Need an image? Just ask Dot.
There are a few different ways to generate an image in SchoolAI:
Ask Dot directly in chat
Use PowerUps (Image Generator, Document Builder, or Presentation Creator)
Generate a Space cover image when creating a Space
Before diving in, it's worth knowing that AI image generation works best for illustrations, artwork, classroom posters, and conceptual visuals — while AI image generation is improving, it's not always well-suited for images requiring precise text, data, or structure, like crossword puzzles, graphs, or labeled diagrams.
For data-heavy visuals like charts and diagrams, if you aren’t getting the image you want from Dot, consider asking your Digital Literacy Coach for other recommended image tools.
Ask Dot directly in chat
The fastest option — no PowerUps or menus required. Just describe what kind of image you want and Dot generates it on the spot. Best for quick, one-off visuals you can download and use anywhere.
Start a New chat with Dot
Describe the image you want — the more specific, the better
Dot generates and displays the image in chat
Request adjustments and Dot will regenerate until you're happy
Click Export to download the image as a JPEG or PNG file, or click Copy
Tips for better results: "A colorful diagram of the water cycle with labels for evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection" will get you a much better result than "water cycle picture." Dot may also suggest helpful follow-up tasks after generating — like "Build a worksheet with image prompts" or "Draft quiz questions about ancient Egypt."
Using PowerUps to generate images
Click “PowerUps” under the prompt bar of your Dot chat to choose a PowerUp. The Image Generator, Document Builder, and Presentation Creator PowerUps can all produce images — but each works a little differently.
Image Generator works much like asking Dot in chat, but gives you a dedicated workspace for generating and refining visuals. Describe what you want, iterate until you're happy, and download the result.
Presentation Creator is the most seamless option if you need images and text together in a presentation format. Just specify what visuals you want on each slide, and Dot will build the deck with images already embedded. Export the presentation you created as PDF, HTML, or save a PDF to your Google Drive.
Document Builder can generate a document and include embedded images, if explicitly requested. You can try a prompt like: "Create a worksheet about plant cells. Create an image of a cell with the parts of the cell labeled, and add the image directly to the document.”
Unless otherwise specified, document builder will default to generating text-based content that you can export in markdown format and won't automatically embed images. That said — if you explicitly ask Dot to generate images and embed them directly into the document before exporting as a PDF, it will. It just won't do it on its own. So if you need a single exportable file with both text and visuals, try something like: "Create a worksheet about plant cells, include a labeled cell diagram, and add the image directly to the document."
Some other options for adding images to your documents include:
Generate images separately via Dot, download them, and insert into your document in Google Docs or Word
If the image you want to use is hosted online, use a markdown image reference ()
Switch to the Presentation PowerUp instead, which has full visual support built in
Students generating images in Spaces
Teachers can include the Image Generator PowerUp as part of a Space, giving students the ability to generate images directly within a structured activity — no need to leave the platform or use external tools.
When the Image Generator PowerUp is available in a Space, students simply describe what they want and Dot generates it. It's well-suited for visual storytelling, illustrating concepts, or creating materials for projects and assignments.
As the teacher, you set the context and guardrails — students generate images within the parameters you've defined for the Space. You can also monitor what students are creating through Mission Control.
Generate a cover image for a Space
Every Space can have a custom cover image, generated automatically when you create the Space or customized at any time.
When you click “Create a Space” SchoolAI automatically generates a cover image based on your Space title.
Click “Edit image” to open the image editor.
Choose a style and update the prompt under "What should the image show?" – then click “Generate an image.”
Alternatively, drag and drop your own image or select a file from your computer.
