vlm-image-helper

# VLM Image Helper Treat this skill as a visual aid for the model, not as a general image editor. Use `scripts/image_helper.py` to create a clearer intermediate image, then re-run analysis on that result. ## Core Workflow 1. Start from the original image path, a raw base64 string, or a data URI. 2. Apply the smallest transformation that is likely to remove the ambiguity. 3. Prefer semantic crop presets over manual coordinates unless the exact box is already known. 4. Return the processed image as a file or base64, then re-read that result. 5. If the image is still unclear, iterate once with a tighter crop or stronger zoom instead of stacking many edits at once. ## Quick Commands ```bash # Rotate sideways text python scripts/image_helper.py image.png --rotate 90 -o rotated.png # Crop a likely area and zoom it python scripts/image_helper.py image.png --crop-preset bottom-right --scale-preset x3 -o detail.png # Improve low-contrast text python scripts/image_helper.py image.png --auto-enhance -o enhanced.png # Convert an existing file path directly to base64 python scripts/image_helper.py image.png --base64 ``` ## Choose the Next Action - Text is sideways or upside down: use `--rotate`. - Only one region matters: use `--crop-preset` first, then add `--scale-preset`. - Small text or icons are hard to read: use `--scale-preset x2` or `x3`. - Contrast is weak or edges are fuzzy: use `--auto-enhance`, or manually tune `--contrast` and `--sharpness`. - Another tool needs inline image data instead of a file path: add `--base64`. - The source image arrives as raw base64 or a data URI: use `--input-mode auto` or force `--input-mode base64` / `data-uri`. ## Input and Output Rules - Accept a file path, raw base64 string, or data URI as input. - Return a file with `-o` or return inline base64 with `--base64`. - Allow passthrough output with no edits when the only goal is format conversion or path-to-base64 conversion. ## References - Full CLI reference: `references/cli-reference.md` - Crop and scale preset table: `references/presets.md` ## Prerequisite Install Pillow if it is missing: ```bash pip install Pillow # or uv pip install Pillow ```