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Cover Image Generation Workflow

This interactive flowchart shows the decision tree for generating book cover images using the generate-cover.sh script. The workflow adapts based on your available resources: OpenAI API billing, ChatGPT Pro subscription, and operating system.

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Overview

The cover image generation script supports three modes of operation:

  1. Full Auto Mode - Requires OpenAI API with active billing
  2. Local Prompt + Browser Mode - Requires ChatGPT Pro and macOS
  3. Local Prompt + Manual Mode - Requires ChatGPT Pro (any OS)

Decision Points

HAS_OPENAI_API_KEY

Checks if the OPENAI_API_KEY environment variable is set. This is required for any API-based operations.

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export OPENAI_API_KEY='your-key-here'

API Billing Active

Even with a valid API key, your OpenAI account must have active billing enabled. The script tests this by making a simple API call.

  • If billing is active: Use full auto mode for seamless image generation
  • If billing is not active: Fall back to ChatGPT Pro workflow

HAS_CHATGPT_PRO

ChatGPT Pro/Plus subscription ($20/month) allows you to generate images through the ChatGPT interface. This is separate from API billing.

ON_MACOS

The --open-browser flag uses AppleScript to automate browser interaction, which only works on macOS.

Usage Commands

Full Auto Mode (API billing required)

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./generate-cover.sh

Local Prompt with Browser Automation (macOS + ChatGPT Pro)

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./generate-cover.sh --open-browser

Local Prompt Only (ChatGPT Pro, any OS)

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./generate-cover.sh --local-prompt

Output

All modes produce a cover image saved to: 

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docs/img/cover.png

Specifications: - Size: 1200x630 pixels - Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1 (Open Graph standard) - Format: PNG