# MiniMax Image-01 - Core.Today AI API

> MiniMax's first image generation model with character reference support: provide a single face photo via subject_reference and generate consistent images of that person across prompts, styles, and aspect ratios — up to 9 images per request.

- **Provider**: MiniMax
- **Model ID**: minimax/image-01
- **Category**: Image Generation
- **Credits**: 23 per image — 23 credits × number_of_images (1-9)
- **Speed**: Fast
- **Quality**: High

## Features
- Character consistency from a single face photo via subject_reference
- Batch generation of 1-9 images per request
- 8 aspect ratios from square 1:1 to cinematic 21:9
- Built-in prompt optimizer (enabled by default)
- Low, predictable per-image pricing

## Use Cases
- Consistent character portraits across different scenes and outfits
- Personalized avatar and profile image generation
- Storyboard or webtoon frames featuring the same character
- Batch exploration of prompt variations at low cost
- General text-to-image generation without a reference

## API Endpoint

Base URL: https://api.core.today/v1
Create Prediction: POST /predictions
Get Status: GET /predictions/{job_id}

## Authentication
Header: X-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY

## Input Parameters

### Required
- **prompt**: string - Text prompt for generation

### Optional
- **subject_reference**: string - An optional character reference image (human face) to use as the subject in the generated image(s)
- **aspect_ratio**: string (default: 1:1) - Image aspect ratio
  Options: 1:1, 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 2:3, 3:4, 9:16, 21:9
- **number_of_images**: integer (default: 1) - Number of images to generate (1-9). Each image is billed separately
- **prompt_optimizer**: boolean (default: true) - Use prompt optimizer

## Examples

### Detailed Portrait
Text-to-image portrait with the default prompt optimizer
```json
{
  "model": "minimax/image-01",
  "input": {
    "prompt": "A close-up portrait of a leopard with distinctive spotted pattern and intense eyes",
    "aspect_ratio": "3:4",
    "number_of_images": 1,
    "prompt_optimizer": true
  }
}
```

### Consistent Character from a Face Photo
subject_reference keeps the same person across generated variations
```json
{
  "model": "minimax/image-01",
  "input": {
    "prompt": "A professional studio portrait, soft lighting, navy suit, confident smile",
    "subject_reference": "https://example.com/face.jpg",
    "aspect_ratio": "3:4",
    "number_of_images": 4
  }
}
```

## Response Format
```json
{
  "job_id": "abc123",
  "status": "pending | processing | completed | failed",
  "result": "URL or data (when completed)"
}
```

## Usage Flow
1. POST /predictions with model and input -> receive job_id
2. GET /predictions/{job_id} -> poll until status is completed or failed
3. Result contains output URL(s)

## Tips
- Total cost is 30 credits × number_of_images — a 9-image batch costs 270 credits, so size batches deliberately
- For best character consistency, use a clear, front-facing face photo as subject_reference
- Keep prompt_optimizer on unless you need literal prompt adherence — it improves variety and quality
- Generate several images in one request and pick the best; per-image cost is low
- Only use photos of real people as subject_reference with the person's explicit consent

## Documentation
https://replicate.com/minimax/image-01