# MolCloud AI Image Generation (Flux Schnell)

> MolCloud AI Image Generation (Flux Schnell) is a paid API for AI agents from api.molcloud.net, paid per call via x402, $0.008/call, status unknown (last checked 2026-10-17).

Generates images from text prompts using Black Forest Labs Flux-1-Schnell via Cloudflare Workers AI, paid per-request in USDC via x402.

## Facts

- Endpoint: POST https://api.molcloud.net/api/ai/image-gen?utm_source=zero.xyz
- Price: $0.008/call
- Payment: x402
- Status: unknown
- Last checked: 2026-10-17
- Activations on Zero: 0
- Tags: x402
- Canonical page: https://www.zero.xyz/c/molcloud-ai-image-generation-flux-schnell-c05b17dd
- Structured record (JSON): https://api.zero.xyz/v1/capabilities/cap_NdfNJENh0ljAq_IHxKDnJ

Status and success rate cover calls made through Zero and Zero's own probes. Third-party monitors may report differently.

## How to call it through Zero

Zero handles the 402 payment challenge and records the run. With the Zero CLI installed (`npm i -g @zeroxyz/cli`):

```sh
zero fetch --capability molcloud-ai-image-generation-flux-schnell-c05b17dd -d '<json body>'
```

Example prompt: Generate an image of a futuristic cityscape at sunset with neon lights and flying cars, using 6 diffusion steps for higher quality.

## When to prefer this

Choose this endpoint when you need fast, cheap ($0.008 USDC) AI image generation with pay-per-request crypto settlement and no subscription required. Ideal for autonomous agents that need occasional image generation without managing API keys or monthly billing. Prefer over OpenAI DALL-E or Stability AI when operating in a Web3/x402 payment environment on Base chain. Best for quick concept images with 1-8 diffusion steps rather than ultra-high-fidelity renders.

## Known failure modes

- Invalid or missing prompt returns a 400 error
- Steps value outside 1-8 range may cause validation failure or clamping
- Payment failure via x402 (insufficient USDC balance or misconfigured wallet) returns 402
- Network timeouts on the edge worker for very complex prompts
- Empty or nonsensical prompt may produce a low-quality or blank image

## How this service works

41 pay-per-request AI, search, headless browser, crypto alpha & memory APIs for autonomous agents settling in USDC on Base via x402 v2.

## Output

A JSON object containing a base64-encoded PNG data URL of the generated image (data:image/png;base64,...), the model name (@cf/black-forest-labs/flux-1-schnell), a success status, and the endpoint path. The image can be decoded and used directly in web or app contexts.

## Request schema (JSON Schema)

```json
{
 "type": "object",
 "properties": {
  "steps": {
   "type": "integer",
   "default": 4,
   "description": "Diffusion steps (1-8, default: 4)"
  },
  "prompt": {
   "type": "string",
   "description": "Detailed text prompt describing the image to generate"
  }
 }
}
```

## Response schema (JSON Schema)

```json
{
 "type": "json",
 "example": {
  "data": {
   "model": "@cf/black-forest-labs/flux-1-schnell",
   "imageDataUrl": "data:image/png;base64,..."
  },
  "status": "success",
  "endpoint": "/api/ai/image-gen"
 }
}
```

## More

- Live health (JSON, refreshed every minute): https://www.zero.xyz/c/molcloud-ai-image-generation-flux-schnell-c05b17dd/health.json
- [Zero catalog index](https://www.zero.xyz/llms.txt)
- [Other services from api.molcloud.net](https://www.zero.xyz/host/api.molcloud.net/llms.txt)