GLM Image is an open-source cognitive image generation model from Z.AI that creates dense-knowledge visuals — posters, PPTs, scientific illustrations, and diagrams — with accurate multilingual text rendering and complex layout handling.
What is GLM Image?
GLM Image is a hybrid model (9B autoregressive reasoning + 7B DiT diffusion decoder) built on GLM-4-9B-0414. It accepts text prompts and up to four reference images, then outputs images as URLs. The model is developed by Z.AI and is fully open-source on GitHub, HuggingFace, and Z.ai.
Key Features
- Cognitive alignment — Follows complex instructions, maintains structural relationships between elements, and renders multi-region textual content with high accuracy, unlike conventional diffusion models focused solely on aesthetics.
- Natural language editing — Edit images by typing plain-language instructions; no complex tools or settings required.
- Up to four reference images — Upload images to guide style, layout, or subject details; the model applies them naturally to the output.
- Identity consistency — Preserves faces, characters, products, and layouts during edits, suitable for branding and multi-step workflows.
- Precise, controllable changes — Alter only the intended element; avoid unwanted alterations through fine control.
- SOTA multilingual text rendering — Achieves open-source state-of-the-art text rendering in English and Chinese, with clean, legible glyphs via a lightweight encoder.
- High-resolution output — Generates images from 512px to 2048px with aspect ratios including 1:1, 3:4, 4:3, and 16:9.
Who should use GLM Image?
- Designers and marketers — Create commercial posters, social media graphics, and promotional assets with embedded text and clear visual hierarchy.
- Educators and researchers — Produce scientific popularisation diagrams, multi-panel charts, and labelled illustrations that convey knowledge structure accurately.
- Developers and enterprises — Integrate the model via URL-based output into automation pipelines, content systems, and design tools; benefit from credit-based billing with no subscription lock-in.
What can you do with GLM Image?
- Commercial posters — Generate festival posters and promotional images with complete composition, clear visual hierarchy, and precise text embedding.
- Popular science illustrations — Create schematic diagrams with complex logical relationships and text annotations that preserve both aesthetics and information clarity.
- Multi-panel drawings — Produce e-commerce display images or story comics maintaining consistent style and subject identity across panels, with accurate text in multiple locations.
- Social media images and texts — Develop cover designs and layouts with flexible typography and diverse expression for platforms like Instagram or WeChat.
How does GLM Image work?
GLM Image uses a two-stage hybrid architecture. First, a 9B autoregressive reasoning module (inheriting semantic capabilities from GLM-4-9B-0414) determines global composition, visual hierarchy, layout, and text placement. Then a 7B DiT diffusion decoder reconstructs high-frequency textures, lighting, typography, and fine details. A lightweight glyph encoder ensures clean, legible multilingual text rendering.
Pricing
GLM Image uses a credit-based system where 6 credits = 1 generated image. Credit packs are one-time payments: Starter ($9.9 for 240 credits), Basic ($29.9 for 800 credits), and Plus ($49.9 for 1660 credits). Credits never expire for individual usage. All packs include text-to-image generation, multilingual text rendering, flexible resolutions, and image editing (6 credits per edit). A free trial is available at the website.
FAQ
Is GLM Image free?
GLM Image offers a free trial via the website. After the trial, images require credits purchased in one-time packs.
