1K vs 2K vs 4K: Choosing the Right Resolution for Your AI Images
Resolution Basics: What Do 1K, 2K, and 4K Actually Mean?
In AI image generation, resolution refers to the pixel density of your output. Higher resolution means more detail, sharper edges, and larger file sizes — but also longer generation times.
Here's a quick reference:
| Resolution | Approx. Pixel Width | Best Use Case | Avg. Generation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1K | ~1024px | Social media, web, rapid prototyping | ~5–8 seconds |
| 2K | ~2048px | Presentations, digital advertising | ~10–15 seconds |
| 4K | ~4096px | Print, large-format display, commercial | ~20–30 seconds |
When to Choose 1K
Use 1K when:
- You're iterating on a concept and speed matters
- The image will be displayed on mobile screens or in small web components
- You need to generate a large number of variations quickly
- File size is a concern (storage, bandwidth)
1K images are perfect for social media thumbnails, blog headers, app icons, and any context where sub-1080p display is acceptable.
When to Choose 2K
Use 2K when:
- The image will be displayed on high-DPI (Retina) screens
- You're creating assets for presentations, pitch decks, or digital marketing
- You want a balance between quality and generation speed
2K hits a sweet spot for most professional digital use cases — crisp enough to look polished, fast enough to keep creative momentum going.
When to Choose 4K
Use 4K when:
- The image will be printed — on anything from business cards to billboards
- You need to crop or zoom into a specific region without losing clarity
- The output is for high-end commercial use: product packaging, editorial photography
- You're working on a hero banner for a large-screen website
4K output from Nano Banana 2 is AI-sharpened at the pixel level, meaning it retains fine texture and detail that lower resolutions would blur or compress.
Pro Tip: Start Low, Upscale for Finals
A workflow many professional creators use: generate rapid 1K variations to explore creative directions, then re-run your favorite with 4K settings for the final deliverable. This approach balances speed with quality — you're not wasting 4K processing time on concepts you'll discard.
File Size Expectations
- 1K JPG: ~150–400KB
- 2K JPG: ~500KB–1.2MB
- 4K JPG: ~2–5MB
If you're hosting images on a web platform, consider using JPG format for 1K/2K and reserving PNG for cases where you need transparency.