Most AI image generation tools charge monthly subscriptions with strict usage limits. Gumix takes a different approach with BYOK (Bring Your Own Key), letting you use your own API key for unlimited generation at wholesale prices.
What is BYOK?
BYOK stands for "Bring Your Own Key." Instead of paying Gumix for AI generation credits, you get an API key directly from Google (the provider of Gemini 3 Pro Image) and use that key in Gumix.
Think of it like bringing your own food to a restaurant that provides the dining experience, ambiance, and service. You get the full Gumix experience while paying Google directly for the AI generation.
Why BYOK is Better
1. No Markup
Most AI tools charge $20-50/month for a limited number of generations. They buy API access at wholesale prices and sell it to you at a markup. With BYOK, you pay Google's actual prices with no middleman.
2. Pay for What You Use
No more losing credits at the end of the month. Generate 10 images or 10,000 - you only pay for what you actually use.
3. No Artificial Limits
Subscription models often throttle heavy users or impose daily limits. With BYOK, there are no arbitrary restrictions on your creativity.
4. Transparency
You can see exactly what you're spending in Google's billing dashboard. No surprise charges or hidden fees.
Getting Your API Key
Getting a Gemini API key is straightforward:
- Visit Google AI Studio (aistudio.google.com)
- Sign in with your Google account
- Click "Get API Key"
- Create a new API key
- Copy the key and paste it into Gumix
Google offers a free tier with limited usage, perfect for trying out Gumix before committing to paid generation.
How Much Does It Cost?
Gemini 3 Pro Image pricing is competitive. For most users, heavy AI generation costs just a few dollars per month. Compare this to $20-50 monthly subscriptions from other tools.
To give you an idea:
- Light use (50-100 images/month): ~$1-2
- Medium use (500 images/month): ~$5-10
- Heavy use (2000+ images/month): ~$20-40
These are approximate costs and may vary based on image resolution and API pricing changes.
Is My API Key Secure?
Absolutely. Your API key is stored locally on your computer using Electron's secure storage API. It's encrypted and never sent to Gumix servers. API calls go directly from your computer to Google.
This also means your image data never passes through our servers. Everything is processed directly between you and Google.
When to Upgrade to Pro
While BYOK gives you unlimited generation for free, Gumix's paid plans offer additional features:
- Cloud Sync: Access your projects from any device
- Batch Operations: Process multiple images at once
- Advanced Tools: Extended editing capabilities
- Priority Support: Get help when you need it
If you need these features, Pro and Team plans provide great value. But if basic generation and local storage meet your needs, BYOK lets you use Gumix completely free.
Get Started Today
Download Gumix, create your free Google AI API key, and start generating. No credit card required, no subscription to cancel, just pure AI-powered creativity.