CogView-4

CogView-4 is the fourth generation of the generative image model developed by Zhipu AI. The model is based on a transformer architecture, which allows it to efficiently process complex requests and create detailed visual materials. The tool was officially presented to the public on March 4, 2025.

This neural network is positioned as a universal solution for working with images: it can not only generate new pictures from scratch, but also edit existing ones. The model supports creating images in high resolution up to 1536x1536 pixels, which opens up wide opportunities for professional use.

Access to the tool is organized through the BigModel platform, which is the official distribution channel for Zhipu AI solutions. This makes the model accessible to developers and integrators who want to incorporate image generation capabilities into their products.

CogView-4 Specifications

Specification	Value
Release date	March 4, 2025
Architecture	Transformer
Maximum resolution	1536x1536
Supported resolutions	1024x1024, 1536x1024, 1024x1536
License	Proprietary
Capabilities	Generation, Editing, Retouching, Outpainting
Access platform	BigModel

Who is CogView-4 suitable for?

Designers and illustrators

Professionals in graphic design can use the model to quickly create sketches, find visual solutions, and prepare materials for presentations. The ability to work with multiple resolutions allows images to be adapted for various media.

Developers and integrators

Thanks to availability through the BigModel platform, the model is suitable for developers creating applications with content generation features. Integrating CogView-4 capabilities allows adding image creation and processing functions to third-party services.

Content creators and marketers

Content specialists can use the neural network to generate illustrations for articles, social media posts, and advertising materials. The retouching and outpainting capabilities help adapt visual content to different publication formats.

How to use CogView-4?

Working through the BigModel platform

The main way to interact with the model is the BigModel platform from Zhipu AI. The user needs to create a request with a description of the desired image, and the model will generate a result based on the text prompt.

Choosing generation parameters

Before creating an image, you can select the optimal resolution from the available options: 1024x1024, 1536x1024, or 1024x1536. This allows you to determine the format of the future image in advance for specific tasks.

Usage scenarios

To generate a new image, only a text description is needed. For working with existing files, editing, retouching, and outpainting modes are available, which allow you to improve quality, change details, or expand the image area.

Key Features of CogView-4

Image generation

The model creates new images based on text descriptions, transforming user requests into high-resolution visual images.

Editing and modification

CogView-4 allows making changes to existing images. Users can modify individual elements, change the composition, or the style of the picture.

Retouching

The retouching function improves image quality: removing defects, increasing sharpness, and correcting visual flaws.

Image outpainting

The model supports an outpainting function that allows expanding the image area beyond its original boundaries, adding new elements in continuation of the existing scene.

Advantages of CogView-4

• High resolution. Support for 1536x1536 pixels allows obtaining detailed images suitable for high-quality printing and professional use.
• Full image workflow. The ability to generate, edit, retouch, and outpaint makes the model a universal tool for working with visual content.
• Modern architecture. The model is built on a modern transformer architecture, ensuring high-quality generation results.
• Official access platform. Distribution through BigModel guarantees stable operation and feature updates.

Disadvantages of CogView-4

• Proprietary license. The model is distributed under a proprietary license, which limits the possibilities for self-deployment and modification.
• Limited set of resolutions. Only three resolution options are supported, which may not cover all the needs of users working with non-standard formats.
• Lack of open documentation. Information about the model's internal algorithms and training methods is limited, which can complicate deep technical integration.

What tasks does CogView-4 solve?

Creating visual content

The model effectively solves the task of generating images from scratch. This is in demand when creating illustrations, concept art, advertising banners, and other visual materials.

Processing existing files

CogView-4 performs image editing and retouching, which is necessary for preparing photos for publication, updating outdated materials, and improving graphics quality.

Image scaling

The outpainting function allows increasing the area of the original image, which is useful when adapting content to other proportions or creating panoramic views.

Automating creative processes

The model's capabilities allow automating routine tasks of creating and processing images, reducing the time needed to prepare visual content.

CogView-4 Pricing

Information about the cost of using the CogView-4 model is not disclosed in available sources. Exact pricing for working with the neural network should be clarified directly on the official BigModel platform, through which the tool is distributed. The cost may depend on the volume of generations, the selected features, and Zhipu AI's pricing policy for service users.

CogView-4 Terms of Use

The model is distributed under a proprietary license, which means ownership rights remain with Zhipu AI. Access to the tool is provided through the BigModel platform, which likely establishes its own rules for using the service. Users should review the terms of service on the platform before starting to work with the model, and also consider restrictions related to the commercial use of generated content.

CogView-4 Availability

CogView-4 is available through the BigModel platform, which is the official distribution channel for Zhipu AI solutions. The tool was released on March 4, 2025, and is likely available to users in various regions; however, exact geographical availability restrictions are not specified. The level of access for new users, as well as the procedure for obtaining access to the platform, should be clarified on the official BigModel resource.

How CogView-4 differs from alternatives

CogView-4 from Zhipu AI stands out among competing image processing models. Among the main analogues of the tool are Gemini 3 Pro Image (Nano Banana Pro), GPT Image 1.5, GLM-Image, and GPT Image 1.

The main difference of CogView-4 is the combination of the generation function with full-fledged image editing, retouching, and outpainting capabilities. This approach makes the model a comprehensive tool capable of covering all basic image-related tasks within a single service.

Another distinguishing feature is the model's origin — CogView-4 is the result of the work of the Chinese company Zhipu AI, which may be of interest to users focused on the diversity of AI tool sources. The model is built on a transformer architecture, which places it on par with modern global analogues in terms of technological level.

The maximum resolution of 1536x1536 pixels can also be considered a competitive advantage; however, the final choice between CogView-4 and its analogues will depend on the user's specific tasks, generation quality in certain domains, and licensing terms.

Conclusion

CogView-4 from Zhipu AI is a functional image generation model that combines the ability to create new pictures and comprehensively process existing ones. The tool, released in March 2025, uses a modern transformer architecture and is available through the official BigModel platform. The model is aimed at users who need a full-cycle solution for working with visual content, from generation to final refinement of high-resolution images. Despite limitations related to the proprietary license and the limited set of supported resolutions, CogView-4 demonstrates a strong position among modern generative AI tools.