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A generation, step by step

  1. Pick a model. The assistant calls search_models to compare models, modes and prices, then get_model for the exact fields and allowed values of the mode it picks.
  2. Generate. It calls generate_media with the model, the mode and its input. Argil checks the input against that model’s rules first: a wrong value comes back named, with what is allowed, and nothing is spent.
  3. Wait. A call answers within about 40 seconds.
    • Images are usually done by then: the answer has the result.
    • Videos take minutes. The answer says processing and how long that model usually takes; the assistant checks again with get_generation, which waits up to 40 seconds per call, until the video is ready.
  4. Get the result. A finished generation gives the file’s URL, which never expires, a small preview the assistant can look at, its asset id, and what was charged. Every output is also in your Argil library and playground.
A generation keeps running even if the conversation stops. Ask “check on my last video” later instead of asking again: a new request starts, and bills, a new generation.
To iterate, reuse a result: “now make it move” passes the image as the first frame of a video; “same character, new scene” passes the character as a reference.

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Your files

Anything a model takes as an image, a video or an audio (a first frame, a reference, an audio to lip-sync) can be: You never write these yourself: say “use my latest upload”, “this photo” or “my character Mia”, and the assistant finds the id.
  • Elements carry labelled reference images called plates (front, profile, hero…). Without plate, an element brings all of them.
  • Voices and avatars come from list_voices and list_avatars: a speech model or Argil Atom takes a voice as {"id": "…"}, and an avatar is passed as its image.
  • Naming references in the prompt. References are numbered in the order given. To say which is which, use the wording the model expects, given in its prompt field (get_model shows it).
  • Limits: a URL must be public; an upload can be up to 2 GB. A file still processing when a generation starts is waited for, up to 60 seconds.

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Credits

Generations spend your workspace’s credits, at the same prices as in the app. Everything else (models, library, estimates) is free.
  • Prices are on each model page, and in search_models and get_model. Ask “how much would it cost?” and the assistant calls estimate_generation, which prices the exact request and says whether your balance covers it.
  • A ceiling per generation. “At most 30 credits” becomes max_credits: a generation above it is refused before anything is spent, with its price.
  • Retries never pay twice. With an idempotency_key, a retried call returns the generation already started.
  • Failures are refunded. Credits are reserved when a generation starts and come back if it fails. Some modes are priced on what the model actually produced: the reserve is adjusted at the end and the difference refunded.
  • Short balance. The assistant says how many credits are needed. Credits are bought in the Argil app, not through the assistant.