Alibaba

Z-Image Turbo

Name: Z-Image Turbo
Brand: Alibaba
Price: 0.005 USD
Availability: InStock

AI Image Editing Model

Image

Tongyi-MAI's 6-billion parameter distilled text-to-image model optimized for speed, achieving high-quality generation in 8 steps or fewer with support for bilingual text rendering

Try Model Benchmark examples

2048 x 2048

Max Resolution

Supported Modes

Text to Image Image Edit

Active

Details

Model ID

z-image-turbo

Creator

Alibaba

Family

z-image

Ready to integrate?

Access z-image-turbo via our unified API.

Create Account

Available at 3 providers

Starting from

$0.0050 /image via fal.ai, Replicate · +1 more

Prices shown are in USD · Some prices estimated from per-megapixel or per-token pricing

See all providers

Provider Performance

Fastest generation through alibaba at 6,021ms median latency with 83.6% success rate.

Aggregated from real API requests over the last 30 days.

Generation Time

alibaba

p95: 57,818ms

fal

p95: 8,447ms

Success Rate

alibaba

83.6%

51 / 61 requests

fal

100.0%

11 / 11 requests

Time to First Byte

fal

5,577ms

p95: 8,087ms

alibaba

5,601ms

p95: 58,655ms

Provider Rankings

#	Provider	p50 Gen Time	p95 Gen Time	Success Rate	TTFB (p50)
1	alibaba	6,021ms	57,818ms	83.6%	5,601ms
2	fal	6,293ms	8,447ms	100.0%	5,577ms

Data updated every 15 minutes. Based on all API requests through Lumenfall over the last 30 days.

Providers & Pricing (4)

Z-Image Turbo is available from 4 providers, with per-image pricing starting at $0.005 through fal.ai.

fal.ai

Text to Image

fal/z-image-turbo

Provider Model ID: fal-ai/z-image/turbo

$0.0050 /megapixel

View pricing details

fal.ai

Image Edit

fal/z-image-turbo-edit

Provider Model ID: fal-ai/z-image/turbo/image-to-image

$0.0050 /megapixel

View pricing details

Replicate

Text to Image

replicate/z-image-turbo

Provider Model ID: prunaai/z-image-turbo

Output

Megapixel

$0.0050

Pricing Notes (2)

• PrunaAI optimized version of Tongyi-MAI Z-Image-Turbo
• Sub-second generation with 8 steps

View official pricing • As of Jan 02, 2026

Alibaba Cloud

Text to Image

alibaba/z-image-turbo

Provider Model ID: z-image-turbo

Output

Image

$0.015 per image

Image

$0.030 per image

View official pricing • As of Mar 17, 2026

Z-Image Turbo API OpenAI-compatible

Integrate Z-Image Turbo through Lumenfall’s OpenAI-compatible API to generate images or execute edits using its 6-billion parameter distilled architecture optimized for 8-step inference.

Base URL

https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1

Model

z-image-turbo

Code Examples

Text to Image

/v1/images/generations

curl -X POST \

  https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1/images/generations \

  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LUMENFALL_API_KEY" \

  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \

  -d '{

    "model": "z-image-turbo",

    "prompt": "",

    "size": "1024x1024"

}'

# Response:

# { "created": 1234567890, "data": [{ "url": "https://...", "revised_prompt": "..." }] }

import OpenAI from 'openai';

const client = new OpenAI({

  apiKey: 'YOUR_API_KEY',

  baseURL: 'https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1'

});

const response = await client.images.generate({

  model: 'z-image-turbo',

  prompt: '',

  size: '1024x1024'

});

// { created: 1234567890, data: [{ url: "https://...", revised_prompt: "..." }] }

console.log(response.data[0].url);

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(

    api_key="YOUR_API_KEY",

    base_url="https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1"

response = client.images.generate(

    model="z-image-turbo",

    prompt="",

    size="1024x1024"

# { created: 1234567890, data: [{ url: "https://...", revised_prompt: "..." }] }

print(response.data[0].url)

Image Edit

/v1/images/edits

curl -X POST \

  https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1/images/edits \

  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LUMENFALL_API_KEY" \

  -F "model=z-image-turbo" \

  -F "[email protected]" \

  -F "prompt=Add a starry night sky to this image" \

  -F "size=1024x1024"

# Response:

# { "created": 1234567890, "data": [{ "url": "https://...", "revised_prompt": "..." }] }

import OpenAI from 'openai';

import fs from 'fs';

const client = new OpenAI({

  apiKey: 'YOUR_API_KEY',

  baseURL: 'https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1'

});

const response = await client.images.edit({

  model: 'z-image-turbo',

  image: fs.createReadStream('source.png'),

  prompt: 'Add a starry night sky to this image',

  size: '1024x1024'

});

// { created: 1234567890, data: [{ url: "https://...", revised_prompt: "..." }] }

console.log(response.data[0].url);

from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(

    api_key="YOUR_API_KEY",

    base_url="https://api.lumenfall.ai/openai/v1"

response = client.images.edit(

    model="z-image-turbo",

    image=open("source.png", "rb"),

    prompt="Add a starry night sky to this image",

    size="1024x1024"

# { created: 1234567890, data: [{ url: "https://...", revised_prompt: "..." }] }

print(response.data[0].url)

Parameter Reference

Required Supported Not available

Core Parameters

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`prompt`	string	Required. Edit instruction for the image	T2I Edit
`seed`	integer	Random seed for reproducibility	T2I Edit

Size & Layout

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`size`	string	Image dimensions as WxH pixels (e.g. "1024x1024") or aspect ratio (e.g. "16:9") WxH determines both shape and scale (aspect_ratio and resolution are ignored when size is provided). W:H format is equivalent to aspect_ratio.	T2I Edit
`aspect_ratio`	string	Aspect ratio of the output image (e.g. "16:9", "1:1") Controls shape independently of scale. Use with resolution to control both. If size is also provided, size takes precedence. Any ratio is accepted and mapped to the nearest supported value.	T2I Edit
`resolution`	string	Output resolution tier (e.g. "1K", "4K") Controls scale independently of shape. Higher tiers produce larger images and cost more. If size is also provided, size takes precedence for scale. Any tier is accepted and mapped to the nearest supported value.	T2I Edit

size

Exact pixel dimensions

"1920x1080"

aspect_ratio

Shape only, default scale

"16:9"

resolution

Scale tier, preserves shape

"1K"

Priority when combined

size › aspect_ratio + resolution › aspect_ratio › resolution

size is most specific and always wins. aspect_ratio and resolution control shape and scale independently.

How matching works

Shape matching – we pick the closest supported ratio. Ask for 7:1 on a model with 4:1 and 8:1, you get 8:1.

Scale matching – providers use different tier formats: K tiers (0.5K 1K 2K 4K) or megapixel tiers (0.25 1). If the exact tier isn't available, you get the nearest one.

Dimension clamping – if a model has pixel limits, we clamp dimensions to fit and keep the aspect ratio intact.

Media Inputs

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`image`	file	Required. Input image(s) to edit Supports PNG, JPEG, WebP.	T2I Edit

Output & Format

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`response_format`	string	How to return the image `url` `b64_json` Default: `"url"`	T2I Edit
`output_format`	string	Output image format `png` `jpeg` `gif` `webp` `avif` Gateway converts to requested format if provider doesn't support it natively.	T2I Edit
`output_compression`	integer	Compression level for lossy formats (JPEG, WebP, AVIF)	T2I Edit
`n`	integer	Number of images to generate Default: `1` Gateway generates multiple images in parallel even if provider only supports 1.	T2I Edit

Additional Parameters

Parameter	Type	Description	Modes
`cfg_scale`	number	Classifier-free guidance scale — higher values stick more closely to the prompt	T2I Edit
`strength`	number	How much to transform the input image: 0 keeps it unchanged, 1 fully regenerates from the prompt	T2I Edit
`acceleration` fal	string	The acceleration level to use. `high` `none` `regular`	T2I Edit
`enable_prompt_expansion` fal	boolean	Whether to enable prompt expansion. Note: this will increase the price by 0.0025 credits per request.	T2I Edit
`enable_safety_checker` fal	boolean	If set to true, the safety checker will be enabled.	T2I Edit
`go_fast` replicate	boolean	Apply additional optimizations for faster generation	T2I Edit
`height` replicate	integer	Height of the generated image	T2I Edit
`num_inference_steps`	integer	The number of inference steps to perform.	T2I Edit
`output_quality` replicate	integer	Quality when saving the output images, from 0 to 100. 100 is best quality, 0 is lowest quality. Not relevant for .png outputs	T2I Edit
`sync_mode` fal	boolean	If `True`, the media will be returned as a data URI and the output data won't be available in the request history.	T2I Edit
`width` replicate	integer	Width of the generated image	T2I Edit

Parameter Normalization

How we handle parameters across different providers

Not every provider speaks the same language. When you send a parameter, we handle it in one of four ways depending on what the model supports:

Behavior	What happens	Example
`passthrough`	Sent as-is to the provider	style, quality
`renamed`	Same value, mapped to the field name the provider expects	prompt
`converted`	Transformed to the provider's native format	size
`emulated`	Works even if the provider has no concept of it	n, response_format

Parameters we don't recognize pass straight through to the upstream API, so provider-specific options still work.

Full API Reference Authentication, endpoints, and more

Z-Image Turbo Benchmarks

Alibaba's Z-Image Turbo holds a top 10 position in global text-to-image rankings with a 1253 Elo rating. It remains competitive in high-speed workflows, maintaining a rank of 16 for complex image editing tasks with an Elo of 1021.

Lumenfall Arena

#18

Text-to-Image

1242 Elo

Lumenfall Arena

#16

Image Editing

1101 Elo

Text-to-Image Landscape

Elo vs Cost

1 model without pricing omitted

Elo vs Speed

8 models waiting for enough speed data

Image Editing Landscape

Elo vs Cost

Elo vs Speed

1 model waiting for enough speed data

Competition Results

Text-to-Image

Text Rendering

View leaderboard

Modern Clean Menu

19 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“Modern minimalist restaurant menu design, white background with colorful food photos in grid, sections for appetizers/pizza/mains, bold sans-serif fonts, vibrant accents, clean professional layout for casual dining.”

#18

Vintage Cafe Logo

21 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“Vintage minimalist restaurant logo for "Caffè Florian", retro cloche dome with steam and "Est. 1720" banner, classic typography, warm brown and cream tones, subtle texture on light background, vector emblem style.”

Image Editing

Photorealism

View leaderboard

Z-Image Turbo edited result for Bald man challenge

Original image before Z-Image Turbo editing

Before After

Bald man challenge

15 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

“Give the person a full, thick head of natural hair with realistic texture, density, and a natural hairline. Preserve facial features and lighting.”

Z-Image Turbo edited result for Night Sky Transformation

Before After

#16

Night Sky Transformation

16 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

“Change the scene to night: a deep, dark sky with subtle, glistening stars visible behind the mountain.”

Image Editing

Portrait

View leaderboard

Before After

Bald man challenge

15 models

Image Editing

Edit instruction

“Give the person a full, thick head of natural hair with realistic texture, density, and a natural hairline. Preserve facial features and lighting.”

Text-to-Image

Photorealism

View leaderboard

#18

Candid Street Photography

24 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“A candid street photo of an elderly Japanese man repairing a red bicycle in light rain, reflections on wet pavement, shallow depth of field, 50mm lens, natural skin texture, imperfect framing, motion blur from passing cars, cinematic but realistic, no stylization.”

Text-to-Image

Product, Branding & Commercial

View leaderboard

#18

Vintage Cafe Logo

21 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

Text-to-Image

Portrait

View leaderboard

#11

Fantasy Warrior

21 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“Close portrait of a battle-worn paladin in ornate engraved plate armor, hair braided with small beads, faint scars and dirt on the skin, warm torchlight reflecting off metal, shallow depth of field, bokeh sparks, lifelike eyes, highly detailed texture on leather straps and cloth underlayer.”

Uncategorized

Adorable Baby Animals in Sunny Meadow

25 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“Hyper-photorealistic scene of fluffy baby animals—a golden retriever puppy, tabby kitten, baby bunny, and red fox kit—with big expressive eyes and ultra-detailed soft fur, playfully chasing butterflies and tumbling together in a lush wildflower meadow, warm golden sunrise light with god rays and dew sparkles, joyful wholesome vibe, 8K masterpiece.”

#13

Geometric Composition

22 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“A glass cube on a wooden table. Inside the cube is a small blue sphere. On top of the cube sits a red book. A green plant is behind the cube, partially visible through the glass. Soft window light from the left.”

#14

Heroic Super Hero Portrait

21 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“Hyper-photorealistic full-body portrait of a female superhero standing triumphantly on a New York skyscraper rooftop at golden sunset, wearing a classic modest superhero costume with flowing cape, chest emblem, gloves, and boots in red and blue colors, practical design, short hair, strong determined heroic expression looking into the distance, powerful confident stance with hands on hips and cape billowing dramatically in the wind, detailed urban cityscape background, warm natural sunlight with sharp shadows and fabric highlights, ultra-sharp textures on suit, hair, and concrete, 8K masterpiece, empowering family-friendly style.”

#20

Isometric Miniature Diorama Scenes

21 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“Create a clear, 45° top-down isometric miniature 3D cartoon scene of Japan's signature dish: sushi, with soft refined textures, realistic PBR materials, gentle lighting, on a small raised diorama base with minimal garnish and plate. Solid light blue background. At top-center: 'JAPAN' in large bold text, 'SUSHI' below it, small flag icon. Perfectly centered, ultra-clean, high-clarity, square format.”

#12

Victorian Greenhouse Oasis

17 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

“Hyper-photorealistic interior of a lush Victorian glass greenhouse filled with exotic tropical plants, vibrant blooming orchids, tall ferns, colorful butterflies in flight, sunlight filtering through ornate glass roof creating realistic caustics and dew on leaves, intricate iron framework visible, misty atmosphere, 8K masterpiece.”

3 attempts – showing best result

Fantasy Warrior

14 models

Text-to-Image

Prompt

3 attempts – showing best result

Top Matchups

See how Z-Image Turbo performs head-to-head against other AI models, ranked by community votes in blind comparisons.

vs Grok Imagine Image

Challenge: Modern Clean Menu

38% W · 50% L · 13% T

vs Nano Banana

Challenge: Bald man challenge

0% W · 75% L · 25% T

vs Nano Banana Pro

Challenge: Candid Street Photography

0% W · 100% L

vs GPT Image 1.5

Challenge: Vintage Cafe Logo

0% W · 100% L

vs Seedream 4.5

Challenge: Isometric Miniature Diorama Scenes

0% W · 100% L

Z-Image Turbo is best for

See all Use Cases

Z-Image Turbo excels in commercial applications, ranking 5th in product and branding with a 55.6% win rate and 7th in portrait generation with a 62.5% win rate. It demonstrates moderate performance in bilingual text rendering but faces significant challenges in specialized photorealism and portrait-specific arena categories.

#8 of 21

Portrait

Gen · 61.1% win rate

#9 of 21

Product, Branding & Commercial

Gen · 45.5% win rate

Gallery

View all 16 images

Z-Image Turbo FAQ

How much does Z-Image Turbo cost?

Z-Image Turbo starts at $0.005 per image through Lumenfall. Pricing varies by provider. Lumenfall does not add any markup to provider pricing.

How do I use Z-Image Turbo via API?

You can use Z-Image Turbo through Lumenfall's OpenAI-compatible API. Send requests to the unified endpoint with model ID "z-image-turbo". Code examples are available in Python, JavaScript, and cURL.

Which providers offer Z-Image Turbo?

Z-Image Turbo is available through fal.ai, Alibaba Cloud, and Replicate on Lumenfall. Lumenfall automatically routes requests to the best available provider.

What is the maximum resolution for Z-Image Turbo?

Z-Image Turbo supports images up to 2048x2048 resolution.

Overview

Z-Image Turbo is a 6-billion parameter text-to-image model developed by Alibaba’s Tongyi-MAI team. It distinguishes itself by utilizing distillation techniques to enable high-quality image synthesis in eight steps or fewer, making it significantly faster than standard diffusion models. The model is specifically optimized for bilingual text rendering, supporting both Chinese and English characters within generated imagery.

Strengths

Inference Latency: By reducing the required sampling steps to a range of 1 to 8, the model provides near-instantaneous image generation suitable for real-time applications.
Bilingual Text Rendering: The model excels at accurately rendering complex Chinese characters and English text, a task where many Western-centric models often fail or produce “gibberish.”
Visual Fidelity at Low Step Counts: Despite the aggressive distillation for speed, the model maintains high structural integrity and aesthetic consistency that typically requires 25-50 steps in non-distilled models.
Multimodal Input Support: It can process both text prompts and image-based references (image-to-image) to guide the generation process, offering flexibility beyond simple text descriptors.

Limitations

Fine Detail Saturation: While excellent for rapid generation, the model may lack the extreme micro-detail or complex texture depth found in larger, 12B+ parameter models that utilize longer sampling chains.
Step Count Sensitivity: Moving beyond the 8-step threshold does not necessarily improve quality and can sometimes lead to visual artifacts, as the model is strictly tuned for low-step schedules.
Stylistic Range: Compared to broader foundation models, the output may lean toward a specific “polished” aesthetic favored by its distillation process, which might require more aggressive prompting to deviate from.

Technical Background

Z-Image Turbo is part of the Z-Image model family and utilizes a distilled architecture derived from a larger latent diffusion framework. To achieve its speed, the developers employed a consistency-based distillation approach that maps the probability flow of the original model into a single or few-step inference trajectory. The integration of a specialized text encoder allows the model to handle bilingual tokens more effectively than models trained solely on English datasets.

Best For

This model is ideal for interactive applications such as live drawing assistants, rapid prototyping for UI/UX design, and social media content creation where speed is prioritized over granular control. It is also a leading choice for projects requiring accurate Chinese typography within images. Z-Image Turbo is available for integration and testing through Lumenfall’s unified API and interactive playground.

Try Z-Image Turbo in Playground

Generate images with custom prompts — no API key needed.

Open Playground