or disallow text, captions, or words in generated images
- SEO-Friendly Filenames: Generated images now use your post/page title for better media organization and SEO
Pro Features 🚀
- Gutenberg Block Editor: Generate inline images directly inside the Gutenberg editor using the AI Image Generator block – perfect for adding images anywhere in your content
- Google Gemini AI Support: Access cutting-edge Google AI image generation
- Additional AI Models: Nano Banana [Gemini 2.5 Flash Image] (faster, cheaper) and Nano Banana Pro [Gemini 3 Pro Image Preview] (premium quality)
- Custom Post Types Support: Enable AI image generation for any custom post type, not just posts and pages
- 10 Aspect Ratios: 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 9:16, 16:9, 21:9
- Higher Resolutions: 1K/2K/4K resolution options with Gemini 3 Pro
- Smart Dynamic Settings: UI automatically shows only relevant settings for your selected provider
- Provider-Aware Meta Box: Quality slider and other controls automatically show/hide based on selected provider
- Inline Images Settings: Dedicated settings tab for configuring default styles, aspect ratios, and output formats for inline images
If you would like to access advanced features such as Google Gemini AI integration and inline image generation in the block editor, you can upgrade to Pro here.
Requirements
- WordPress 5.8 or higher
- PHP 7.4 or higher
- OpenAI API key (Pro users can also use Google Gemini API key)
External Services
This plugin connects to external AI services to generate AI-powered images for your WordPress posts and pages. The free version uses OpenAI for featured image generation, while Pro users can also choose Google Gemini as their provider and generate both featured images and inline images using the Gutenberg block editor.
OpenAI Service (Free & Pro)
When using OpenAI as your provider:
– Your post title and content are sent to OpenAI’s API when you generate a featured image
– When generating inline images (Pro), your custom prompt is sent to the API
– Any custom prompt you provide is sent to the API
– Your OpenAI API key is used for authentication with each request
– Image generation requests are sent to OpenAI’s servers when you click the “Generate Featured Image” button or generate inline images using the Gutenberg block
Service Provider: OpenAI
– Terms of Service
– Privacy Policy
– API Documentation
Google Gemini Service (Pro only)
When using Google Gemini as your provider:
– Your post title and content are sent to Google’s Gemini API when you generate a featured image
– When generating inline images, your custom prompt is sent to the API
– Any custom prompt you provide is sent to the API
– Your Google Gemini API key is used for authentication with each request
– Image generation requests are sent to Google’s servers when you click the “Generate Featured Image” button or generate inline images using the Gutenberg block
Service Provider: Google AI (Gemini)
– Terms of Service
– Privacy Policy
– API Documentation
Data Usage:
– Your post content and prompts are processed by the selected AI provider’s models to generate images
– Generated images are stored in your WordPress media library
– No personal data is stored by the providers beyond what’s necessary for API processing
– You are responsible for ensuring your content complies with the selected provider’s usage policies
Screenshots
Settings page 
Post/page editor meta box 
Generated image preview 
Blocks
This plugin provides 1 block.
- AI Image Generator Generate AI-powered images inline in your content.
Installation
- Upload the
ai-featured-image-generatorfolder to the/wp-content/plugins/directory - Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
- Go to Settings AI Featured Image to configure your API key and other settings
- For Pro users: The AI Image Generator block is available in the Gutenberg block inserter
FAQ
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Do I need an API key?
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Yes, you need an OpenAI API key. Get one by signing up at OpenAI’s Platform.
Pro users can also use Google Gemini – get an API key at Google AI Studio.
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How much does it cost?
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The plugin itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for API usage according to OpenAI’s pricing (pay per image generation).
Pro users with Gemini: Gemini 2.5 Flash uses 1290 tokens per image, Gemini 3 Pro varies (1210-2000 tokens).
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Can I switch between providers?
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Pro users can switch between OpenAI and Google Gemini. Simply go to Settings AI Featured Image, select your preferred provider, and enter the appropriate API key. The settings page will automatically show only the relevant options for your selected provider.
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Is there a limit to how many images I can generate?
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The limit depends on your API plan and quota with your chosen provider. The plugin generates one image per request.
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What AI models are available?
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Free Version (OpenAI):
– GPT Image 1 (Standard): Consistent, high-quality results
– GPT Image 1.5: Enhanced image detail with balanced performance
– GPT Image 1 Mini: Faster and more cost-effectivePro Version (Google Gemini):
– Gemini 2.5 Flash Image: Fixed resolutions per aspect ratio, 1290 tokens per image, supports all 10 aspect ratios
– Gemini 3 Pro Image Preview: Multiple resolution options (1K/2K/4K), supports all 10 aspect ratios -
What styles are available?
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The plugin supports 13 different artistic styles (works with both providers):
– None: No specific style applied
– Realistic: Photographic, lifelike images
– Artistic: Painterly, artistic interpretations
– Cartoon: Animated, cartoon-style images
– Sketch: Detailed sketch drawings
– Watercolor: Beautiful watercolor paintings
– 3D Render: High-quality 3D rendered images
– Pixel Art: Retro pixel art style
– Cyberpunk: Vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic
– Fantasy: Magical fantasy art style
– Anime: Detailed anime/manga style
– Minimalist: Clean, minimalist designs
– Technicolor: Vivid, colorful technicolor style -
What aspect ratios does Gemini support? (Pro)
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Pro users with Google Gemini get access to 10 aspect ratios with model-specific resolutions:
All Models (1:1, 3:4, 4:3, 9:16, 16:9):
– Always supported by both Gemini modelsAdditional Ratios (2:3, 3:2, 4:5, 5:4, 21:9):
– Full support varies by model
– Gemini 2.5 Flash: All 10 ratios with fixed resolutions
– Gemini 3 Pro: All 10 ratios with 1K/2K/4K resolution options -
What output formats are supported?
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OpenAI (Free & Pro):
– WebP (Recommended): Best compression and quality balance
– PNG: Lossless format, good for graphics with sharp edges
– JPEG: Widely compatible, good for photographsGoogle Gemini (Pro only):
– PNG (Fixed): Gemini generates images in PNG format only -
How does quality control work?
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OpenAI (Free & Pro):
– Global setting: Set default quality (1-100) in Settings AI Featured Image
– Per-post control: Override quality for individual posts/pages in the meta box
– Higher quality produces larger file sizes but better image detail
– Default quality is set to 90 for optimal balanceGoogle Gemini (Pro only):
– Gemini 2.5 Flash: Fixed resolution per aspect ratio (quality control not applicable)
– Gemini 3 Pro: Choose between 1K, 2K, or 4K resolution options -
Why don’t I see the quality slider in my post editor?
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The quality slider only appears when OpenAI is selected as your provider. Pro users with Google Gemini selected will see resolution options instead of a quality slider.
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Can I generate images inside the Gutenberg editor? (Pro)
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Yes! Pro users can generate inline images directly inside the Gutenberg editor using the AI Image Generator block. Simply add the “AI Image Generator” block from the Media category in the block inserter, enter your prompt, and generate images anywhere in your content. The block supports all the same styles, aspect ratios, and settings as featured images. Configure default settings for inline images in Settings AI Featured Image Inline Images tab.
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Does it work with custom post types? (Pro)
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Yes! Pro users can enable AI image generation for any public custom post type:
- Go to Settings AI Featured Image
- Scroll to the “Enabled Post Types” setting
- Check the boxes for the post types where you want to enable the image generator
- Save settings
The AI Featured Image Generator panel will now appear in the editor for all selected post types. Free version users are limited to Posts and Pages only.
Reviews
Contributors & Developers
“AI Featured Image” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
Translate “AI Featured Image” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.4.10
- Verified compatibility with WordPress 6.9.1
1.4.9
- Updated plugin name & description
1.4.6
- Added Pro only support for generating images directly inside the Gutenberg editor.
- Added a dedicated Inline Images tab in the settings page (Pro).
- Improved the settings page layout for better organization and usability.
- Fixed an issue where PNG output generation could fail.
- Removed the quality slider when OpenAI PNG output format is selected due to compatibility limitations.
- Fixed Bugs
1.4.5
- Fixed Bugs
1.4.3
- Added Pro only support for generating images directly inside the Gutenberg editor.
- Added a dedicated Inline Images tab in the settings page (Pro).
- Improved the settings page layout for better organization and usability.
- Fixed an issue where PNG output generation could fail.
- Removed the quality slider when OpenAI PNG output format is selected due to compatibility limitations.
1.3.9
- New Feature (Pro): Added option to control which post types can enable the featured image generator
- New Model: Added gpt-image-1.5 model for enhanced image generation
- Bug Fix: Fixed Gemini Flash 2.5 issue
- Improvement: Changed image file names to use post/page title for better organization and SEO
1.3.2
- New Feature (Pro): Added custom post types support – enable AI image generation for any public custom post type
- Enhancement (Pro): New “Enabled Post Types” setting allows Pro users to select which post types show the image generator
- Security: Added post type validation in REST API to ensure only enabled post types can generate images
- Improvement: Meta box and scripts now dynamically load based on enabled post types
1.3.1
- New Model (OpenAI): Added gpt-image-1.5 as a new image generation option
- Bug Fix (Gemini): Fixed an issue affecting Gemini 2.5 Flash image generation
- Improvement: Generated image file names now follow the post/page title for better media organization and SEO
1.3.0
- New UI: Completely redesigned settings interface with modern card-based layout
- Top-level Menu: Plugin now has its own top-level admin menu for easier access
- New Pages: Added “Getting Started” guide page with step-by-step instructions
- Pro Plan: Integrated Freemius for Pro plan upgrades and licensing
- Major Feature (Pro): Added Google Gemini AI as a second provider option alongside OpenAI
- Added support for 4 AI models:
- OpenAI (Free): GPT Image 1 and GPT Image 1 Mini
- Google Gemini (Pro): Gemini 2.5 Flash Image and Gemini 3 Pro Image Preview
- Implemented dynamic settings page that shows only relevant options for selected provider
- Added 10 aspect ratios for Gemini Pro (1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 9:16, 16:9, 21:9)
- Added model-specific aspect ratio filtering (different ratios for Gemini 2.5 Flash vs 3 Pro)
- Implemented fixed resolutions for Gemini 2.5 Flash (1290 tokens per image)
- Added 1K/2K/4K resolution options for Gemini 3 Pro
- Enhanced meta box to hide quality slider when Gemini is selected
- Reorganized settings fields for better user experience (AI Model moved below AI Provider)
- Added automatic field visibility based on provider and model selection
- Improved JavaScript for dynamic settings updates
- Updated API integration to support both OpenAI and Gemini endpoints
- Added comprehensive aspect ratio documentation with example resolutions
- Enhanced settings with provider-specific descriptions and help text
- Improved error handling for both API providers
- Added Support Forum link in settings sidebar
1.2.1
- Fixed compatibility issue with Classic Editor plugin
- Improved JavaScript functionality for better editor support
- Enhanced meta box rendering for classic editor compatibility
1.2.0
- Added output format selection (WebP, PNG, JPEG) with WebP as default
- Added image quality control (1-100) for both global settings and individual posts/pages
- Added AI model selection (GPT Image 1 Standard vs GPT Image 1 Mini)
- Updated image sizes to support current OpenAI API specifications
- Enhanced settings page with new quality and model controls
- Improved metabox with quality slider and real-time value display
- Added comprehensive CSS styling for quality controls
- Updated API integration to use quality and model parameters
1.1.0
- Improved UI for a smoother experience
- Fixed bug that forced text on image when the option is selected
- Replaced unfriendly error messages with user-friendly messages
- Updated plugin logo from PNG to SVG
- Added a “none” style option and set it as the default
1.0.4
- Added a loader spinner icon
- Improved UI styling
- Activated the feature on the Pages post type
1.0.3
- Added loader spinner icon
- Improved UI
- Activated feature on Pages post type
1.0.0
- Initial release