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How to access 140+ AI models from the terminal with Picsart CLI

CLI4 minIntermediate

Use Picsart CLI to access a large model catalog for image, video, and audio generation from the terminal.

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What you'll learn

  • Install and authenticate Picsart CLI on macOS, Linux, or Windows
  • Generate images, videos, and audio from the command line
  • Access 140+ AI models including Flux, Sora, Kling, and Runway
  • Pipe CLI output into scripts, CI jobs, or automation workflows

What is Picsart CLI?

Picsart CLI is a terminal workflow for creating AI image, video, and audio outputs without leaving the command line. It is useful when you want generation inside scripting, automation, or developer workflows instead of a browser-first UI.

Common use cases

  • Developer workflows: Generate placeholder images during local development or testing
  • CI/CD pipelines: Auto-generate social media assets or video previews in build steps
  • Content automation: Batch-create marketing visuals from JSON manifests or CSV files
  • Agent integration: Wire CLI into Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, or Windsurf for plain-English requests
  • Script-based editing: Pipe terminal output through background removal, upscale, or resize operations
  • Rapid prototyping: Test different AI models side-by-side to find the best fit for your project

Access AI models from your terminal step by step

STEP 1: Install the CLI

  • On macOS: Open Terminal → Paste the install command from picsart.com/cli → Press Enter
  • On Linux/Windows: Visit picsart.com/cli → Copy the install command for your OS → Run in your terminal
Get install command

STEP 2: Authenticate your account

Run the login command to connect your Picsart account:

  • Type gen-ai login in your terminal
  • A browser window opens automatically
  • Click "Allow" to grant terminal access
  • Credentials are saved locally — you only do this once

STEP 3: Generate your first image

Run a generation command with a prompt and the current CLI syntax from the official docs. Review the saved output in your working directory and adjust your prompt or model choice as needed.

STEP 4: Review output and explore models

Check that your generated file saved correctly: Not the result you wanted? Try a different model flag, adjust your prompt, or pipe the output through Picsart editing tools like background removal or upscale.

  • Look in your terminal for the saved file path
  • Open the file to confirm quality and content match your prompt
  • Run gen-ai generate --help to see all available models and options
Explore all models

Tips for best results

💡 Use model flags to pick the right tool

Different models excel at different tasks. Flux works great for realistic photos, Recraft V4 handles editorial and branding better, and Sora or Kling are built for video. Check the CLI docs or run gen-ai generate --help to see the full list of available models and their strengths.

💡 Pipe CLI output into batch workflows

The CLI supports JSON output and silent mode, which makes it easy to drop into bash scripts, Next.js build steps, or CI jobs. You can also pass a manifest file to generate multiple assets in one command and control concurrency.

💡 Chain video generations for longer outputs

Most video models generate short clips (5-10 seconds). Use the CLI's video extend feature to stitch multiple generations together, or attach AI-generated audio tracks to match the length you need.

💡 Wire CLI into AI agents for plain-English control

Picsart CLI includes an MCP server that works with Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Windsurf, and ChatGPT. Connect it once, then ask your agent to generate images or videos in natural language — no manual flags or syntax required.

Common task types

  • Image generation: Use the CLI for terminal-first image creation and rapid prompt iteration.
  • Video generation: Use the CLI when you want AI video generation in scripting or production workflows.
  • Audio generation: Use the CLI for voice, sound, or other audio tasks that fit your workflow.
  • Automation workflows: Use the CLI when you want generation inside scripts, agents, or repeatable build steps.

Frequently asked questions

Picsart CLI is a terminal tool that gives you command-line access to 140+ AI models for image, video, and audio generation. You install it once, authenticate with your Picsart account, then run gen-ai generate commands to create content. The CLI handles all the API calls and downloads finished files to your local machine — no browser or manual uploads needed.

Yes. Picsart CLI works on macOS, Linux, and Windows. The install command differs slightly by platform, but the CLI syntax and features stay the same across all three. Visit picsart.com/cli and copy the install command for your operating system.

Use the model flag (-m) followed by the model name. Run gen-ai generate --help to see the full list of available models. Flux and Recraft work best for images, Sora and Kling handle video, and ElevenLabs generates audio. Each model has different strengths — experiment with a few to find the right fit for your style and use case.

CLI access, pricing, and usage rules can change over time. Check the current CLI docs and your Picsart account before relying on any specific credit cost or pricing assumption.

Ready to generate from the terminal?

Install Picsart CLI and get access to 140+ AI models in one command.

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