---
title: Requirements
description: WordPress 6.0+, PHP 7.3+, tested to 7.0.4. API keys follow the Source chain. Bing has no key. Dashboard shows if you are ready.
url: "https://magic-post-thumbnail.com/docs/requirements/"
updated: "2026-08-16"
category: Getting Started
---

# Requirements

Magic Post Thumbnail needs:

- **WordPress 6.0** or newer (tested up to **WordPress 7.0.4**)
- **PHP 7.3** or newer

The plugin runs in the WordPress admin only. It does not load on the front of the site, so it does not affect visitor-facing cache plugins.

 

## API keys and the chain

Which keys you need depends on the **Automatic generation chain** on [**Source**](https://magic-post-thumbnail.com/docs/settings-source/).

- **Bing Images** has **no API key**. Heavy use can hit rate limits; space out bulk jobs if Bing stops returning results.
- **First image in content** needs an image already in the post.
- **Default image** needs a media file chosen in that bank’s settings.
- Other photo and AI banks need their own API key. Status badges on Source: **Ready**, **No key**, **Untested**, **Key OK**, **Key failed**.

AI generation typically takes **10 to 90 seconds** and uses the provider’s credits (OpenAI, Ideogram, xAI, Google, Replicate, Stability, and so on).

![Source Automatic generation chain with key status badges](https://magic-post-thumbnail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/source-layout-bing.png)

## Dashboard health

Open **Magic Post Thumbnail → Dashboard**. **Your configuration** shows **Ready to generate** or **Needs attention**. It checks the chain, API keys, image placement and **Brand overlay**. Use **Generate a test image** when the first bank is ready.

See [Dashboard](https://magic-post-thumbnail.com/docs/dashboard/).

![Dashboard Your configuration Ready to generate or Needs attention](https://magic-post-thumbnail.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/dashboard-health.png)

## Performance

Admin impact is low until you generate. Photo searches are usually a few seconds. AI calls are slower (often 20–90 seconds for **GPT Image**). PHP GD is required if you enable **Brand overlay**.

There is no special front-office tuning to do with caching plugins.