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# How to Use Seedream 5.0 in Claude Code and Cursor?

Makernice Team · 2026-11-11 · Updated 2026-11-12

Prices as of November 12, 2026 (price list v15).

## Key takeaways

-   Seedream 5.0, ByteDance's image model, can be called from Cursor and Claude Code through the Makernice MCP server.
-   Seedream 5.0 has a single output tier, priced as 2k, so its requests carry no resolution field.
-   Edits with Seedream 5.0 accept up to 14 reference images, and the price per edited image stays the same however many you attach.
-   Reference images have to be public https links to JPEG or PNG files.

Ask an AI assistant about this page[Ask ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/?q=Read+https%3A%2F%2Fmakernice.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-use-seedream-5-0-in-claude-code-and-cursor%2F+and+summarize+what+it+says+about+How+to+Use+Seedream+5.0+in+Claude+Code+and+Cursor%3F.+Quote+the+page+for+prices+and+limits.)[Ask Claude](https://claude.ai/new?q=Read+https%3A%2F%2Fmakernice.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-use-seedream-5-0-in-claude-code-and-cursor%2F+and+summarize+what+it+says+about+How+to+Use+Seedream+5.0+in+Claude+Code+and+Cursor%3F.+Quote+the+page+for+prices+and+limits.)[Ask Perplexity](https://www.perplexity.ai/search?q=Read+https%3A%2F%2Fmakernice.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-use-seedream-5-0-in-claude-code-and-cursor%2F+and+summarize+what+it+says+about+How+to+Use+Seedream+5.0+in+Claude+Code+and+Cursor%3F.+Quote+the+page+for+prices+and+limits.)

Seedream 5.0 works from Cursor and Claude Code once the Makernice MCP server is connected; the agent quotes each image with `estimate_cost` and starts it with `generate` after you agree. At price list v15 (November 12, 2026) a Seedream 5.0 image is $0.0336 from text and $0.0336 as an edit.

## What do you install in Claude Code or Cursor?

Seedream 5.0 needs nothing installed besides the Makernice server entry. Cursor users open the [Cursor page](https://makernice.com/mcp/connect/cursor/), click Add to Cursor (or copy its `~/.cursor/mcp.json` block), then sign in next to makernice in the MCP settings. Claude Code users take the `claude mcp add --transport http --scope user makernice` command from the [Claude Code page](https://makernice.com/mcp/connect/claude-code/), run it, and sign in through `/mcp` the next time Claude Code starts.

The connection is authorized with its own per-job limit, and you can add a daily limit. `get_balance` returns both along with `available_usd`, which is useful when you plan to let the agent produce a series of images.

## Seedream 5.0 without an editor: Claude and ChatGPT connectors

If you would rather ask for Seedream 5.0 in a chat window than in an IDE, Claude and ChatGPT can reach the same Makernice tools. Claude takes the server as a custom connector ([how to add it](https://makernice.com/mcp/connect/claude/)). ChatGPT on the web takes it as a custom MCP server with OAuth sign-in, on plans or workspaces that permit those, and points at its own server address ([how to add it](https://makernice.com/mcp/connect/chatgpt/)); that version leaves out `get_topup_link`. Nothing else changes for Seedream 5.0: the assistant gets a quote from `estimate_cost`, which does not reserve the amount, passes the figure you approve to `generate` as `max_cost_usd`, and fetches the finished image with `check_job`.

## How does a Seedream 5.0 request go from prompt to file?

A Seedream 5.0 request goes through three tool calls: `estimate_cost` for the price, `generate` once you approve it, and `check_job` to collect the file. Here is the exchange in Cursor for a four-photo edit:

**You:** Take these four sneaker photos and make one square flat-lay collage on concrete. Price first, please.

**Cursor** prepares an edit with all four links and asks for a quote:

```
{
  "name": "estimate_cost",
  "arguments": {
    "input": {
      "model": "seedream-5.0",
      "mode": "i2i",
      "prompt": "Combine the four sneaker photos into one flat-lay collage on a pale concrete floor, evenly spaced, top-down view, matching shadows",
      "reference_images": [
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-red.jpg",
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-white.jpg",
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-black.jpg",
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-green.jpg"
      ],
      "aspect_ratio": "1:1"
    }
  }
}
```

**Cursor:** That edit is $0.0336 for one image on price list v15. No job has been created. Shall I run it?

**You:** Run it.

```
{
  "name": "generate",
  "arguments": {
    "input": {
      "model": "seedream-5.0",
      "mode": "i2i",
      "prompt": "Combine the four sneaker photos into one flat-lay collage on a pale concrete floor, evenly spaced, top-down view, matching shadows",
      "reference_images": [
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-red.jpg",
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-white.jpg",
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-black.jpg",
        "https://example.com/drops/sneaker-green.jpg"
      ],
      "aspect_ratio": "1:1"
    },
    "max_cost_usd": "0.0336",
    "request_id": "sneaker-collage-square-a"
  }
}
```

Makernice re-prices the input when `generate` is called. Above `max_cost_usd` or the connection's per-job limit, the call is refused and nothing is created; at or below, the job starts and is charged that quote. Repeating the call with the same `request_id` and input returns the existing job, and changing the input under an old id is refused, so retries can't double-charge.

To collect the image, Cursor calls `check_job` with `job_id` and a `wait_s` of up to 55 seconds. The file link in `outputs[0].url` is signed and valid for 24 hours, and calling `check_job` later issues a new one. `console_url` opens the same run in the Makernice console, and a configured account [webhook](https://makernice.com/docs/#webhooks) is notified for MCP jobs too.

## Why doesn't Seedream 5.0 ask for a resolution?

Seedream 5.0 has one output size on Makernice, priced at the 2k rate, so there is no tier to choose and the request leaves `resolution` out. What you can set is the shape: 1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16, 2:3, 3:2, 21:9. Wide formats are a good fit for banners; here is the agent quoting a 21:9 header image from text:

```
{
  "name": "estimate_cost",
  "arguments": {
    "input": {
      "model": "seedream-5.0",
      "mode": "t2i",
      "prompt": "Wide banner of a city skyline at blue hour reflected in a calm harbor, minimal composition, space on the left for a headline",
      "aspect_ratio": "21:9"
    }
  }
}
```

If you need to pick between 1k and 2k, Seedream 5.0 Pro and Seedream 5.5 take a `resolution` field. Specifications for this model, including the reference image size rules, are on the [Seedream 5.0 model page](https://makernice.com/models/seedream-5-0/).

## How many reference images can a Seedream 5.0 edit take?

A Seedream 5.0 edit takes up to 14 reference images, and the four rules below cover what those images must be and how they affect the price.

-   Up to 14 links in `reference_images`, each a public https JPEG or PNG of up to 10 MB.
-   The per-image edit price doesn't change with the number of references, so a collage of many photos is priced like a single-photo edit.
-   Local files, data URLs and links that need a login won't work; upload the photos to public storage first.
-   Edits take the same aspect ratios as text-to-image.

## Which refusals matter when an agent makes many Seedream 5.0 images?

Agents often loop through a list of images, and each `generate` is a separate job. Makernice answers a refused call with readable text and creates nothing. The first column gives the refusal's name in the server code, the second the beginning of the text returned.

| Refusal | What the tool returns | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `concurrency_limit_reached` | "Too many jobs are running for this account right now." | Have the agent wait for running jobs with `check_job` before it starts the next image |
| `daily_spend_limit_reached` | "This connection has reached its daily spend limit." | The limit resets at 00:00 UTC; raise it for this connection if the batch is planned |
| `request_id_conflict` | "This request\_id was already used with different parameters." | Give every image in a loop its own id |
| `invalid_request` | "Invalid parameters" | The text names the field, for example more than 14 references; fix it and estimate again |
| `insufficient_balance` | "Insufficient balance for this job. Nothing was charged." | Top up and resend the same request |

When a job fails after it starts, for example because a reference image is rejected by moderation, `check_job` shows `status` failed and an `error` object, `billing` turns to released and the hold is returned. Images blocked by output moderation after they are made are still charged; see [failed generations](https://makernice.com/pricing/failed-generations/).

## Frequently asked questions

#### Is there a free way to use the Seedream 5.0 API on Makernice?

No. Makernice has no free credits or free tier for Seedream 5.0 or any other model. estimate\_cost returns a price without creating a job or charging your balance, so you can check the cost of an image before you top up.

#### Does Seedream 5.0 charge more for an edit with many reference images?

No. A Seedream 5.0 edit is priced per output image, whether you attach one reference or 14.

#### Can I ask Seedream 5.0 for a 2k or 1k image from Claude Code?

No. Seedream 5.0 has a single output tier, so the request has no resolution field; use Seedream 5.0 Pro or Seedream 5.5 to choose a size.

#### Can Seedream 5.0 make ultra-wide banners?

Yes. 21:9 is among its aspect ratios, for text-to-image and for edits.

#### Will WebP reference images work with Seedream 5.0?

No. Send JPEG or PNG files as public https links.

## Models in this post

Image

### Seedream 5.0

\-4%

Blend up to 14 reference images into one: Seedream 5.0 is built for character sheets, collages and style fusion, priced as a single 2K tier.

By ByteDanceFrom $0.0336/img

https://makernice.com/models/seedream-5-0/