Outpainting

Action ID: outpainting

Description

Expand an image beyond its original boundaries using AI-generated content. This node extends images in specified directions (vertical or horizontal) by intelligently generating new content that matches the original image's style and composition.

Provider

PixelML

Connection

Name	Description	Required	Category
PixelML Connection	The PixelML connection to call PixelML API.	✓	pixel_ml

Input Parameters

Name	Type	Required	Default	Description
image_url	string	✓	-	URL of the image to extend. Supported formats: PNG, JPEG, JPG, WEBP
direction	enum	-	vertical	Direction to expand the image (vertical or horizontal)

View JSON Schema

{
  "description": "Outpainting node input.",
  "properties": {
    "image_url": {
      "description": "URL of the image to extend",
      "title": "Image url",
      "type": "string",
      "json_schema_extra": {}
    },
    "direction": {
      "default": "vertical",
      "description": "Direction to expand the image",
      "enum": [
        "vertical",
        "horizontal"
      ],
      "title": "Direction to expand",
      "type": "string",
      "json_schema_extra": {}
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "image_url"
  ],
  "title": "OutpaintingNodeInput",
  "type": "object"
}

Output Parameters

Name	Type	Description
images	array	List of URLs of the outpainted images with extended boundaries

View JSON Schema

{
  "description": "Outpainting node output.",
  "properties": {
    "images": {
      "description": "List of outpainted images",
      "title": "Image output",
      "type": "array",
      "items": {
        "type": "string",
        "json_schema_extra": {}
      }
    }
  },
  "required": [
    "images"
  ],
  "title": "OutpaintingNodeOutput",
  "type": "object"
}

How It Works

This node extends your image canvas by intelligently generating new content using PixelML's AI algorithms. The service analyzes the original image content, composition, colors, and artistic elements, then generates additional pixels in the specified direction. For vertical expansion, content is added above and/or below the original image. For horizontal expansion, content is added to the left and/or right. The AI maintains visual consistency, style matching, and compositional balance with the original image.

Usage Examples

Example 1: Vertical Expansion of Landscape

Input:

image_url: "https://images.example.com/landscape.jpg"
direction: "vertical"

Output:

images: [
  "https://pixelml-output.example.com/landscape_expanded_v_12345.png"
]
(Image expanded vertically with additional sky and foreground)

Example 2: Horizontal Expansion of Portrait

Input:

image_url: "https://storage.example.com/portrait.jpg"
direction: "horizontal"

Output:

images: [
  "https://pixelml-output.example.com/portrait_expanded_h_67890.png"
]
(Image expanded horizontally for wider composition)

Example 3: Expand Still Life Photo

Input:

image_url: "https://cdn.example.com/still_life.webp"
direction: "vertical"

Output:

images: [
  "https://pixelml-output.example.com/still_life_expanded_11111.png",
  "https://pixelml-output.example.com/still_life_expanded_var2_22222.png"
]
(Multiple variations of vertically expanded composition)

Common Use Cases

• Social Media Optimization: Extend images to fit different platform aspect ratios

• Canvas Expansion: Add space around subjects for better composition

• Poster Design: Extend artwork for printing at different sizes

• Website Headers: Create wider banner images from portrait originals

• Video Backgrounds: Expand images to fill screen dimensions

• Photo Restoration: Fill missing edges of damaged vintage photos

• Artistic Creation: Generate creative extensions of existing artwork

Error Handling

Error Type	Cause	Solution
Invalid Image URL	Image URL is malformed or inaccessible	Verify the URL is valid and the image is publicly accessible
Unsupported Format	Image format is not PNG, JPEG, JPG, or WEBP	Convert the image to a supported format
Corrupted Image	Image file is corrupted or incomplete	Try with a different or fresh copy of the image
Invalid Direction	Direction value is not "vertical" or "horizontal"	Use only vertical or horizontal for the direction parameter
Complex Content	Image has overly complex or abstract content	Simpler, more recognizable content produces better results
Insufficient Context	Image is too small for meaningful expansion	Use larger source images for better outpainting results
PixelML Service Error	PixelML API is unavailable or returning errors	Check your PixelML connection and try again later
Authentication Error	Invalid or expired PixelML credentials	Verify your PixelML connection configuration
Timeout Error	Request took too long to process	Try with a smaller image or simpler content

Notes

• Supported Formats: PNG, JPEG, JPG, and WEBP images are supported

• Expansion Amount: The expansion amount is determined by PixelML's algorithm based on image dimensions

• Multiple Outputs: The node may return multiple variations for selection

• Content Generation: AI generates new content matching the original image's style

• Aspect Ratio Change: Expansion changes the original aspect ratio; plan accordingly

• Processing Time: Outpainting operations may take time depending on image size

• Best Results: Works best with clear subjects, recognizable scenes, or artistic images

• Output Format: Results are typically returned as PNG URLs