Image MCP + VS Code

Add AI image generation to VS Code with Continue extension

🔑 API Key Required: Get your API key from the Dashboard to start generating images. Replace YOUR_API_KEY in the configuration below.

⚡ Quick Setup

Add Image MCP to VS Code in seconds

Or add to ~/.continue/config.json:
{
  "experimental": {
    "mcpServers": {
      "image-mcp": {
        "url": "https://imagemcp.io/api/mcp",
        "transport": "http",
        "headers": {
          "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
Open-source solution
Works with any LLM
Flexible configuration
VS Code native integration
API key authentication
Multiple AI models available

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Get Your API Key

First, create an account and get your API key from the Dashboard. Each image generation costs 10 credits.

💡 New accounts receive free credits to get started.
2

Install Continue Extension

Install the Continue extension from VS Code marketplace. It's an open-source AI code assistant with MCP support.

💡 Search for 'Continue' in Extensions (Cmd+Shift+X / Ctrl+Shift+X).
3

Open Continue Configuration

Open the Continue configuration file. You can do this through the Continue sidebar or by editing config.json directly.

// Open via Continue sidebar:
// Click gear icon > Edit config.json

// Or find at:
// ~/.continue/config.json
4

Add Image MCP Server

Add Image MCP to the experimental mcpServers section with your API key. Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual key.

{
  "models": [...],
  "experimental": {
    "mcpServers": {
      "image-mcp": {
        "url": "https://imagemcp.io/api/mcp",
        "transport": "http",
        "headers": {
          "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
5

Reload VS Code

Reload the VS Code window to apply the new configuration. Continue will connect to Image MCP.

6

Generate Images

Use Continue chat and ask it to generate images. The generate_image tool will be available.

🎨 Usage Example

Once connected, just ask VS Code to generate images

You:

"Generate an image of a futuristic city at sunset with flying cars"

VS Code (using Image MCP):

I'll generate that image for you using the generate_image tool...

generate_image({ prompt: "A futuristic city at sunset with flying cars, cyberpunk aesthetic, vibrant colors" })

Here's your generated image: [Image URL returned]

🔧 Troubleshooting

Tool not showing up?

Restart VS Code after adding the configuration. MCP servers are loaded at startup.

Connection errors?

Make sure you have internet access. Image MCP is a hosted service at imagemcp.io.

Image generation fails?

Try a different model or simplify your prompt. Check our error documentation for details.

Authentication errors?

Make sure you've added your API key correctly. Get your key from the Dashboard.

Download VS Code

Need help? View full documentation