Requirements
- WordPress 6.0 or later
- PHP 7.4 or later
- The PHP GD extension with FreeType support — templates are drawn with it. It’s standard on almost every host; if it’s missing, template images can’t be rendered (AI images and stock photos still work).
- (Optional) An OpenAI API key for AI images
- (Optional) A free API key from Unsplash, Pexels or Pixabay for stock photos
Not sure if your server has GD and FreeType? Go to Tools → Site Health → Info → Media Handling. "GD version" should be listed. Your host can enable it if it’s not.
Installing the free plugin
From your dashboard (recommended):
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for "Image Generator" by BeautifulPlugins.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Manual upload:
- Download the ZIP from WordPress.org.
- Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, choose the ZIP, and click Install Now.
- Activate the plugin.
After activation you’ll find an Image Generator menu in your admin sidebar with Image Templates and Settings.
Installing Image Generator Pro
The Pro add-on extends the free plugin — you need both active:
- Make sure the free Image Generator plugin (v1.8.0 or later) is installed and active.
- Download the Pro ZIP from your BeautifulPlugins account.
- Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, upload the ZIP, and activate it.
- Activate your license to unlock the Pro features and automatic updates.
Updating
The free plugin updates through WordPress.org like any other plugin. Pro updates appear on your Plugins screen once your license is active. Keep both plugins on their latest versions — Pro releases are matched to free releases.
Updates never change your existing images. Templates made before version 1.7.0 are converted to the Template Studio format in the background, and only when they will look exactly the same; any that can’t be converted keep working as before and are listed under Tools → Site Health.
Uninstalling
Deactivating or deleting the plugin keeps your templates and settings, so a reinstall picks up where you left off. To remove them when the plugin is deleted, tick Remove Data on Uninstall under Image Generator → Settings first. Images already in your Media Library are never removed.
Next step
Head to the Getting Started guide to create your first template and switch on automatic featured images.