Image API
ImageKit's image API combines generative AI with real-time image transformations and optimizations to help developers create high-quality, performant visual experiences at scale.
Transform images in real time
Resize with smart cropping
Convert a single master image to any dimension using the image API with AI-powered face detection, object-aware cropping, and precise cropping controls that work in real time.
Expand images with Generative Fill
Specify the dimensions you need and let AI fill in the background to transform your images to fit any aspect ratio or device without having to crop or re-do the shoot.
Upscale low-resolution images
Transform poor-quality, grainy images uploaded by users into high-resolution, visually appealing assets using AI-based upscale and retouching.
Remove background and add shadows with AI
Create stunning product images by removing backgrounds, adding intelligent shadows to your products, and retouching them using simple URL-based AI transformations.
Responsive images with client-hints support
Deliver correctly sized images on every device using image API's resize parameters clubbed with the responsive image spec, or use the integrated support for image resizing using Client Hints.
Image Effects
Use the image API to adjust contrast, sharpness, gradient, background, borders and more to customize a master image to the exact variation you need.
AI-powered image generation and editing at scale
Create images using text prompts
Generate new visuals by providing text prompts directly in the URL. Combine these with other ImageKit transformations in real time to effortlessly create new assets at scale with minimal effort
Generate image variations
Start with a base image and generate multiple variations using a simple URL-based transformation parameter. Keep your assets fresh with GenAI built into the image URL.
Change backgrounds with studio-quality realism
Transform your images with AI-generated, studio-quality backgrounds. Perfect for enhancing product photos, portraits, and more with a touch of professional realism.
Optimize
High-quality images at the smallest possible size
Focus on building great visual experiences while the image API delivers the right images every time.
Intelligent format optimization
ImageKit's image API evaluates multiple factors in real-time, including browser support, to automatically deliver images in modern formats like AVIF, WebP, and animated WebP.
Automate image compression
Set the default compression level for your images to get instant image optimization. No URL changes or complex configurations.
Network-based optimization
With the ability to modify compression levels in real-time, ImageKit image API helps you adapt the image size to user's network bandwidth and data-saver mode preferences.
Create
Image and text overlays
Instantly add logos, offers, messages, ratings, and more onto images – customized for each user with ImageKit's real-time, URL-based Layers transformations API.
Create rich product images
ImageKit's real-time image API lets you add product information to all your images directly from its URL to create a true visual shopping experience.
Personalized banners at scale
Make images that resonate with your audience by adding their name or a unique coupon code on the image with the image API's Layer transformations.
Generate multi-lingual banners
Use the text layer transformations to create globally-relevant banners in real-time in your users preferred language.
Fast global delivery of your images
ImageKit's high-performance, reliable media delivery network lets you concentrate on business growth, free from concerns about media file security.
- AWS Cloudfront CDN with 700+ nodes for fast load time globally
- Seven processing regions for faster processing and compliance
- 99.9% guaranteed uptime SLA
The same API for transforming videos and images
Our unified URL-based Media Processing API seamlessly caters to both videos and images.
Go live in minutes
Don't spend time migrating your media files. ImageKit's Image API works with your existing storage. Alternatively, upload your images in ImageKit's DAM.
Customer stories
Discover how leading brands use ImageKit's Image API.
Faster load time at 50% lower cost
Better performance & UX with cost savings
Optimized bandwidth consumption by 25%
Developer-first SDKs & plugins
Built with DevEx at our core—clear APIs, rock-solid SDKs, crystal-clean docs, and dev-to-dev support, so you can ship faster with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an image API?
An image API allows developers to optimize, transform, and deliver images on websites and apps. It offers URL-based image transformation, automatic device-aware format conversion, network-aware size optimization, and fast delivery through an integrated CDN.
What are some use cases where an image API can be used?
A comprehensive image API can be valuable for almost any digital use case that heavily uses images.
What types of image manipulation can be done with an image API?
Image manipulation features typically include cropping, resizing, adding watermarks or text overlays, adjusting colors, applying filters, context-aware cropping of images, generating thumbnails, and more. These transformations can be applied in real time using URL parameters.
How does ImageKit's image API simplify image delivery?
ImageKit's image API consolidates multiple tools into a single solution, streamlining workflows and simplifying image delivery architecture. Developers can use URL-based transformations to convert, transform, and optimize images in real-time at scale and then deliver perfect visual experiences across platforms.
What are the formats supported by ImageKit's image API?
ImageKit's image API supports multiple modern image formats, such as JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, GIF, HEIC, animated WebP, and animated PNG.
How can I get started with ImageKit image API?
ImageKit offers enough image delivery bandwidth to get started with the image API on websites and apps. You can create a free account to explore its features and use the API.