What does OpenAI document for GPT Image 2.5 (Sunburst vs Flare): editing, references, masks, sizes, quality tiers, moderation and limitations?

OpenAI API docs (captured 2026-10-23): current image models are gpt-image-2.5-sunburst (choose when editing precision matters most) and gpt-image-2.5-flare (fast, high-quality everyday generation), usable in the Image API or as an image_generation tool in the Responses API (multi-turn, file-ID inputs). Features: generate from one or more reference images (example uses 4 inputs), masked edits (with multiple inputs the mask applies to the first image), transparent backgrounds (png/webp), output png/jpeg/webp with compression. Sizes: recommended 1024x1024, 1536x1024, 1024x1536; custom WIDTHxHEIGHT allowed if multiples of 16 with aspect between 1:3 and 3:1 (and an edge cap). Quality: low, medium, high, xhigh, max (xhigh/max new in 2.5), auto default; use low for drafts. Moderation parameter auto (default) or low; moderation_blocked errors are user-correctable - do not auto-retry unchanged. Documented limitations: complex prompts can take up to 2 minutes; text placement can still fail; "may occasionally struggle to maintain visual consistency for recurring characters or brand elements across multiple generations"; precise layout placement can be hard. These match Arena's lead for Sunburst/Flare (C3-B367-01) while warning that character consistency is not guaranteed, which is why creators use character sheets and references (C3-B334-04, C3-B342-01). Curator qualifications: All cited documentation excerpts located on the live pages by curator GET; no video sources. Provider documentation as served 2026-10-23; models, limits and prices change without notice. Limitations: Pricing and max reference count not captured; C2PA metadata not mentioned in lines read. Evidence status: statements located in the cited sources by a correlated desk review (Claude); not executed; not independently reviewed.

{
  "citations": [
    {
      "url": "https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/image-generation",
      "note": "line 3; Size and quality options; Limitations; Limitations"
    }
  ]
}