Nano Banana is the nickname for Google’s AI image generation and editing models.
It became popular because it does something many image tools struggle with: you upload a photo, describe a change in plain words, and it edits the picture while keeping the subject recognizable.
Since then, Google has released several versions, and that has made the name confusing.
This guide explains each version, every major feature, the price in different countries, and step-by-step instructions for using Nano Banana for free or through paid plans.
It also covers common problems and how to fix them.
What Is Nano Banana?
Nano Banana started as the codename for Google’s Gemini image model. It went viral in August 2025 for its editing quality.
Today it works inside the Gemini app, Google Search, Google Lens, Flow and Google’s developer tools.
You can use it in three main ways:
- Generate: Create a new image from a text description.
- Edit: Upload a photo and change it with simple instructions.
- Combine: Mix several reference images into one new picture.
Nano Banana Versions Explained
There are four versions you will see mentioned online.
| Version | Also Known As | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Banana (original) | Gemini 2.5 Flash Image | Fast, fun edits |
| Nano Banana Pro | Gemini 3 Pro Image | Complex scenes, highest quality, text-heavy designs |
| Nano Banana 2 | Gemini 3.1 Flash Image | Pro-level quality at faster speed, the current default |
| Nano Banana 2 Lite | Lightweight version of Nano Banana 2 | High-volume, low-cost, quick drafts |
Release Timeline
- August 2025: The original Nano Banana goes viral.
- November 20, 2025: Nano Banana Pro launches, built on Gemini 3 Pro.
- February 26, 2026: Nano Banana 2 launches and becomes the default image model in the Gemini app, Google Search and Flow.
- June 30, 2026: Nano Banana 2 Lite launches with lower latency and lower cost.
Nano Banana Features Explained
1. Editing by Conversation
This is the feature that made Nano Banana famous.
You upload a photo and write what you want changed, such as “make the sky sunset orange” or “remove the person in the background.”
You can keep refining the result with follow-up messages, like a normal chat.
Why it matters: you do not need photo-editing skills or layers. Plain language is enough.
2. Subject and Character Consistency
Nano Banana tries to keep the same person, pet or object looking like themselves across different scenes.
Nano Banana 2 improved this with better subject consistency and more precise instruction following.
Why it matters: you can create a series of images, such as a brand mascot in different settings, without the character changing every time.
3. Multiple Reference Images
Nano Banana 2 supports up to 14 reference images at once.
You can upload a person, a product and a background, then ask the model to combine them into a single scene.
Why it matters: product mockups, mood boards and character sheets become much easier.
4. Resolution up to 4K
Nano Banana 2 can output images from 0.5K up to 4K.
Lower resolutions are useful for quick drafts. Higher resolutions suit posters, thumbnails and print-ready work.
Why it matters: you can start small and cheap, then generate the final version at high resolution.
5. Better Text Rendering
Older image generators often produced garbled words on signs, labels and posters.
Nano Banana Pro and Nano Banana 2 are known for much clearer text inside images.
Why it matters: logos, posters, menus, social graphics and UI mockups become more usable without fixing the text in another app.
6. Infographics and Diagrams
You can describe a chart or infographic in words, and the model creates a visual version.
Always check any numbers or labels in the result. AI-generated charts can look convincing while containing mistakes.
7. World Knowledge and Web Search
Nano Banana 2 can use Gemini’s world knowledge, and it can use real-time web search for current context.
Why it matters: when you ask for a landmark, a recent event style or a real product, the model has better information to work with.
8. Speed
Nano Banana 2 brings Flash-level speed to image generation, which makes rapid editing practical.
Nano Banana 2 Lite pushes this further. Google says it can produce images in about four seconds.
Why it matters: when you need many variations, quick generation saves real time.
9. Nano Banana Pro’s Advanced Controls
Nano Banana Pro is built for complex work. It supports local editing such as changing camera angle, focus, color grading and scene lighting.
It is based on Gemini 3 Pro, so it handles complicated prompts with stronger reasoning.
Why it matters: choose Pro when a design needs precision, such as an ad with detailed text and a specific composition.
10. Where You Can Use It
- Gemini app: Android, iOS and web.
- Google Search: AI Mode and Lens.
- Flow: Google’s AI filmmaking studio.
- Google AI Studio: for prototyping and developers.
- Gemini API: for building apps.
- NotebookLM: Pro features for subscribers.
11. Content Labels and Safety
Google adds SynthID, an invisible watermark, and supports C2PA Content Credentials to help identify AI-generated images.
Why it matters: it helps platforms and viewers detect that an image was AI-made.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Nano Banana in the Gemini App
- Open the Gemini app on Android or iOS, or go to gemini.google.com on the web.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Select “Create images” or type an image prompt in the chat.
- Write a clear description. Include the subject, setting, style and lighting.
- Review the result and send a follow-up message to adjust it.
- Download or share the final image.
Step-by-Step: How to Edit Your Own Photo
- Open the Gemini app and start a new chat.
- Tap the plus or upload icon and select your photo.
- Type one clear instruction, for example “change the background to a beach at sunset.”
- Check what changed. Confirm the face, clothes and important details remained the same.
- Use follow-ups such as “keep everything else the same, but make the lighting warmer.”
- Save the final version.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Nano Banana Pro
- Open the Gemini app.
- Choose the “Create image” option together with the Thinking or Pro mode.
- Write a detailed prompt for complex scenes, posters or designs with readable text.
- Generate and review.
- Watch your usage. Free users receive only limited Pro access before the app returns to the standard model.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Nano Banana in Google AI Studio
- Go to aistudio.google.com and sign in.
- Create a new prompt and select an image-capable Nano Banana model.
- Upload reference images if you want editing or combining.
- Describe the result and choose the aspect ratio and resolution.
- Run the prompt and refine it.
AI Studio uses a separate prototype-level quota, which is often more generous than the Gemini app for testing.
Step-by-Step: How Developers Use the Nano Banana API
- Create an API key in Google AI Studio.
- Choose the model. Nano Banana 2 uses the Gemini 3.1 Flash Image model. Nano Banana Pro uses Gemini 3 Pro Image.
- Send a prompt through the Gemini SDK with your text and optional reference images.
- Set resolution and aspect ratio to control output size and cost.
- Save the returned image and handle errors and retries.
- Monitor cost. Higher resolution and Pro models cost more per image.
Model names change as previews become stable releases. Check Google’s official documentation for the current model ID before building.
How to Write Better Nano Banana Prompts
- Start with the subject: who or what is in the image.
- Add the setting: location, time of day, background.
- Add the style: photo, watercolor, 3D render, flat illustration.
- Add lighting and camera details: soft window light, close-up, wide angle.
- Put any exact text in quotation marks, so the model knows what to write.
- Say what must stay the same when editing, such as “keep the face unchanged.”
- Change one thing per follow-up so it is easier to see what worked.
Is Nano Banana Free?
Yes, partly. The Gemini app offers free access to image generation and editing.
Free users get limited access to the more advanced Pro quality. After the free allowance runs out, the app switches back to the standard model.
Google no longer publishes a fixed number of images per day. Usage now depends on a compute-based allowance that refreshes every five hours against a weekly limit.
That means the number of images you can create changes depending on prompt complexity and features used.
Nano Banana Price in Different Countries
There is no standalone Nano Banana plan. You access it through a Google AI subscription, or through the API.
Subscription Prices by Country (Monthly)
| Plan | United States | India | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | ₹0 | £0 |
| Google AI Plus | $4.99 | ₹399 (intro offer of ₹199 for first six months at launch) | Check Google’s UK page |
| Google AI Pro | $19.99 | ₹1,950 | About £18.99 |
| Google AI Ultra (5x) | $99.99 | ₹6,500 | £79.99 |
| Google AI Ultra (20x) | $199.99 | ₹19,500 | £189.99 |
Prices change often and depend on country, taxes, app store and offers. Always confirm the amount shown at checkout.
Why Prices Differ by Country
Google sets regional prices and adds local taxes. App store purchases can also cost more than buying directly.
Price trackers show that Google AI Pro on the App Store ranges from about $17 in Indonesia to about $26 in Denmark.
That is a gap of nearly 50 percent for the same plan.
Recent Plan Changes to Know About
- Google AI Plus fell from $7.99 to $4.99 in the US this summer.
- The old single Ultra plan at $249.99 was split into two tiers, at $99.99 and $199.99.
- Some websites still show the older prices, so check the current Google page.
What Each Plan Gives You
- Free: Basic image generation and editing with limited Pro access.
- AI Plus: Higher limits, Nano Banana Pro access, storage and family sharing.
- AI Pro: Higher access to Gemini models, more storage, Flow credits and extra Google benefits.
- AI Ultra: The highest usage limits, for heavy creators, developers and teams.
Student and Trial Offers
Google sometimes offers free trials and student promotions for Google AI plans.
These offers vary by country and change over time, so check the official page for your region.
Nano Banana API Price Comparison
The API is priced per image in US dollars, no matter where you live. Local taxes may apply.
| Model | Approx. Price per Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nano Banana (original) | About $0.039 | For a 1024px image |
| Nano Banana 2 Lite | About $0.034 | Fastest and cheapest |
| Nano Banana 2 | About $0.067 | 1K image, half of Pro’s price |
| Nano Banana Pro (1K or 2K) | About $0.134 | Highest quality tier |
| Nano Banana Pro (4K) | About $0.24 | Highest resolution |
What This Costs at Scale
| Images per Month | Nano Banana 2 Lite | Nano Banana 2 | Nano Banana Pro (2K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | About $34 | About $67 | About $134 |
| 10,000 | About $336 | About $670 | About $1,340 |
These numbers are before retries. If one in three images needs regenerating, the real cost is higher.
Subscription or API: Which Is Cheaper?
- Personal use, occasional images: free tier or AI Plus.
- Regular creative work: AI Pro.
- Apps, automation, bulk jobs: API, and start with Nano Banana 2 Lite for drafts.
Different Cases: Which Version Should You Use?
Case 1: Casual Photo Editing
Use the free Gemini app. The default model handles most everyday edits.
Case 2: Social Media Creators
Use Nano Banana 2 for speed, and switch to Pro when a design needs precise text or composition.
Case 3: E-commerce Sellers
Use reference images to place your product in new scenes. Check that logos, labels and product details stay accurate.
Case 4: Designers and Marketers
Use Nano Banana Pro for posters, ads and mockups, and refine the final files in your normal design tool.
Case 5: Developers and Startups
Use the API. Prototype in AI Studio, draft with Lite, and generate final images with Nano Banana 2 or Pro.
Case 6: Students
Use the free tier for study visuals and diagrams, and check for student offers in your country.
Case 7: High-Volume Batch Work
Use Nano Banana 2 Lite for cost and speed, then upgrade only the images you plan to publish.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Problem: Image Quality Suddenly Drops
Cause: You reached your Pro allowance, and the app switched to the standard model.
Solution: Wait for the allowance to refresh, or move to a paid plan if you need Pro quality all day.
Problem: Text in the Image Is Wrong
Cause: The prompt did not specify exact wording, or the design is very complex.
Solution: Put the exact words in quotation marks, keep the text short, and try Nano Banana Pro.
Problem: The Person’s Face Changes After Editing
Cause: The instruction was broad, so the model changed more than intended.
Solution: Add “keep the face and hairstyle unchanged” and edit one thing at a time.
Problem: The Model Refuses a Prompt
Cause: Safety rules block certain content, such as harmful or misleading images of real people.
Solution: Rewrite the prompt to describe a safe, legitimate use, and avoid requests for deceptive edits.
Problem: Charts and Numbers Look Right but Are Wrong
Cause: The model generates a picture of a chart. It does not calculate the data.
Solution: Verify every number, and build precise charts in a spreadsheet or charting tool.
Problem: Hands, Small Details or Crowds Look Odd
Cause: Fine details remain hard for every image model.
Solution: Regenerate, crop the problem area, or edit that specific region with a follow-up instruction.
Problem: API Costs Grow Quickly
Cause: High resolution, Pro models and many retries add up.
Solution: Draft at lower resolution with Lite, cap retries, and only render the final version in higher quality.
Problem: Feature Not Available in Your Country
Cause: Some features, especially newer ones, roll out region by region.
Solution: Check Google’s availability list for your country, and update the Gemini app.
Problem: You Need to Show an Image Is AI-Generated
Cause: Some platforms and clients require disclosure.
Solution: Follow the platform’s rules. Nano Banana images carry SynthID, but you should still label content clearly where required.
Nano Banana vs Other AI Image Tools
Nano Banana’s strengths are editing by conversation, subject consistency, text rendering and fast iteration inside Google’s apps.
Other tools may lead in specific areas, such as artistic style or advanced manual control.
The best approach is to test the same prompt in two or three tools, and choose the one that matches your task and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Nano Banana?
It is the nickname for Google’s Gemini image generation and editing models.
2. Is Nano Banana free?
Yes, the Gemini app offers free access with limits. Advanced Pro quality is limited on the free tier.
3. What is the latest Nano Banana version?
Nano Banana 2 is the current default model, and Nano Banana 2 Lite is a faster, cheaper option released in June 2026.
4. What is the difference between Nano Banana Pro and Nano Banana 2?
Pro focuses on the highest quality for complex work. Nano Banana 2 combines much of that quality with faster speed.
5. How many images can I create per day?
Google no longer publishes a fixed daily number. Access depends on a compute-based allowance.
6. What is the Nano Banana price in India?
There is no standalone price. Google AI Plus starts at ₹399 per month, and Google AI Pro is ₹1,950 per month, according to published reports. Confirm current pricing at checkout.
7. How much does the Nano Banana API cost?
Roughly $0.034 to $0.24 per image, depending on model and resolution.
8. Can Nano Banana generate 4K images?
Yes, Nano Banana 2 and Pro support up to 4K output.
9. Can it edit my own photos?
Yes. Upload a photo and describe the change in plain language.
10. Does Nano Banana add a watermark?
It adds an invisible SynthID watermark and supports Content Credentials.
11. Can I use Nano Banana images commercially?
Check Google’s current terms and your platform’s rules before commercial use.
12. How many reference images can I use?
Nano Banana 2 supports up to 14 reference images.
Bottom Line
Nano Banana is one of the most practical AI image tools available. It edits photos from plain-language instructions, keeps subjects consistent and now supports high resolution and clear text.
For most people, the free Gemini app is the right place to start. If you need higher limits, AI Plus or AI Pro is the next step.
Developers should prototype in AI Studio, use Nano Banana 2 Lite for drafts, and confirm costs before scaling.
Prices and plan names change often, so verify the current amount on Google’s official page before you pay.