Google Nano Banana 2.1 Guide

Nano Banana 2.1 is Google’s image generation and editing model, released on October 6, 2026. It is part of the Gemini 3 series and built on Gemini 3.6 Flash.

Unlike a basic image generator, it can:

• Create and edit images with professional precision
• Render clear text for posters, diagrams, and infographics
• Render text in multiple languages
• Keep characters and products consistent across images
• Use up to 14 reference images
• Edit only the area you mark
• Use Google Search for real-world accuracy
• Think before it draws for harder prompts

It understands what you want, not just what you type.

Gemini app

Create and edit images in chat

Search AI Mode

Generate images inside Google Search

Google Flow

Google’s AI filmmaking and creative tool

Google Stitch

Google’s AI interface design tool

Google Ads

Create ad creative inside Ads

Google AI Studio and Gemini API

For developers and automation

Resolution

1K, 2K, and 4K

Aspect ratios

From 1:1 up to ultra-wide 8:1

References

Up to 14 reference images

Consistency

Up to 4 characters and 10 objects

Context

Up to 1 million tokens of input, according to Google

Knowledge

Most domains up to March 2026

In Google’s own human-preference tests against Gemini 3.1 Flash, Nano Banana 2.1 scored higher on:

• Overall image preference
• Infographic design and factual accuracy
• General editing
• Single- and multi-character consistency
• Mask and ink-based editing

Thinking mode scored higher than no-thinking mode on every measure. These are Google’s evaluations, so test it on your own work.

Describe the image like a creative brief:

• Subject: who or what
• Action: what is happening
• Setting: where and when
• Style: photo, illustration, 3D, flat design
• Composition: angle, framing, layout
• Lighting and color
• Text: exact words in quotes
• Format: aspect ratio and resolution

A flat-style infographic titled “5 Habits of Focused Teams”, five numbered cards in a grid, navy and white, clean sans-serif text, 4:5, 2K.

• Put the exact text in quotes
• Keep headlines short
• Specify font style, such as bold sans-serif
• Use 2K or 4K for small text
• Check every word for spelling

Google notes small text can be blurry at 1K, and long paragraphs are still a weakness. Add long text in a design tool afterward.

• Upload clear reference images
• Name each character or product
• Describe what must stay the same
• Change one thing per edit
• Reuse the same references across the series

Consistency is strong but not perfect. Compare each output with your references.

Mark or describe the exact area to change:

• Replace a background
• Change a product color
• Remove an object
• Add an element in one place
• Restyle the whole image

Google lists partial instruction following in mask-based edits and occasional left-right confusion. Be explicit and check results.

Nano Banana 2.1 can use Google Search and Image Search to ground images in real information, such as landmarks, products, or current data for infographics.

Still verify facts, numbers, and logos before publishing.

Thinking lets the model plan before generating. Use more thinking for complex layouts, infographics, and multi-character scenes, and less for quick drafts.

1K image

$0.0336

2K image

$0.0504

4K image

$0.0756

Batch

About 50% off these rates

Text input

$1.50 per million tokens

Image prices are about half of Nano Banana 2, but input costs more. Developer reports say Nano Banana 2 retires from the API on October 29, 2026. Check Google’s pricing and deprecation pages before you plan.

• Small text and long paragraphs can be unclear
• Character consistency is not always exact
• Masked edits may not follow every instruction
• It can confuse left and right
• It can still hallucinate details
• 3D reasoning and world knowledge are limited
• It can be slow or time out at times

• Google marks generated images with SynthID watermarks and Content Credentials
• Do not create misleading images of real people or events
• Respect trademarks and copyrights
• Disclose AI-generated images where platforms or laws require it
• Follow Google’s generative AI use policy

• “A clean product photo of [product] on a white marble surface, soft daylight, 1:1, 4K.”
• “Turn this sketch into a polished flat illustration in navy and orange.”
• “Create a poster titled “[title]” with the date “[date]”, bold sans-serif, 2:3.”
• “Replace only the background with a modern office. Keep the person unchanged.”
• “Use these three photos of my character to show her reading in a café.”
• “An infographic explaining [topic] in four steps, with icons, 4:5.”
• “A panoramic 8:1 banner of a city skyline at dusk for a website header.”
• “Change the jacket to dark green. Keep everything else the same.”
• “Translate the text in this poster into Spanish, keeping the layout.”
• “Show this product in three scenes: kitchen, office, and outdoors.”

Create a [type of image] for [purpose and audience]. Subject: [subject]. Setting: [setting]. Style: [style]. Colors: [colors]. Composition: [layout or camera angle]. Text: “[exact text]” in [font style]. Use these references: [describe uploads] and keep [what must stay the same]. Format: [aspect ratio], [resolution]. Avoid: [things to avoid].