> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.imagine.art/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Seedream v5 lite
IMAGE MODEL by ByteDance Deep thinking

Seedream v5 Lite

ByteDance's fastest Seedream model — generates in 3–5 seconds with deep thinking reasoning and real-time web search grounding. A compressed version of Seedream 5.0 that infers intent intelligently from short or vague prompts, making it the fastest way to explore creative directions before committing to production quality in v4.5.

Generation speed
3–5 seconds
Resolution
Up to 4K
Reasoning
Chain-of-thought
Released
February 2026
B6bc828d05ad11f19e281ec899fb5ef5~tplv D77oumduh0 Watermark Ai ## Fast generation, intelligent interpretation Seedream v5 Lite introduces something new to the Seedream family: **deep thinking** — a multi-step chain-of-thought reasoning capability that infers creative intent from short, abstract, or ambiguous prompts like a human designer would. Combined with optional **real-time web search**, the model can ground generations in current information, trending subjects, and real-world accuracy. At 3–5 seconds per image, it's the fastest way to explore the full creative space before committing to Seedream v4.5 for the final production output. B6c0528c05ad11f19e281ec899fb5ef5~tplv D77oumduh0 Watermark Ai ## Capabilities Toggle-able internet access grounds generations in current information, trending products, and real-world subjects without detailed descriptions. Generates from 1440px to 4096px on any axis — supports standard and custom aspect ratios for web, social, and intermediate-quality print work. Handles logic puzzles, assembly sequences, and information visualizations — the reasoning capability enables outputs that require step-by-step compositional thinking. B6c7a8c405ad11f19e281ec899fb5ef5~tplv D77oumduh0 Watermark Ai ## Specifications | Feature | Details | | -------------------- | ----------------------------- | | **Base model** | Compressed Seedream 5.0 | | **Resolution** | 1440px–4096px (any axis) | | **Generation speed** | 3–5 seconds | | **Reasoning** | Chain-of-thought (multi-step) | | **Web search** | Yes (toggle-able) | | **Speed vs. v4.5** | 2–4× faster | | **Released** | February 13, 2026 | B6b55a2805ad11f19e281ec899fb5ef5~tplv D77oumduh0 Watermark Ai ## How to use Go to the **ImagineArt AI Image Generator**. From the model dropdown, choose **Seedream v5 Lite**. Short, directional prompts work well — the deep thinking capability will expand them intelligently. Enable web search for prompts involving current subjects or real-world references. At 3–5 seconds per image, generate multiple variations to explore your creative direction. The cost is low enough to generate at volume. Once you've locked a composition and style, run the same prompt on [Seedream v4.5](/ai-models/image/seedream-v4-5) for the production-quality deliverable.
Seedream v5 Lite example Seedream v5 Lite example Seedream v5 Lite example
## Prompting tips * **Short prompts are fine** — The reasoning capability handles vague inputs. "A campaign hero shot for a premium running shoe, energetic, outdoors" will be interpreted and expanded automatically. * **Enable web search for branded work** — For prompts referencing specific products, events, or current subjects, web search grounding produces more accurate results. * **Use it before v4.5** — The standard workflow: iterate on v5 Lite to nail composition and style, then generate the final on v4.5. ### Example prompts > A startup pitch deck hero image: ambitious, forward-looking, modern, technology theme. > Product launch visual for a new wireless earbud — minimal, white background, premium feel. ## Compare models | Model | Speed | Text rendering | Best for | | ----------------------------------------------- | -------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------- | | **Seedream v5 Lite** | 3–5s | Good (titles) | Rapid iteration, exploration | | [Seedream v4.5](/ai-models/image/seedream-v4-5) | 8–14s | Excellent (dense) | Production deliverables | | [Seedream v4](/ai-models/image/seedream-4) | Moderate | Good | Standard commercial | Seedream v5 Lite is designed to be your first step, not your last. Use it to explore. Use [Seedream v4.5](/ai-models/image/seedream-v4-5) to deliver.