Seedream 4.0 AI image generator
1K, 2K, and 4K are all 8 credits each, which is ideal for low-cost bulk generation and multi-reference image editing.
Seedream 4.0 is ByteDance's Seed model for high-cost-performance image production, putting text-to-image, image-to-image, and image editing in one workflow. Raphael's 1K, 2K, and 4K quality levels are all priced at 8 credits per image, and up to 10 reference images are supported, making it suitable for product variants, brand marketing materials, consistent character and style images, and regular tasks requiring 4K delivery.
Core capabilities of Seedream 4.0
Complete drafts, high-definition outputs, and multi-reference image editing with a unified 8-credit price.
“Create a 4K, 4:5 summer skincare ad. A frosted-glass serum bottle sits in the center of a light-blue water surface, with sunlight creating clear refraction and natural water ripples. Keep the bottle label and edges sharp, keep the background clean, and leave safe space for titles and prices around it.”
Generate 1K, 2K, or 4K for 8 credits
All three resolutions share the same credits, so you do not need to switch models or spend extra credits for higher-quality output. 1K is suitable for quickly validating direction, 2K for normal content publishing, and 4K for official materials that need more detail, zoom-in viewing, or large-format campaign visuals.
“Keep the room layout, camera position, windows, and floor from the uploaded living room photo. Only change the gray sofa to caramel leather, turn the wall color to warm white, and add a black floor lamp on the right. Keep natural window light, realistic materials, and the original perspective.”
Use one model for text-to-image and image editing
You can create a new scene from a prompt, or upload an existing image to modify the subject, background, material, color, and composition. This works well for generating a first direction and then refining chosen results, without switching between multiple models.
“Use the three uploaded wordless beverage package designs, series color tones, and a summer pool scene as references to generate a brand hero visual. Accurately preserve each package shape, coral orange, lake blue, and lemon yellow brand colors and graphic marks, place the three products in the same sunlit environment, and add realistic reflections and matching contact shadows.”
Keep brand consistency with up to 10 reference images
By referencing products, characters, packaging, and visual style at the same time, logo, color, material, and subject identity are preserved across different compositions as much as possible. It is ideal for creating series images, product sets, and channel size variants for the same brand.
“Create a city night-running ad for the same pair of unbranded white running shoes. Keep the shoe upper structure and sole texture accurate, add a wet road, blue-purple neon reflections, and a forward sprint composition. The shoes themselves should stay clear, and no text should appear in the image.”
Create marketing asset variations at low cost
Each image is fixed at 8 credits, suitable for testing different scenes, compositions, seasons, and audience expressions around the same product. It is especially suitable for high-frequency workflows that require frequent updates of e-commerce images, social assets, and campaign visuals.
Explore other models
Switch between top image models in one generator.
Nano Banana 2
Multi-reference edits with fast style control.
Nano Banana 2 Lite
Fast 1K generation and editing for 11 credits.
GPT Image 2
Precise prompts, clean text, product shots.
Seedream 5.0 Lite
Cinematic realism and dramatic lighting.
Seedream 5.0 Pro
Professional 1K/2K generation and multi-reference editing.
Seedream 4.5
2K / 4K generation and reference editing.
Seedream 4.0, Seedream 4.5, Seedream 5.0 Lite, and Seedream 5.0 Pro comparison
Choose the right Seedream image model by resolution, number of references, web access, and cost.
| Feature | Seedream 4.0 | Seedream 4.5 | Seedream 5.0 Lite | Seedream 5.0 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1K / 2K / 4K | 2K / 4K | 2K / 3K | 1K / 2K |
| Max reference images | 10 | 10 | 14 | 10 |
| Web search | No | No | Yes | No |
| Credit cost | 8 credits | 12 credits | 12 credits, +3 for search | 10/20 credits, references extra |
| Main advantage | 1K–4K same price | 4K reference-image editing | Photorealism and latest information | Commercial high fidelity |
| Best for | High-volume cost-efficient use | High-definition marketing assets | Knowledge-driven visuals | Product ads and fine retouching |
Try other Seedream models and choose the right version based on resolution, reference capability, and budget.
Choose Your Plan
Free images include a watermark. Upgrade for clean outputs, faster generation, and commercial use.
Pro
-50%- Advanced models after upgrading
MiniMax H3
Nano Banana
GPT
SeedreamVeo
Seedance 2.5
Kling - 2,000 credits per month
- Up to 2,000 fast images
- Up to 250 basic videos
- Unlimited Seedream 3.5 generations
- Priority queue
- No watermarks
- Batch AI image upscaling
Ultimate
-50%- Advanced models after upgradingMiniMax H3Nano BananaGPTSeedreamVeoSeedance 2.5Kling
- 5,000 credits per month
- Up to 5,000 fast images
- Up to 625 basic videos
- Unlimited Seedream 3.5 generations
- Highest priority queue
- No watermarks
- Batch AI image upscaling
- Full privacy
Max
-50%- Advanced models after upgradingMiniMax H3Nano BananaGPTSeedreamVeoSeedance 2.5Kling
- 10,000 credits per month
- Up to 10,000 fast images
- Up to 1,250 basic videos
- Unlimited Seedream 3.5 generations
- Highest priority queue
- No watermarks
- Batch AI image upscaling
- Full privacy
Seedream 4.0 FAQ
Learn about the three resolution tiers, reference images, editing methods, and fixed credits.
What is Seedream 4.0?
It is ByteDance Seed's image generation and editing model, positioned for low fixed-cost production of daily text-to-image, multi-reference generation, and existing image editing.
How many credits does one image cost?
1K, 2K, and 4K are all 8 credits per image; choosing higher resolution does not increase Raphael credits.
How should I choose between 1K, 2K, and 4K?
1K is suitable for quick testing, 2K for regular web and social publishing, and 4K for formal assets that need more detail, enlarged display, or later cropping.
How many reference images can I upload at most?
You can currently upload up to 10 reference images to guide products, people, packaging, scenes, and the overall visual style.
Can I edit existing images?
Yes. Upload an image and describe what to keep and what to change, and you can use it for background replacement, color changes, material swaps, adding elements, or rearranging composition.
Which aspect ratios are supported?
Current support includes 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4, 4:3, 4:5, 5:4, 9:16, 16:9, and 21:9, covering most e-commerce, social, poster, and banner needs.
Can it be used without reference images?
Yes. You can generate directly from text only. Add reference images when you need to maintain a specific product, person, or style.
Is Seedream 4.0 suitable for brand consistency?
Yes. Use the same product, logo, color palette, and style references each time, and clearly specify which elements should not change in your prompt to improve consistency across series assets.
What tasks are best for Seedream 4.0?
It is suitable for budget-sensitive product variants, social ads, e-commerce images, brand series assets, reference-image editing, and tasks that need 4K output at a fixed 8 credits.
