Seedream 4.0

by ByteDance

Unified 12-billion parameter AI image model integrating generation and editing capabilities, creating 4K images in 1.8 seconds with advanced text rendering and multi-image fusion

See https://seed.bytedance.com/en/seedream4_0

Features

Unified Architecture:

  • Integrates image generation and editing into single unified model
  • Handles complex multimodal tasks: knowledge-based generation, complex reasoning, reference consistency
  • 12-billion parameter architecture with Mixture of Experts design
  • Eliminates workflow fragmentation between separate generation/editing tools

Image Generation:

  • Generates up to 4K resolution (2048×2048 pixel standard, 4K support for print)
  • Creates images in as little as 1.8 seconds
  • Batch generation: up to 9 outputs simultaneously
  • Supports mixing text prompts with up to 6 reference images

Advanced Editing:

  • Prompt-based image editing with natural language requests
  • Multi-image fusion combining colors, styles, and details from multiple sources
  • Object removal and replacement
  • Photo colorization and restoration
  • Preserves key features while modifying composition, color, or specific elements

Text Rendering:

  • Superior text rendering for legible signs, posters, and labels
  • High scores in text-to-image tasks for prompt following and aesthetics
  • Beats many competitors in text rendering quality

Multi-Modal Capabilities:

  • Style transformation across numerous artistic formats
  • Knowledge-driven image generation with complex reasoning
  • Scene understanding and context awareness
  • Reference image consistency across multiple outputs

Superpowers

Seedream 4.0 stands out with its unified generation-editing architecture that eliminates the need for separate tools, making it ideal for:

  • Professional designers creating branding, packaging, and fashion mockups with consistent visual identity
  • Marketers and advertisers producing high-quality advertisement series and product shots at scale
  • Content creators generating social media visuals, thumbnails, and marketing materials
  • Educators creating scientific diagrams, historical timelines, and instructional materials
  • UI/UX designers prototyping website designs and interface elements

Real-world applications:

  • Commercial design with 4K resolution for print-ready materials
  • Batch generation for testing creative variations quickly
  • Multi-image fusion for brand consistency across assets
  • Text-heavy visuals like infographics, posters, and signage
  • Photo restoration and colorization for archival projects

Key advantages:

  • Significantly faster than competitors (1.8 seconds for generation)
  • First place in internal Elo evaluation for prompt adherence and alignment
  • Free tier available with commercial use rights
  • Handles both creation and modification in one workflow
  • Excels at interpreting natural language editing instructions

Pricing

  • Free tier: Core image generation and editing features with full download access
  • BytePlus API: Starting at $0.03 per image
  • Free trial: 200 images for new BytePlus users
  • Commercial use: Supported across all tiers for advertisements, branding, social media, and marketing

Cost efficiency: Batch generation and fast inference reduce time and cost for high-volume visual production.

Use Cases

Commercial Design:

  • Brand identity and packaging design
  • Fashion mockups and product visualization
  • Print-ready materials at 4K resolution

Marketing & Advertising:

  • Social media content at scale
  • Advertisement series with consistent styling
  • Product photography alternatives

Educational Content:

  • Scientific diagrams and illustrations
  • Historical recreations and timelines
  • Instructional materials and infographics

Professional Workflows:

  • Website and UI/UX prototypes
  • Presentation visuals and slides
  • Documentation and technical illustrations