Nano Banana MCP Server (CLIProxyAPI Edition) 🍌
A production-ready Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides AI-powered image generation capabilities through Google's Gemini models with intelligent model selection.
Downstream fork of
zhongweili/nanobanana-mcp-server: https://github.com/zhongweili/nanobanana-mcp-server
CLIProxyAPI docs: https://help.router-for.me/cn/introduction/what-is-cliproxyapi.html
Updates in this fork: CLIProxyAPI backend support (Gemini-compatible proxy), updated docs/config examples.
⭐ NEW: Gemini 3 Pro Image Support! 🚀
Now featuring Nano Banana Pro - Google's latest and most powerful image generation model:
- 🏆 Professional 4K Quality: Generate stunning images up to 3840px resolution
- 🌐 Google Search Grounding: Access real-world knowledge for factually accurate images
- 🧠 Advanced Reasoning: Configurable thinking levels for complex compositions
- 🎯 Superior Text Rendering: Crystal-clear text in images at high resolution
- 🎨 Enhanced Understanding: Better context comprehension for complex prompts
Upstream MCP registry listing:
✨ Features
- 🎨 Multi-Model AI Image Generation: Intelligent selection between Flash (speed) and Pro (quality) models
- ⚡ Gemini 2.5 Flash Image: Fast generation (1024px) for rapid prototyping
- 🏆 Gemini 3 Pro Image: High-quality up to 4K with Google Search grounding
- 🤖 Smart Model Selection: Automatically chooses optimal model based on your prompt
- 📐 Aspect Ratio Control ⭐ NEW: Specify output dimensions (1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 21:9, and more)
- 📋 Smart Templates: Pre-built prompt templates for photography, design, and editing
- 📁 File Management: Upload and manage files via Gemini Files API
- 🔍 Resource Discovery: Browse templates and file metadata through MCP resources
- 🛡️ Production Ready: Comprehensive error handling, logging, and validation
- ⚡ High Performance: Optimized architecture with intelligent caching
🚀 Quick Start
Prerequisites
- One of the following:
- Google Gemini API Key - Get one free here
- CLIProxyAPI running locally (Gemini-compatible proxy)
- Python 3.11+ (for development only)
Installation
Option 1: Upstream MCP Registry (Gemini direct only) The upstream package is listed in the Model Context Protocol Registry.
mcp-name: io.github.zhongweili/nanobanana-mcp-server
Option 2: From Source (this fork, recommended for CLIProxyAPI)
git clone https://github.com/ion-aluminium/nanobanana-mcp-cliproxyapi.git
cd nanobanana-mcp-cliproxyapi
uv sync
Option 3: Install from Git (this fork)
pip install git+https://github.com/ion-aluminium/nanobanana-mcp-cliproxyapi.git
🔧 Configuration
Authentication Methods
Nano Banana supports these authentication options:
- API Key (
api_key): UsesGEMINI_API_KEY. Best for local development and simple deployments. - Vertex AI ADC (
vertex_ai): Uses Google Cloud Application Default Credentials. Best for production on Google Cloud (Cloud Run, GKE, GCE). - Automatic (
auto): Defaults to API Key if present, otherwise tries Vertex AI. - CLIProxyAPI: Set
CLIPROXY_BASE_URLto route requests through a local Gemini-compatible proxy (bypasses Google SDK auth).
1. API Key Authentication (Default)
Set GEMINI_API_KEY environment variable.
2. Vertex AI Authentication (Google Cloud)
Required environment variables:
NANOBANANA_AUTH_METHOD=vertex_ai(orauto)GCP_PROJECT_ID=your-project-idGCP_REGION=us-central1(default)
Prerequisites:
- Enable Vertex AI API:
gcloud services enable aiplatform.googleapis.com - Grant IAM Role:
roles/aiplatform.userto the service account.
Claude Desktop
Option 1: CLIProxyAPI (this fork)
Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"nanobanana": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["-m", "nanobanana_mcp_server.server"],
"env": {
"CLIPROXY_BASE_URL": "http://127.0.0.1:8318",
"CLIPROXY_API_KEY": "sk-your-cli-proxy-key",
"NANOBANANA_MODEL": "pro",
"NO_PROXY": "127.0.0.1,localhost"
}
}
}
}
If you are running from source, you can use
uv run python -m nanobanana_mcp_server.serverand setcwdto your local repository.
Option 2: Upstream PyPI (Gemini direct only)
{
"mcpServers": {
"nanobanana": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["nanobanana-mcp-server@latest"],
"env": {
"GEMINI_API_KEY": "your-gemini-api-key-here"
}
}
}
}
Option 3: Using Vertex AI (ADC) (Upstream only)
To authenticate with Google Cloud Application Default Credentials (instead of an API Key):
{
"mcpServers": {
"nanobanana-adc": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["nanobanana-mcp-server@latest"],
"env": {
"NANOBANANA_AUTH_METHOD": "vertex_ai",
"GCP_PROJECT_ID": "your-project-id",
"GCP_REGION": "us-central1"
}
}
}
}
Configuration file locations:
- macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json - Windows:
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
Claude Code (VS Code Extension)
Install and configure in VS Code:
-
Install the Claude Code extension
-
Open Command Palette (
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P) -
Run "Claude Code: Add MCP Server"
-
Configure:
{ "name": "nanobanana", "command": "python3", "args": ["-m", "nanobanana_mcp_server.server"], "env": { "CLIPROXY_BASE_URL": "http://127.0.0.1:8318", "CLIPROXY_API_KEY": "sk-your-cli-proxy-key", "NANOBANANA_MODEL": "pro", "NO_PROXY": "127.0.0.1,localhost" } }Upstream PyPI (Gemini direct) uses
uvx nanobanana-mcp-server@latestandGEMINI_API_KEY.
Cursor
Add to Cursor's MCP configuration:
{
"mcpServers": {
"nanobanana": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["-m", "nanobanana_mcp_server.server"],
"env": {
"CLIPROXY_BASE_URL": "http://127.0.0.1:8318",
"CLIPROXY_API_KEY": "sk-your-cli-proxy-key",
"NANOBANANA_MODEL": "pro",
"NO_PROXY": "127.0.0.1,localhost"
}
}
}
}
Upstream PyPI (Gemini direct) uses
uvx nanobanana-mcp-server@latestandGEMINI_API_KEY.
Continue.dev (VS Code/JetBrains)
Add to your config.json:
{
"mcpServers": [
{
"name": "nanobanana",
"command": "python3",
"args": ["-m", "nanobanana_mcp_server.server"],
"env": {
"CLIPROXY_BASE_URL": "http://127.0.0.1:8318",
"CLIPROXY_API_KEY": "sk-your-cli-proxy-key",
"NANOBANANA_MODEL": "pro",
"NO_PROXY": "127.0.0.1,localhost"
}
}
]
}
Upstream PyPI (Gemini direct) uses
uvx nanobanana-mcp-server@latestandGEMINI_API_KEY.
Open WebUI
Configure in Open WebUI settings:
{
"mcp_servers": {
"nanobanana": {
"command": ["python3", "-m", "nanobanana_mcp_server.server"],
"env": {
"CLIPROXY_BASE_URL": "http://127.0.0.1:8318",
"CLIPROXY_API_KEY": "sk-your-cli-proxy-key",
"NANOBANANA_MODEL": "pro",
"NO_PROXY": "127.0.0.1,localhost"
}
}
}
}
Upstream PyPI (Gemini direct) uses
["uvx", "nanobanana-mcp-server@latest"]andGEMINI_API_KEY.
Gemini CLI / Generic MCP Client
# CLIProxyAPI (this fork)
export CLIPROXY_BASE_URL="http://127.0.0.1:8318"
export CLIPROXY_API_KEY="sk-your-cli-proxy-key"
export NANOBANANA_MODEL="pro"
export NO_PROXY="127.0.0.1,localhost"
python3 -m nanobanana_mcp_server.server
# Upstream PyPI (Gemini direct)
export GEMINI_API_KEY="your-gemini-api-key-here"
uvx nanobanana-mcp-server@latest
CLIProxyAPI Mode (Gemini-Compatible Proxy) ⭐ NEW
Set the following environment variables and run as usual:
export CLIPROXY_BASE_URL="http://127.0.0.1:8318"
export CLIPROXY_API_KEY="sk-your-cli-proxy-key"
export NANOBANANA_MODEL="pro"
export NO_PROXY="127.0.0.1,localhost"
uv run python -m nanobanana_mcp_server.server
See the full guide in docs/CLIPROXYAPI.md.
🤖 Model Selection
Nano Banana supports two Gemini models with intelligent automatic selection:
🏆 Pro Model - Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3 Pro Image) ⭐ NEW!
Google's latest and most advanced image generation model
- Quality: Professional-grade, production-ready
- Resolution: Up to 4K (3840px) - highest available
- Speed: ~5-8 seconds per image
- Special Features:
- 🌐 Google Search Grounding: Leverages real-world knowledge for accurate, contextual images
- 🧠 Advanced Reasoning: Configurable thinking levels (LOW/HIGH) for complex compositions
- 📐 Media Resolution Control: Fine-tune vision processing detail (LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH/AUTO)
- 📝 Superior Text Rendering: Exceptional clarity for text-in-image generation
- 🎨 Enhanced Context Understanding: Better interpretation of complex, narrative prompts
- Best for: Production assets, marketing materials, professional photography, high-fidelity outputs, images requiring text, factual accuracy
- Cost: Higher per image (premium quality)
⚡ Flash Model (Gemini 2.5 Flash Image)
Fast, reliable model for rapid iteration
- Speed: Very fast (2-3 seconds)
- Resolution: Up to 1024px
- Quality: High quality for everyday use
- Best for: Rapid prototyping, iterations, high-volume generation, drafts, sketches
- Cost: Lower per image
🤖 Automatic Selection (Recommended)
By default, the server uses AUTO mode which intelligently analyzes your prompt and requirements:
Pro Model Selected When:
- Quality keywords detected: "4K", "professional", "production", "high-res", "HD"
- High resolution requested:
resolution="4k"orresolution="high" - Google Search grounding enabled:
enable_grounding=True - High thinking level requested:
thinking_level="HIGH" - Multi-image conditioning with multiple input images
Flash Model Selected When:
- Speed keywords detected: "quick", "draft", "sketch", "rapid"
- High-volume batch generation:
n > 2 - Standard or lower resolution requested
- No special Pro features required
Usage Examples
# Automatic selection (recommended)
"Generate a professional 4K product photo" # → Pro model (quality keywords + 4K)
"Quick sketch of a cat" # → Flash model (speed keyword)
"Create a diagram with clear text labels" # → Pro model (text rendering)
"Draft mockup for website hero section" # → Flash model (draft keyword)
# Explicit model selection
generate_image(
prompt="A scenic landscape",
model_tier="flash" # Force Flash model for speed
)
# Leverage Nano Banana Pro features
generate_image(
prompt="Professional product photo of vintage camera on wooden desk",
model_tier="pro", # Use Pro model
resolution="4k", # 4K resolution (Pro-only)
thinking_level="HIGH", # Enhanced reasoning
enable_grounding=True, # Use Google Search for accuracy
media_resolution="HIGH" # High-detail vision processing
)
# Pro model for high-quality text rendering
generate_image(
prompt="Infographic showing 2024 market statistics with clear labels",
model_tier="pro", # Pro excels at text rendering
resolution="4k" # Maximum clarity for text
)
# Control aspect ratio for different formats ⭐ NEW!
generate_image(
prompt="Cinematic landscape at sunset",
aspect_ratio="21:9" # Ultra-wide cinematic format
)
generate_image(
prompt="Instagram post about coffee",
aspect_ratio="1:1" # Square format for social media
)
generate_image(
prompt="YouTube thumbnail design",
aspect_ratio="16:9" # Standard video format
)
generate_image(
prompt="Mobile wallpaper of mountain vista",
aspect_ratio="9:16" # Portrait format for phones
)
📐 Aspect Ratio Control ⭐ NEW!
Control the output image dimensions with the aspect_ratio parameter:
Supported Aspect Ratios:
1:1- Square (Instagram, profile pictures)4:3- Classic photo format3:4- Portrait orientation16:9- Widescreen (YouTube thumbnails, presentations)9:16- Mobile portrait (phone wallpapers, stories)21:9- Ultra-wide cinematic2:3,3:2,4:5,5:4- Various photo formats
# Examples for different use cases
generate_image(
prompt="Product showcase for e-commerce",
aspect_ratio="3:4", # Portrait format, good for product pages
model_tier="pro"
)
generate_image(
prompt="Social media banner for Facebook",
aspect_ratio="16:9" # Landscape banner format
)
Note: Aspect ratio works with both Flash and Pro models. For best results with specific aspect ratios at high resolution, use the Pro model with resolution="4k".
⚙️ Environment Variables
Configuration options:
# Authentication (Required)
# Method 1: API Key
GEMINI_API_KEY=your-gemini-api-key-here
# Method 2: Vertex AI (Google Cloud)
NANOBANANA_AUTH_METHOD=vertex_ai
GCP_PROJECT_ID=your-project-id
GCP_REGION=us-central1
# Method 3: CLIProxyAPI (local OAuth/proxy)
# When CLIPROXY_BASE_URL is set, the server uses CLIProxyAPI instead of Google SDK.
CLIPROXY_BASE_URL=http://127.0.0.1:8318
# Provide API key directly or point to CLIProxyAPI config.yaml
CLIPROXY_API_KEY=sk-your-cli-proxy-key
# or:
CLIPROXY_CONFIG=/root/cliproxyapi/config.yaml
# Model Selection (optional)
NANOBANANA_MODEL=auto # Options: flash, pro, auto (default: auto)
# Optional
IMAGE_OUTPUT_DIR=/path/to/image/directory # Default: ~/nanobanana-images
LOG_LEVEL=INFO # DEBUG, INFO, WARNING, ERROR
LOG_FORMAT=standard # standard, json, detailed
CLIProxyAPI mode notes
- Uses CLIProxyAPI's Gemini-compatible
/v1beta/models/{model}:generateContent. - Gemini Files API features are not available (file_id upload / retrieval disabled).
- Local file editing (
input_image_path_*) still works.
🐛 Troubleshooting
Common Issues
"GEMINI_API_KEY not set"
- Add your API key to the MCP server configuration in your client
- Get a free API key at Google AI Studio
"Server failed to start"
- Ensure you're using the latest version:
uvx nanobanana-mcp-server@latest - Check that your client supports MCP (Claude Desktop 0.10.0+)
"Permission denied" errors
- The server creates images in
~/nanobanana-imagesby default - Ensure write permissions to your home directory
Development Setup
For local development:
# Clone repository
git clone https://github.com/ion-aluminium/nanobanana-mcp-cliproxyapi.git
cd nanobanana-mcp-cliproxyapi
# Install with uv
uv sync
# Set environment
export GEMINI_API_KEY=your-api-key-here
# Run locally
uv run python -m nanobanana_mcp_server.server
📄 License
MIT License - see LICENSE for details.
🆘 Support
- Issues: GitHub Issues
- Discussions: GitHub Discussions
- Upstream: zhongweili/nanobanana-mcp-server