Skip to main content
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to generate multiple variations of an existing image using the OpenAI DALL·E API. By the end, you’ll be able to:
  • Load and preview a source image
  • Call the DALL·E variations endpoint
  • Render the generated images

​
Prerequisites

  • Python 3.6+
  • Install the OpenAI Python library:
pip install openai
  • Set your API key as an environment variable:
export OPENAI_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"

​
1. Import Modules and Configure the API Key

Begin by importing the necessary modules and loading your API key: 
import openai
import os
from IPython.display import Image, display

openai.api_key = os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY")

​
2. Load and Display the Source Image

Use IPython’s display utilities to preview the original asset: 
display(Image(filename='./images/lion-cub.png'))
This shows a lion and its cub.

​
3. Generate Three Variations

Call the DALL·E variation endpoint, specifying the image file, output size, and number of results: 
response = openai.Image.create_variation(
    image=open('./images/lion-cub.png', 'rb'),
    size='512x512',
    n=3
)
You can modify the size or the n parameter to control the resolution and the number of variations returned.

​
4. Render the Generated Variations

Display each variation using the URLs returned in the response: 
# Variation 1
display(Image(url=response['data'][0]['url']))

# Variation 2
display(Image(url=response['data'][1]['url']))

# Variation 3
display(Image(url=response['data'][2]['url']))
Each variation offers a unique composition or style. Experiment with different source images or parameters to explore new creative directions.

​
Summary of Steps

StepDescriptionExample Code
Import & AuthenticateLoad libraries and set API keyopenai.api_key = os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY")
Preview Source ImageDisplay the original imagedisplay(Image(...))
Request VariationsGenerate n new images with specified sizeopenai.Image.create_variation(...)
Render OutputsShow each variation using returned URLsdisplay(Image(url=...))

​
Next Steps

Now that you’ve created image variations, consider exploring other OpenAI offerings:

​
References

Watch Video

Practice Lab