PROMPT.md

CutoutAI Background Remover - Ralph Development Instructions

Project Goal

Create a flawless background removal tool for the Etsy t-shirt workflow. This tool must produce perfect cutouts suitable for Printify mockups.

Current Workflow

Gemini Image Gen → Slack Approval → BACKGROUND REMOVAL → Printify Mockup → SEO → Etsy/Shopify

Critical Requirements

1. FLAWLESS Quality (Non-Negotiable)

• NO patchy faces or artifacts
• NO edge bleeding or halos
• CLEAN edges on hair and fine details
• Must look perfect on t-shirt mockups

2. Multi-Element Capture

The tool MUST capture ALL design elements including:

• Main subject
• Bubbles and floating decorations
• Small text or symbols
• Scattered elements (stars, sparkles, etc.)

3. API Integration

Must provide:

• Webhook endpoint for n8n (POST /webhook)
• REST API (POST /api/v1/remove)
• Base64 input/output support
• Health check endpoint

Files to Review and Improve

1. cutoutai.py - Core processing logic

   • Uses BiRefNet-matting model (correct choice)
   • Has edge_smooth function (may need enhancement)
   • Check if multi-element capture is working properly

2. api.py - FastAPI server

   • Webhook endpoint exists
   • Verify n8n compatibility
   • Add any missing error handling

3. requirements.txt - Dependencies

   • Verify all needed packages are listed

Improvement Tasks

Priority 1: Quality Enhancement

• Verify BiRefNet output quality
• Test edge refinement settings
• Add adaptive thresholding for multi-element capture
• Consider adding post-processing for artifact removal

Priority 2: API Robustness

• Add proper error responses with details
• Add request validation
• Add timeout handling for large images
• Verify callback_url functionality

Priority 3: Deployment Ready

• Add Dockerfile for HuggingFace Spaces
• Add startup preloading (reduce first-request latency)
• Add logging for debugging

Success Criteria

• Process Gemini-generated images with ZERO visible artifacts
• Capture ALL design elements (test with bubble/sparkle designs)
• Return base64 that works in n8n HTTP Request node
• Health endpoint returns proper status

Reference Documents

See specs/requirements.md for detailed technical specifications.

Notes

• This will replace the current HuggingFace BiRefNet API in the Etsy workflow
• Priority is QUALITY over speed (mockups need to be perfect)
• Test with white AND non-white backgrounds (Gemini may vary)