Qwen Image 2.1 Pro

aliyun/qwen-image-2-1-pro
OfficialText-to-ImageImage-to-Image

Qwen Image 2.1 Pro is Alibaba's flagship unified model for high-fidelity text-to-image synthesis and multi-modal image editing. Built on an optimized 7B single-stream DiT architecture, it seamlessly merges studio-grade 2K image rendering, multi-image reference control (up to 10 input images), and localized inpainting via mask or brush interactions while strictly preserving subject identity.

Size Unit Price (USD/Image)
1K: 1024*1024, 1280*720, 720*1280, 1024*768, 768*1024 0.04
2K: 2048*2048, 2560*1440, 1440*2560, 2048*1536, 1536*2048 0.04

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Qwen Image 2.1 Pro API

Qwen Image 2.1 Pro is a second-generation visual generation foundation model developed by Alibaba's Qwen team. It excels in text-to-image (T2I) generation, image-to-image (I2I) editing, multi-image conditional generation with up to 10 reference images, native RGBA transparent image generation, multilingual text rendering, and native 2K resolution direct output.

On the iCreat platform, this model is accessed via an asynchronous two-step API. The endpoint is https://api.icreat.ai/v1/task/submit/aliyun/qwen-image-2-1-pro, and results are polled via https://api.icreat.ai/v1/task/result. It supports a total pixel range between 512×512 and 2048×2048 with an aspect ratio of 1:8 to 8:1. The pricing is a flat $0.04 per output image for both 1K and 2K tiers, with no charge for input reference images.

Model Positioning

Qwen Image 2.1 Pro is positioned as a versatile and powerful Pro-tier image generation and editing model. It is designed for users who require high flexibility in reference image inputs (up to 10 images) and specialized outputs like native RGBA transparent images. With a flat pricing model of $0.04 per image regardless of 1K or 2K resolution, it is highly cost-effective for complex multi-image conditioning and high-resolution generation tasks.

Core Capabilities

Text-to-Image and Image Editing

The model supports both text-to-image generation and image-to-image instruction-based editing, allowing users to modify existing images or create new ones from textual prompts.

Multi-Image Conditional Generation

It accepts up to 10 reference images, enabling complex multi-image conditioning, style transfer, and continuous editing workflows.

Native RGBA Transparent Output

The model natively supports the generation of RGBA transparent images, which is ideal for design assets, stickers, and layered compositions.

Native 2K Resolution

It can directly output images with a total pixel count up to 2048×2048, delivering high-resolution results without requiring post-processing upscaling.

Flexible Resolution and Auto-Prediction

The total pixel output can be flexibly set between 512×512 and 2048×2048 with an aspect ratio from 1:8 to 8:1. If the size parameter is omitted, the model automatically predicts the optimal resolution and aspect ratio based on the prompt.

Pricing

Size Tier Example Resolutions Unit Price (USD/Image)
1K 10241024, 1280720, 7201280, 1024768, 768*1024 $0.04
2K 20482048, 25601440, 14402560, 20481536, 1536*2048 $0.04

Note: Billed per output image at a flat rate of $0.04 for both 1K and 2K tiers. Input reference images are not charged. The official Alibaba Cloud Bailian pricing is ¥0.25/image (rate-limited to 20 RPM); the iCreat platform price is $0.04/image, subject to the iCreat platform price.

Application Scenarios

  • Multi-image style transfer and continuous image editing
  • Generation of transparent PNG assets for UI design and e-commerce
  • High-resolution 2K poster and illustration generation
  • Multilingual text image rendering for marketing materials
  • Complex creative workflows requiring multiple visual references

Model Comparison

Comparison Table 1: Qwen Image Series

Model Capabilities Reference Images Resolution & Pricing Special Features
Qwen Image 2.1 Pro T2I + I2I/Editing Up to 10 512×512–2048×2048; Flat $0.04/img (1K/2K) Native RGBA transparent output
Qwen Image 3.0 Pro T2I + I2I/Editing 1–3 1K $0.04/img, 2K $0.075/img 12-language complex text rendering
Qwen Image 3.0 T2I + I2I/Editing 1–3 Flat $0.03/img (1K/2K) Speed and cost optimized

Comparison Table 2: Cross-Model Comparison

Model Developer Pricing Reference Images Special Features
Qwen Image 2.1 Pro Alibaba Flat $0.04/img Up to 10 Native RGBA transparent output
Seedream 4.0 ByteDance Billed per image Multi-image support 2K/4K output, multi-image editing
GPT Image 2 OpenAI Billed per image (> $0.04) Varies Strong instruction following, text rendering

Why Choose Qwen Image 2.1 Pro?

  • High Reference Image Limit: Supports up to 10 reference images for complex conditional generation, exceeding the limits of many same-tier models.
  • Native Transparency: Natively generates RGBA transparent images without requiring background removal tools.
  • Flat Pricing: A uniform $0.04 per image for both 1K and 2K resolutions ensures cost predictability.
  • Flexible Resolution: Supports a wide pixel range and aspect ratios, with auto-prediction when size is omitted.
  • High-Resolution Output: Capable of direct native 2K resolution output for detailed and high-quality visuals.

Specifications

Field Value
Model Name Qwen Image 2.1 Pro
Developer Alibaba (Qwen Team)
Model ID aliyun/qwen-image-2-1-pro
Endpoint https://api.icreat.ai/v1/task/submit/aliyun/qwen-image-2-1-pro
Task Result Endpoint https://api.icreat.ai/v1/task/result
Model Type Image Generation and Editing Model
Authentication Authorization: Bearer ${ICREAT_API_KEY}
Input Modalities Text and Image (Reference URLs)
Reference Image Limit Up to 10 images
Input Image Size Limit Width and height 1–8000 pixels (recommended 384–2048)
Output Size Range Total pixels between 512×512 and 2048×2048
Aspect Ratio Range 1:8 to 8:1
Output Format Image (url and download_url)
Billing Unit USD per image (billed per output image; $0.04 flat for 1K and 2K)
API Mode Asynchronous two-step (submit task → poll result)

Architecture

The API follows an asynchronous two-step architecture. The client submits a generation task via the submit endpoint. The request body consists of two top-level sibling fields: input and parameters. The input field contains a messages array with role and content (including text and image items). The parameters field defines size and watermark options. The request does not use a model field. Upon submission, a task_id is returned. The client then polls the task result endpoint using the same task_id at 2–5 second intervals until the status is SUCCEEDED or FAILED.

Notes

  • The submission and result polling steps use the same task_id. While processing, the result array will be empty ([]), and polling should continue.
  • A FAILED status is terminal; check request parameters, image URLs, or content moderation policies.
  • The input and parameters fields must be top-level sibling objects and must not be nested within each other.
  • A maximum of 10 reference images is supported. Input image width and height must be 1–8000 pixels (recommended 384–2048).
  • If size is omitted, the model automatically predicts the resolution and aspect ratio. Total pixels must be between 512×512 and 2048×2048, with an aspect ratio of 1:8–8:1.
  • The watermark parameter defaults to false.
  • costUSD is 0.04 (USD) per successful generation and is only returned when the task succeeds.
  • 1K and 2K tiers share the same billing rate of $0.04/image. Input reference images are not charged additionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call Qwen Image 2.1 Pro?

The model uses an asynchronous two-step process. First, submit the task to the endpoint https://api.icreat.ai/v1/task/submit/aliyun/qwen-image-2-1-pro using Bearer authentication. Then, poll the https://api.icreat.ai/v1/task/result endpoint with the returned task_id until the task succeeds or fails.

How is billing calculated?

Billing is based on the number of output images generated. Both 1K and 2K resolutions are billed at a flat rate of $0.04 per image, and input reference images are not charged. For example, generating 2 images at 2048*2048 resolution costs $0.08. The costUSD field in the response indicates this amount and is only returned upon successful generation.

How many reference images are supported?

The model supports up to 10 reference images, which can be used for multi-image conditional generation, style transfer, or continuous editing workflows.

What sizes are supported?

The size parameter is customizable. The total pixel count must be between 512×512 and 2048×2048, and the aspect ratio must be between 1:8 and 8:1. If the size parameter is omitted, the model automatically predicts the optimal resolution and aspect ratio based on the prompt.

Does it support transparent backgrounds?

Yes, the model supports native RGBA transparent image generation, allowing direct creation of images with transparent backgrounds.

What is the difference between this and Qwen Image 3.0 Pro?

Qwen Image 2.1 Pro offers a flat rate of $0.04 per image for both 1K and 2K, supports up to 10 reference images, and features native RGBA transparent output. Qwen Image 3.0 Pro charges $0.04 for 1K and $0.075 for 2K, supports 1–3 reference images, and excels in complex text rendering across 12 languages.