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google-genai

Generate images and extract colours using Google Gemini AI.

Description​

The google-genai plugin uses Google's Gemini model with Imagen to:

  1. Generate an image from a text prompt
  2. Extract colours from the generated image
  3. Provide the image as wallpaper

Requirements​

Usage​

export GOOGLE_API_KEY="your-api-key"
tinct generate -i google-genai --prompt "<description>" [flags]

Flags​

FlagDefaultDescription
--promptImage description prompt (required)

Examples​

Basic generation​

export GOOGLE_API_KEY="your-api-key"

# Nature scene
tinct generate -i google-genai \
  --prompt "sunset over rolling hills of tuscany" \
  -o all

# Abstract
tinct generate -i google-genai \
  --prompt "abstract geometric patterns in blue and purple" \
  -o all

# Cityscape
tinct generate -i google-genai \
  --prompt "neon-lit city street at night in the rain" \
  -o all

With specific outputs​

tinct generate -i google-genai \
  --prompt "misty forest at dawn" \
  -o hyprland,kitty,waybar

Force theme type​

# Ensure dark theme
tinct generate -i google-genai \
  --prompt "northern lights over snowy mountains" \
  -o all -t dark

# Ensure light theme
tinct generate -i google-genai \
  --prompt "bright sunny beach with white sand" \
  -o all -t light

How it works​

  1. Prompt submission: Send description to Gemini
  2. Image generation: Gemini generates image using Imagen
  3. Caching: Image saved locally (base64)
  4. Extraction: K-means clustering on generated image
  5. Categorisation: Standard colour role assignment
  6. Wallpaper: Image provided to output plugins

Generated image location​

Generated images are cached in:

~/.cache/tinct/genai/

The most recent generation is used as the wallpaper.

Prompt tips​

For specific moods​

MoodPrompt elements
Calm"serene", "peaceful", "misty", "soft"
Energetic"vibrant", "dynamic", "bold", "neon"
Warm"sunset", "golden hour", "amber", "autumn"
Cool"twilight", "moonlit", "blue hour", "winter"

For better extraction​

  • Be specific about dominant colours you want
  • Include lighting conditions (dawn, dusk, noon)
  • Mention textures and materials
  • Avoid overly complex scenes

Example prompts​

# Rich warm tones
--prompt "golden hour over lavender fields in provence"

# Cool blue palette
--prompt "icebergs floating in arctic waters under aurora"

# Earthy natural tones
--prompt "ancient redwood forest with morning mist"

# Cyberpunk
--prompt "rainy tokyo street with neon signs at night"

API usage​

Each generation makes one API call. Generation time varies (typically 5-15 seconds).

Monitor your API usage at Google AI Studio.

Troubleshooting​

API key not working​

  • Verify key at AI Studio
  • Check GOOGLE_API_KEY is exported
  • Ensure key has Gemini API access

Poor colour extraction​

  • Try more specific prompts
  • Include colour keywords
  • Specify lighting conditions

Generation fails​

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify API quota
  • Try simpler prompt

See also​

  • image - Extract from existing images
  • openrouter - Alternative AI generation