> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.garmint.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding Tokens

> How the token-based billing system works in Garmint.

# Understanding Tokens

Tokens are the currency of creation in Garmint. This guide explains how they work and how to get the most value from them.

## How Tokens Work

Every AI operation in Garmint consumes tokens. Different operations have different costs based on their computational intensity.

<Note>
  **New users** receive 100 free tokens to explore the platform.
</Note>

## Token Costs

| Operation              | Tokens | Description                    |
| ---------------------- | ------ | ------------------------------ |
| **Fast Generation**    | 12     | Quick mockup for iteration     |
| **Quality Generation** | 45     | High-res output for production |
| **Upscale**            | 18     | Enhance resolution (2x-4x)     |
| **Remove Background**  | 6      | Isolate graphic from image     |
| **Model Photos**       | 24     | Generate lifestyle shots       |

## Monthly Allocations

Each plan includes a monthly token allocation:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Starter" icon="seedling">
    **2,500 tokens/mo**

    \~90 fast generations

    \$29/month
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pro" icon="star">
    **10,000 tokens/mo**

    \~360 fast generations

    \$79/month

    *Tokens roll over*
  </Card>

  <Card title="Studio" icon="building">
    **40,000 tokens/mo**

    \~1,400 fast generations

    \$199/month

    *Tokens roll over*
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Rollover Policy

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Pro & Studio Plans">
    Unused tokens roll over to the next month, up to 2x your monthly allocation. For example, if you're on Pro (10,000 tokens/mo), you can accumulate up to 20,000 tokens.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Starter Plan">
    Tokens reset each month and don't roll over. Use them or lose them!
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Token Packs">
    Purchased token packs never expire. They're added to your balance and remain until used.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Low Token Warning

When your balance drops below **20%** of your monthly allocation, you'll see:

1. An amber warning in the sidebar token display
2. An email notification (once per billing period)

This gives you time to upgrade, purchase tokens, or adjust usage.

## Maximizing Your Tokens

<Steps>
  <Step title="Use Fast Mode for Iteration">
    Start with Fast mode (12 tokens) to explore ideas. Switch to Quality (45 tokens) only when you're ready for final output.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Be Specific in Prompts">
    Detailed prompts often generate better results on the first try, saving regeneration tokens.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save to Lookbook">
    Save designs you like to your Lookbook. You can always come back to them without regenerating.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Batch Similar Work">
    Generate variations in the same session while the AI context is fresh.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Token Packs

Need more tokens? Purchase token packs anytime:

| Pack   | Tokens | Price | Per Token |
| ------ | ------ | ----- | --------- |
| Small  | 500    | \$6   | \$0.012   |
| Medium | 2,000  | \$20  | \$0.010   |
| Large  | 5,000  | \$45  | \$0.009   |

Token packs are added to your balance immediately and never expire.

<Card title="Purchase Tokens" icon="cart-shopping" href="https://garmint.app/settings">
  Buy token packs in Settings → Billing
</Card>

## Overage Billing

Pro and Studio plans can enable **overage billing** to continue generating when your allocation runs out:

* Billed at your plan's per-token rate
* Charged at the end of your billing cycle
* Set a spending cap in Settings

<Warning>
  Overage billing is opt-in. By default, generation stops when you hit 0 tokens.
</Warning>