Claude is incredible at text, but it cannot natively generate images or videos. That changes when you connect it to the Picsart CLI. Once installed, Claude gets access to over 140 AI models for generating images (Flux, Recraft, Nano Banana), videos (Kling, Veo, Runway, Seedance), and audio (ElevenLabs). All from a single setup that takes about 5 minutes.
The best part? Everything happens right inside the Claude desktop app. No separate terminal, no config files. Just open Claude, go to the Code tab, paste one command, and Claude does the rest.
What You Need
- A computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux)
- The Claude desktop app (free at claude.ai/download) on a paid Claude plan (Pro or higher), because the Code tab is part of Claude Code
- Node.js 22 or newer (free, from nodejs.org). Not sure? Ask Claude in the Code tab to check.
- A Picsart account (free, comes with starter credits)
- About 5 minutes
How Much It Costs
Picsart gives you free starter credits when you sign up. The amount varies by promotion, but it is usually enough for 10-20 image generations or 1-2 short videos. After that, you buy credits as needed. No monthly subscription. Image generations cost about 1-4 credits, and videos about 10-50 depending on length and quality. Way cheaper than subscribing to each AI model individually.
Part 1: Install Picsart Inside Claude
1. Download the Claude Desktop App
Get it from claude.ai/download and sign in. Use the desktop app for this so the Picsart tools install on your own computer.
2. Open the Code Tab
Click the Code tab. This is Claude's built-in coding environment. Think of it as a terminal that lives inside Claude. If you don't see it, update the app and check you're on a paid plan. New to it? Claude Code Setup and Use Cases covers the basics.
3. Paste the Install Command
In the Code tab, type:
Install the Picsart CLI: npm install -g @picsart/gen-ai
Claude runs the install in the background. Takes about 10-30 seconds.
4. Verify the Installation
Run: gen-ai --version
If you see a version number, you are ready for Part 2.
The install needs Node.js 22 or newer. If Claude says Node is missing or too old, ask it: "Check my Node.js version and walk me through installing the latest one." Then run the install command again.
Part 2: Log In to Your Picsart Account
5. Create a Picsart Account
Go to picsart.com and sign up. Email, Google, or Apple. New accounts come with free starter credits.
6. Run the Login Command in Claude
Run: gen-ai login
Your browser opens automatically.
7. Authorize in Your Browser
Sign in, click Allow, then switch back to Claude. You will see a confirmation that you are logged in.
8. Verify Your Login
Run: gen-ai whoami Run: gen-ai credits
First shows your email. Second shows your remaining credits. You usually only need to log in once on each computer.
Part 3: Start Generating
Open the Claude desktop app, go to the Code tab, and describe what you want in plain English. Claude picks the right model and generates it.
Generate an image of a golden retriever sitting in a field of sunflowers
Takes 5-15 seconds. The image appears in the chat - right-click to save, or Claude will give you the file path.
Iterate and Refine
If the first result is not right, just tell Claude what to change: "make the lighting warmer," "change the background to a city skyline," "same thing but in vertical format." Claude refines for you.
What You Can Create
Image Models
- Flux 2 Pro (2-4 credits) - Photorealistic images, product shots, detailed scenes
- Recraft V4 (2-4 credits) - Vector art, illustrations, logos, graphic design
- Nano Banana (1-2 credits) - Quick drafts, concept art, cheapest option
Video Models
- Kling (20-40 credits) - Short-form video, product demos, social content
- Veo (25-45 credits) - High-quality cinematic video, realistic motion
- Runway and Seedance (check gen-ai pricing) - More video styles and editing options
Audio Models
- ElevenLabs (3-10 credits) - Voiceovers, text-to-speech, narration, podcast audio
Other Tools
- Background Removal (1-3 credits)
- 4x Upscaling up to 4096x4096 (1-3 credits)
- Object Erasure (1-3 credits)
Example Prompts to Try
Product Shot
Generate a professional product photo of a white coffee mug on a marble countertop with soft natural lighting. Clean background, high resolution.
Social Media Graphic
Create an Instagram post graphic with bold text that says 'NEW DROP' on a gradient background going from deep purple to electric blue.
Landscape
Generate a photorealistic image of a misty mountain lake at sunrise with pine trees reflected in the still water. Golden hour lighting.
Product Demo Video
Create a 5-second video of a sneaker rotating slowly on a white background with soft studio lighting.
Social Video
Generate a short video of ocean waves crashing on a sandy beach at sunset. Cinematic, slow motion feel.
Voiceover
Generate a professional male voiceover that says: "Welcome to our brand. We make products that change the way you live." Warm, confident tone.
Tips and Tricks
- Be specific. Instead of "image of a dog," say "photorealistic golden retriever puppy in a sunlit park, shallow depth of field, shot on a 50mm lens." For product photos, The AI Product Shot Prompt gives you a full template.
- Specify the model. "Use Flux for a photorealistic portrait" or "Use Recraft for a vector logo."
- Iterate freely. Tell Claude what to change and it refines.
- Check credits. Run gen-ai credits anytime. Run gen-ai pricing to see costs before generating.
- Use background removal and upscaling. Some of the most useful tools - only 1-3 credits each.
- Save your favorites immediately before moving on to the next generation. Want to edit footage you already filmed instead? Edit Videos With ChatGPT or Claude covers that.
Troubleshooting
- Claude says it cannot generate images - Run gen-ai login.
- The install command did not work: make sure you are in the Code tab, not regular chat, and ask Claude to check your Node.js version (it needs 22 or newer).
- Out of credits - Run gen-ai credits to check, then top up at picsart.com.
Get the Full Guide
Download the PDF below for the complete walkthrough including the quick command reference and full setup instructions.
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