Connect Nano Banana to Claude with One MCP Command
Claude Imagine runs a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server with Nano Banana 2 as its default model — connect it once, unlock 6 bonus credits, and generate images inside Claude Code, claude.ai, or Claude Desktop.
No Google API key, no separate app, one shared credit balance.
Nano Banana 2 Is the Default Model
Most guides for getting Nano Banana into Claude ask you to create your own Google or OpenRouter key first. This connector doesn't.
No Google API Key to Create
You sign in to Claude Imagine once through OAuth. There's no Google AI Studio project to set up, no separate billing account, and no key to paste into a config file.
Default on Every Call
The generate_image tool routes to nano-banana-2 unless you name a different model, so asking Claude for an image already uses Nano Banana 2.
3 Credits per Image, Any Plan
Nano Banana 2 costs 5 credits per generation on free, Basic, Pro, and Studio alike — the model has no plan-tier gate. Failed generations are refunded.
Text-to-Image Inside Claude
generate_image writes from a text prompt and edit_image changes an image you give it by URL, both with Nano Banana 2. Editing a file from your own device runs in the Claude Imagine web generator.
What MCP Actually Does Here
MCP is an open protocol for connecting an AI assistant to external tools over a live connection — this is what makes in-chat image generation possible at all.
A Live Server, Not a Plugin File
The Claude Imagine MCP server runs at a URL (claudeimagine.com/api/mcp). Claude talks to it directly over HTTP — there's nothing to download or install on your machine.
OAuth, Not API Keys
Authentication is OAuth 2.1 with PKCE and dynamic client registration. Claude discovers the login flow automatically and opens a browser for you to sign in once.
Nine Tools Claude Gets
generate_image, edit_image, list_styles, generate_video, check_generation, quote_generation, list_generations, list_models, and get_credits — Claude calls these directly based on what you ask for, without you touching a terminal.
Shared Credits
The connector and web generator draw from the same balance. Your first authenticated MCP connection unlocks a one-time 6-credit bonus, valid for 14 days.
Setup by Client
Pick the one you use — each takes a few minutes, once.
Claude Code: One Command
Run 'claude mcp add --transport http claude-imagine https://claudeimagine.com/api/mcp'. A browser opens to log in and consent, then the tools are live in your sessions.
claude.ai / Desktop: Custom Connector
Go to Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector, name it 'Claude Imagine', and paste the server URL from step one's pattern.
Connect and Sign In
Click Connect, sign in with your Claude Imagine account, and you're set — ask Claude for an image in any chat.
Other MCP Clients
Any client supporting remote HTTP transport with OAuth 2.1 (PKCE + dynamic client registration) can connect using the same server URL.
The Nine MCP Tools
What Claude can actually call once you're connected.
generate_image
Generates an image from a text prompt. Takes an optional model (nano-banana-2 default, gpt-image-2.5, seedream-4.5, flux-2-pro, z-image) and aspect_ratio (1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16). Failed generations are refunded automatically.
edit_image
Edits an existing image from a text instruction. Takes the image URL (normally the one a previous generation returned), an optional model (nano-banana-2 default, gpt-image-2.5) and an optional aspect_ratio; when you omit it the framing of the source image is kept.
list_styles
Named looks for generate_image in six categories: YouTube thumbnail, book cover, album and podcast cover art, poster, blog cover and product photo. Free to call; in claude.ai the styles show up as a picker card.
generate_video
Generates a short video from text, or animates one public image, with H3 Max Turbo, Grok Imagine, Seedance, Veo or Kling. The server prices the exact model, length and quality, and refunds a failed render.
check_generation
Returns a generation that was still running when its call ended. Claude calls it by itself with the task id quoted in that reply, so a slow render still lands in the same conversation.
quote_generation
Tells Claude the exact credit cost of a generation before it runs, with your balance and plan eligibility, so the price you hear is the price you pay.
list_generations
Finds your own recent images and videos, including ones made on the website, so a new conversation can show, edit or animate an earlier result.
list_models
Lists available models and the live credit cost per image for your current plan tier, so Claude — and you — know the cost before generating.
get_credits
Returns your remaining credit balance, so Claude can tell you if you're about to run low before starting a batch of generations.
Nano Banana and Claude MCP Questions
Have another question? Email us at support@claudeimagine.com.
Connector support verified July 10, 2026 against Claude's remote MCP documentation. Tool names, models, and OAuth behavior are verified against the Claude Imagine MCP implementation.
Connect Claude Imagine to Claude
One-time setup, then image generation lives inside every conversation. To create motion with the same MCP connection, open the Claude video generation guide.