- README: rewrite index to reflect actual files (STACK/CONTENT/OPTIMIZATION); remove 15 dead links to old numbered SOPs; add subdirectory table; update image gen to Google Imagen as default - STACK: fix wp-divi-pipeline script paths; genericize vibrantyou/domain examples; strip pre-existing em dashes throughout - CONTENT: update image generation default to Google Imagen API with allotted quota - image-gen-workflow: remove client-specific cobhamtech data; generalize brand palette step; update date - wp-divi-pipeline-to-am-stack: remove vibrantyou.yoga client data block; fix Related SOPs links to current files
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Image Generation Model Selection
Source: cutout.pro/model-comparison/imagen-vs-nanobanana + Gemini API model audit (2026-05-10)
Available Models (via Google Gemini API)
Imagen 4: Quality Mode
Model ID: imagen-4.0-generate-001
Also available: imagen-4.0-ultra-generate-001
Strengths:
- Photorealistic, high-fidelity output
- Handles complex prompts with multi-element consistency
- Superior text rendering inside images
- Best for brand-critical, final-delivery assets
Use for:
- Hero background images
- Service page headers
- Marketing and case study visuals
- Any image that ships to production
Nano Banana (Gemini 2.5 Flash Image): Speed Mode
Model ID: gemini-2.5-flash-image
Strengths:
- Low latency, high volume
- Cost-effective for rapid iteration
- Good for concept previews and brainstorming
Use for:
- Draft previews before committing to Imagen 4
- AI chatbot or interactive UI image generation
- Avatar or thumbnail generation at scale
- Rapid iteration when exploring compositions
Imagen 4 Fast: Budget Mode
Model ID: imagen-4.0-fast-generate-001
Use for:
- Quick internal previews
- Non-public-facing visuals
- High-volume batch jobs where quality is secondary
Recommended Workflow
Step 1: Draft with Speed Mode (gemini-2.5-flash-image)
Generate 2-4 variations quickly. Confirm composition, subject, and tone. Low cost.
Step 2: Refine with Quality Mode (imagen-4.0-generate-001)
Take the winning prompt from step 1. Generate final version at full quality.
This is the image that goes into the site.
Step 3: Review against brand palette
Check that image tones align with the project's color tokens from tokens.css.
All hero images need to work behind dark overlays.
Step 4: Save to project assets
Path convention: assets/images/{page}-{slot}.jpg
Examples: hero-bg.jpg, about-visual.jpg, services-bg.jpg
Notes
- Never use Nano Banana for final production images on client sites
- Imagen 4 Ultra adds marginal quality gain over standard: not worth the cost for web assets
- All images should be exported as JPEG at 85% quality, max 1600px wide, for web performance
- Run generated images through the site CSP: ensure
img-srcallowsselfanddata:only (no external CDN hotlinking)