GPT Image 2.6 Flare vs Sunburst: Which Should You Use?

AI Overview

What is the difference between GPT Image 2.6 Flare and Sunburst?

Flare is built for fast iteration and can generate an image in as little as six seconds at low quality. Sunburst is built for detailed work and keeps images more consistent across edits at medium or high quality. Both cost the same per token.

Which is better?

Use Flare for drafts and layouts, and Sunburst for final images and repeated edits.

Can I use them on Veo3 AI?

Not yet. Veo3 AI offers GPT Image 2.5 today.

GPT 2.6 comes as two models, and the names do not explain much. Since both have the same token rates, the choice comes down to speed and consistency. Here is what OpenAI says about each one, and how to pick.

Flare vs Sunburst at a Glance

When to Use Flare

Flare suits work where you need many tries. Use it to test ideas, try layouts and make quick versions of a poster or product image. Start at low quality to keep each round fast.

When to Use Sunburst

Sunburst suits images you will keep. Use it at medium or high quality when a character, product or brand detail has to hold across several edits.

A Simple Workflow

1. Test your prompt in Flare at low quality.
2. Pick the best direction.
3. Set complexity to low for small edits, and raise it for busy scenes.
4. Finish in Sunburst at medium or high quality.

What About Complexity?

Complexity is separate from the model and from quality. It sets how much the model plans before rendering, and high is the default. OpenAI recommends low for most edits, because higher settings can add waiting time and unwanted changes. Changing it has no separate fee.

API Example

result = client.images.generate(

    model="gpt-image-2.6-sunburst",

    prompt="A clean poster for a jazz night",

    quality="medium",

    complexity="medium",

)

Swap the model name to test Flare on the same prompt.

Using GPT Image on Veo3 AI

GPT Image 2.6 is not on Veo3 AI yet. You can use GPT Image 2.5 here, then animate your image with Veo 3.1 in Image to Video. See the full GPT Image 2.6 specs, or check whether GPT Image 2.6 is free.

FAQ

Is GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst better than Flare?

It is built for more detailed work and more consistent edits. Flare is faster, so the better choice depends on the job.

Do Flare and Sunburst cost the same?

Their token rates are the same. Cost per image depends on the tokens each request uses.

Can both models make GIFs and SVG files?

Yes. OpenAI's guide says both support complexity, markup, SVG output and animated GIF output through the Image API.

Which model does ChatGPT use?

OpenAI lists Flare and Sunburst as API models. In ChatGPT the feature is called Images 2.6.

Can I use Flare on Veo3 AI?

GPT Image 2.5 Flare is available on Veo3 AI. GPT Image 2.6 Flare is not available yet.