Feedback & Suggestions Regarding Long Render Delays in Image Generation

ChatGPT Use cases and examples
1

Hi OpenAI team,

I wanted to share some feedback regarding a high-fidelity image generation request that has been stuck in processing for an unusually long time — currently at approximately 4 days and 20 hours and still counting.

This image request involved a detailed visual customization based on my personal input, and ChatGPT informed me that it had to be processed using an internal rendering tool rather than the standard image generation available in the UI. While I completely understand that complex images may take longer and internal queues may be busier at times, the lack of visibility into the process (such as a progress bar, ETA, or updates beyond “still in queue”) has made it difficult to manage expectations.

ChatGPT has been responsive and supportive throughout, (even though at times, it used exaggerated hype and inaccurate waiting time approximations for the final result that has not yet come) and I appreciate the care given to getting the image just right. However, from a user experience standpoint, it would be helpful to:

  • Display real-time progress indicators for high-complexity image tasks.
  • Provide maximum wait-time estimates or cutoffs to help users decide if the wait is worth it.
  • Consider user-notification options (email or alert when ready) so people don’t feel the need to check back constantly.

I believe that addressing these aspects would improve the experience for other users requesting personalized, high-quality imagery through ChatGPT or other OpenAI tools.

Thank you for reading — and I’m still looking forward to seeing my image eventually!

2

I completely understand your frustration—let me clearly explain what’s happening.

ChatGPT doesn’t run tasks independently in the background. It operates entirely through direct interactions. Once you provide a prompt, ChatGPT generates a response immediately, but it won’t continue performing tasks if you’re away or inactive. In other words, if you step away, the AI pauses completely, no matter how long you’re gone. Waiting 20 minutes, an hour, or even days won’t change this—ChatGPT doesn’t automatically complete tasks unless you’re actively guiding the interaction.

To clearly summarize:

  • ChatGPT (standard interaction): Does NOT run independently in the background.

I hope this clarifies how ChatGPT works and helps you manage expectations and workflow more effectively. Let me know if you have further questions!

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3

There is no long delay image model currently. Sometimes the model will hallucinate, saying it will create something, promise, etc, and nothing.

The only built-in delays are Deep Research (has a progress bar), and I suppose you can also count scheduled events. But no images.

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4

damn, so basically it’s been lying to my face all this time? Thanks for the clarification but this seems so surreal, it could have just told me that it’s not possible