Use Qwen Image from Claude Code

Qwen Image is Alibaba's cost-optimized image generation model and the cheapest single-output image option on AetherWave at just 2 credits for square renders. Includes optional acceleration tiers for even faster output.

If you use Claude Code and you want Qwen Image available as a native tool that the agent can call directly, the AetherWave MCP server wires it up in one command. No SDK to learn, no separate API key per provider, no polling loop to write.

Install in 30 seconds

Run this from your terminal:

Get your API key at your Profile page under the Developer tab. New accounts start with free credits to try it without spending anything.

Quick facts

How to use it

Once the MCP is installed, you can ask Claude Code naturally. It'll pick Qwen Image from the model-selection rubric in the tool description when your prompt matches its strengths (cheapest budget image generation).

Example interaction:

Claude Code calls aetherwave_generate_image with model: "qwen-image-t2i" and returns the finished asset URL. The result auto-saves to your AetherWave gallery (Cloudflare R2 hosted, no URL expiration).

Sample prompts that work well

When to pick Qwen Image

Qwen Image shines for:

• Highest-volume image generation needs
• Iterative concept work
• Budget-constrained pipelines
• Bulk avatar or thumbnail generation
• Quick test renders before premium model

How it compares

vs z-image-turbo at 3 cr: Qwen square (2 cr) is the absolute cheapest, edging out Z-Image Turbo. Both are 'quick draft' tier; pick whichever you've used and like the aesthetic of.

Run aetherwave_list_image_models from Claude Code to see the full live catalog with pricing.

Cost

Tiered pricing by image size. 2 credits for square (1024x1024), 4-6 credits for landscape/portrait variants. The cheapest single-output image model on the platform.

Credits come from your AetherWave account. Plans:

• Free: Starter credits on signup plus 80 cr from one-time community quests
• Studio: $9.99/mo, 1,700 credits monthly, cancel anytime
• One-time bundles: from $4.99 (500 cr) up to $79.99 (9,000 cr). Bundle credits never expire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install AetherWave MCP in Claude Code?

One command (shown above). Then restart Claude Code. The agent will have Qwen Image available as part of the aetherwave_generate_image tool with 1 output(s) per call.

How do I use Qwen Image from Claude Code?

Just describe what you want. The agent picks Qwen Image when your prompt matches its strengths (cheapest budget image generation). You can also explicitly request it by passing model: "qwen-image-t2i" in the tool call.

What does Qwen Image cost per generation?

Tiered pricing by image size. 2 credits for square (1024x1024), 4-6 credits for landscape/portrait variants. The cheapest single-output image model on the platform. Credits come from your AetherWave account (Studio sub from $9.99/mo or one-time bundles from $4.99/500 cr).