Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Nano Banana in Gemini for Beginners

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you may have seen those viral 3D figurine-style selfies and wondered: how are people making these? The answer is Google Nano Banana, an AI-powered image editing tool built into the Gemini app.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use Nano Banana in Gemini step by step. Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with AI or a content creator looking to spice up your visuals, this tutorial will help you get started with confidence.

Step 1: Accessing Nano Banana in Gemini

To get started:

  1. Download the Gemini app from Google Play or App Store.
  2. Sign in with your Google account.
  3. Tap the “Image” tab and select Nano Banana (Gemini 2.5 Flash Image).

💡 Pro Tip: Nano Banana is gradually rolling out. If you don’t see it yet, keep your app updated for the latest release.

Step 2: Uploading Your Photo

  • Tap Upload Image and choose a clear photo.
  • Supported formats: JPG, PNG.
  • For best results, start with a high-resolution photo of your face or object.

Step 3: Writing Your Prompt

This is where Nano Banana shines. You simply describe what you want in plain English:

  • “Turn this picture into a clay figurine.”
  • “Blend my selfie with a galaxy background.”
  • “Make it look like a snowy winter scene.”

👉 Keep prompts short and specific. For example, saying “make this photo retro 90s style” is clearer than “make it look old.”

For inspiration, check out this list of Nano Banana prompt ideas on Tom’s Guide.

Step 4: Reviewing and Refining Results

  • Nano Banana will generate multiple image variations in seconds.
  • Pick your favorite edit.
  • If the result isn’t perfect, refine your prompt and try again.
  • You can do multi-turn edits—each new request builds on the previous image.

Step 5: Download and Share

  • Tap Download to save your final image.
  • Images include Google’s SynthID watermark, which is invisible but detectable.
  • Share your creations on social platforms or use them for your personal projects.

Pro Tips for Beginners

  1. Stay consistent – If editing multiple photos of yourself, add “keep my face the same” in prompts.
  2. Experiment with blends – Upload two images and merge them (e.g., yourself with a city skyline).
  3. Ride the trends – Try the figurine, anime, or vintage edits that have gone viral.
  4. Keep prompts natural – Nano Banana understands conversational language, no need for complex instructions.

For Google’s own breakdown of how Gemini handles prompts, see their official blog post.

Why Nano Banana Is Different

Compared to other AI image editing tools like MidJourney or DALL·E, Nano Banana is:

  • Beginner-friendly – no technical skills required.
  • Fast and lightweight – powered by Gemini 2.5 Flash.
  • Reliable – keeps subject consistency (your face or pet stays recognizable).
  • Safe – all images carry AI watermarks for transparency.

For a full technical overview, check the Gemini Image Generation guide.
 

FAQs About Google Nano Banana

❓ What is Google Nano Banana?

Nano Banana is Google’s AI image editing tool inside the Gemini app, officially known as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image. It allows users to edit and blend photos using text prompts.

❓ Is Nano Banana free to use?

Yes, Nano Banana is free within the Gemini app, although advanced features may eventually be bundled into Gemini’s premium subscription.

❓ Can I remove the watermark from Nano Banana images?

No, all images generated carry Google’s SynthID watermark for transparency. It’s invisible to the eye but detectable digitally.

❓ What makes Nano Banana popular?

The 3D figurine trend made it go viral. Millions of people are using it to create toy-like edits of themselves, pets, and characters.

 

Conclusion

Google’s Nano Banana tool inside Gemini makes AI photo editing easy for beginners. With just a few words, you can transform a selfie, merge images, or create artistic effects that look polished and professional.

If you’re new to AI tools, this step-by-step guide is the best way to start experimenting. The more specific your prompts, the better your edits will be—so dive in, get creative, and see where Nano Banana takes your imagination.