Complete Developer Tutorial for Nano Banana Pro Released

Google AI Studio has released a complete developer tutorial for Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3 Pro Image), introducing developers to the advanced features of this next-generation AI image generation model. While the Flash model (Nano Banana) brought speed and affordability, the Pro version introduces groundbreaking capabilities including "thinking" processes, search grounding, and stunning 4K output.

Key Features Unveiled

Thinking Process

Nano Banana Pro isn't just drawing—it's thinking. The model can reason through complex, twisted prompts before generating an image, and developers can peek into its thought process by enabling include_thoughts=True in the thinking configuration. This transparency helps developers understand how the model interprets requests, creating a more collaborative experience.

Search Grounding

One of the most game-changing features is Search Grounding. Nano Banana Pro can access real-time data from Google Search to generate accurate, up-to-date images. For example, developers can ask it to visualize the current weather forecast, and the model will fetch real-time data and create corresponding visualizations.

4K High-Resolution Generation

For print-quality images, Nano Banana Pro supports 4K resolution. While 1K or 2K images cost $0.134, 4K images cost $0.24 (plus token costs), providing developers with professional-grade output options.

Multilingual Capabilities

The model can generate and translate text within images across over a dozen languages, functioning as a universal translator for visual content. Developers can create infographics in one language and then translate them to another while maintaining the same visual design.

Advanced Image Mixing

While the Flash model can mix up to 3 images, the Pro model can handle up to 14 images simultaneously. This capability is perfect for creating complex collages or showcasing entire product lines in a single generation.

Getting Started

Developers can access Nano Banana Pro through Google AI Studio by signing in with their Google account and selecting "Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3 Pro Image)" from the model picker. Unlike the Flash version, the Pro version requires billing to be enabled on the Google Cloud project.

The tutorial covers:

1. Using Nano Banana Pro in Google AI Studio
2. Project setup and API key configuration
3. Client initialization
4. Basic generation techniques
5. The "Thinking" process
6. Search Grounding implementation
7. High-resolution 4K generation
8. Multilingual capabilities
9. Advanced image mixing
10. Pro-exclusive demos
11. Best practices and prompting tips

Pro-Exclusive Demonstrations

The tutorial showcases several Pro-exclusive capabilities:

• Personalized Pixel Art with Search Grounding: Uses search grounding to find specific information about a person and visualizes it in pixel art style
• Complex Text Integration: Generates coherent, lengthy text and integrates it perfectly into complex layouts
• High-Fidelity Mockups: Creates photorealistic mockups of print materials with accurate lighting and texture

Best Practices

The guide emphasizes several key prompting strategies:

• Be Hyper-Specific: Provide detailed information about subjects, colors, lighting, and composition
• Provide Context and Intent: Explain the purpose or desired mood of the image
• Iterate and Refine: Use the model's conversational ability for incremental improvements
• Use Step-by-Step Instructions: Break complex scenes into clear, sequential instructions
• Use Positive Framing: Describe desired scenes positively rather than using negative prompts
• Control the Camera: Use photographic and cinematic terms to direct composition
• Leverage Search Grounding: Be precise when requesting real-time or real-world data

Cost Considerations

Image generation with Nano Banana Pro is more expensive than the Flash version, especially for 4K images. Developers can save 50% on generation costs by using the Batch API, though this may require waiting up to 24 hours for results.

Resources

The tutorial includes links to:

• Python Cookbook
• JavaScript Notebook
• Google AI Studio Apps
• Official Prompting Guide

Nano Banana Pro opens up a new frontier for AI image generation, combining thinking capabilities, real-time search integration, and professional-grade output quality. It's a tool designed for serious creators who need advanced features for complex creative tasks.