When Claude Code image generation is not working, Claude may still write a perfect prompt. That prompt is a clue: the image tool never ran. Repair the connection before you polish adjectives.
- A returned prompt is a setup symptom.
- Plugin and skills must be installed.
- Browser auth must complete.
- A probe still is the test.
Media.io fit: This supporting page sits beside Claude Code image generation and routes failures to Media.io CLI setup.
In this article
If Claude Returns a Prompt Not an Image, Check Tools
Claude returns prompt not image is the classic disconnected-tool symptom. Claude did the part it can do without Media.io.
Do not reward that with a longer prompt.
- CLI installed.
- Claude plugin installed.
- Skills installed.
- Auth completed.
- Probe still saved.
Confirm the Claude Code Image Tool Is Actually Connected
A Claude Code image tool not working state will not be fixed by switching Nano Banana 2 and GPT Image 2.
Use the complete Claude Code setup prompt and INSTALL-HELP.
Run One Minimal Still as a Probe
Ask Claude Code to write one named JPEG into a folder in the working tree.
If that file appears, rerun the original brief.
Read the Path Before You Call It a Claude Image Generation Error
A Claude image generation error may be a destination permission issue.
- Check plugin and skills.
- Run auth login.
- Follow INSTALL-HELP.
- Save a probe still.
Open the folder you named.
Repair Media.io CLI Using the Official Claude Code Setup Flow
Paste the complete Claude Code setup prompt. Install Media.io CLI, add the plugin, install skills, authenticate, and use INSTALL-HELP on failure. Then return to Claude Code image generation.
If You Want Claude Code to Set Media.io Up for You
Copy This Complete Setup Prompt into Claude Code
Show a real terminal or agent session, the returned output path or status, and the generated result.
Only Then Change the Brief or the Model
After a probe file exists, you can talk about identity edits versus net-new stills.
| Symptom | First check |
| Prompt not image | Plugin/skills/auth |
| Tool not working | CLI on PATH |
| Error after submit | INSTALL-HELP |
| File missing | Destination path |
Before that, it is still setup.
FAQs About Claude Code Image Generation Not Working
-
Why is Claude Code image generation not working?
Most cases are missing CLI, plugin, skills, authentication, or a writable path. -
Why does Claude return a prompt not an image?
The image tool is probably not connected, so Claude did the only part it can do unaided. -
What does Claude Code image tool not working mean?
The connected generation layer is not installed or not authenticated. -
Is a Claude image generation error a model issue?
Not until a probe file exists. -
Should I switch models first?
No. Repair setup, then choose Nano Banana 2 or GPT Image 2 based on the job. -
Where is the related how-to?
See the Claude Code image generation guide after the probe still works.
When Claude Writes a Prompt, Repair the Tool
Claude Code image generation not working is a connection problem until a named still exists. Repair Media.io CLI, then rerun the original edit or still.
