The image generation AI tool "Stable Diffusion" leverages advanced AI technology to create original images based on textual input. A breakthrough in the creative industry, this tool is gaining attention worldwide. This guide provides an overview of its basic usage and important considerations for beginners!

What is Stable Diffusion?

Stable Diffusion is an innovative AI-powered tool that generates original images based on textual input. Developed by the UK-based startup Stability AI, it was first released in August 2022 and has quickly gained global recognition. The tool excels in analyzing user-inputted text prompts in detail and generating high-quality images within a short timeframe.

High-Quality Image Generation

Stable Diffusion employs a cutting-edge AI algorithm known as the "Latent Diffusion Model." This enables the tool to interpret textual nuances and accurately reflect user instructions, resulting in high-quality images in minimal time. For example, it can produce anime-style illustrations, photorealistic images, and even abstract art. This versatility and precision are among the tool's most defining characteristics.

Open Source Advantages

Another major advantage of Stable Diffusion is its open-source availability. This makes it accessible to everyone, allowing users to freely explore, research, and develop with its source code. Additionally, it supports commercial use, offering creators and businesses a cost-effective way to produce high-quality content. Furthermore, its compatibility with local environments ensures privacy and safe usage.

Customization

Stable Diffusion also stands out for its flexibility in customization. Users can add custom-trained models to specialize in particular styles, such as anime or niche genres, for image generation. By tweaking text prompts and adjusting parameters, users can refine generated images to match their ideal vision. This high level of customization accommodates both professionals and beginners alike.

How to Use Stable Diffusion

Stable Diffusion is simple to use, making it easy for beginners to start generating images immediately. There are two main methods to use it: "Using the Web Version" and "Using the Local Version." Below, we’ll introduce the features and steps for each method.

Using the Web Version

The web version provides an environment accessible via the internet and requires no special installation. You can easily generate images on the following platforms:

Dream Studio

Dream Studio is a web platform that allows you to easily generate images using Stable Diffusion. It’s intuitive for beginners while offering advanced customization for more experienced users. Its ability to generate high-quality images quickly makes it ideal for creators focused on efficiency.

Features

The main features of Dream Studio include its "fast generation speed" and "flexible customization," which allow users to create high-quality images in a short time. You can fine-tune settings such as prompt fidelity and resolution, making it versatile for a wide range of creative needs. The generated images can also be used for projects or commercial purposes.

How to Use

• Log in Visit the website and log in with your Google account or email address. First-time users receive 200 free credits.
• Input Text Enter a description of the image you want to generate in English. The more detailed the description, the closer the result will match your vision.
• Adjust Settings Fine-tune resolution, prompt fidelity (Cfg Scale), noise removal steps, and other options to suit your preferences.
• Generate Click the "Generate" button to create an image within seconds. Download the image if you’re satisfied with the result.

Pricing

Dream Studio uses a credit-based system, with first-time users receiving 200 free credits. After that, £10 allows for the generation of approximately 1,000 images. The credits consumed depend on the image size and step count, so additional credits can be purchased as needed.

Hugging Face

Hugging Face is a platform for sharing and publishing machine learning models. It also features a Stable Diffusion demo, allowing you to try it out effortlessly. Known for its community around natural language processing and machine learning, Hugging Face offers spaces where users can experiment with AI models like Stable Diffusion. The platform features a simple, intuitive interface suited for both beginners and researchers.

Features

Hugging Face is characterized by its openness and accessibility. It allows you to quickly try text-based image generation and experiment with various models, including Stable Diffusion. Additionally, its space functionality enables users to create customized environments.

How to Use

• Access Visit Hugging Face's official site and select "Stable Diffusion 2 Demo" from "Spaces."
• Input a Prompt Enter the description of the image you want in the input box. For example: "A serene landscape with mountains and a lake, hyper-realistic."
• Generate Click the "Generate" button to view the image after a few seconds. Adjust and retry prompts as needed to achieve your desired output.

Pricing

Many features on Hugging Face are available for free. However, creating custom spaces or using more advanced computational resources may require registration for a paid plan.

Mage.space

Mage.space is an AI-powered image generation platform based on Stable Diffusion, characterized by its simplicity and fast image creation. It offers free models and can be tried without requiring account registration, making it incredibly accessible. The platform caters to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced users, and is particularly suitable for those looking to generate large volumes of images.

Features

Mage.space stands out for its ability to generate unlimited images for free. The latest model, "SDXL," is available, offering realistic and high-quality image generation. Additionally, a paid plan unlocks access to even more models and features, such as GIF creation and simultaneous generation of multiple images, making it suitable for professional use.

How to Use

• Access Visit the official Mage.space website. It can be used without account registration, but registering allows access to older versions of the models.
• Enter a Prompt Input a description of the desired image in the text box in English. For example: "A futuristic cityscape with flying cars, photorealistic."
• Adjust Settings Customize settings such as aspect ratio, noise removal steps, and prompt fidelity (Guidance Scale) to fine-tune the image output.
• Generate the Image Click the "Generate" button to create the image within seconds. The generated image can be downloaded and used.

Pricing

Mage.space is fundamentally free to use, but registering for a paid plan ($15/month) unlocks additional features, such as access to over 136 models and advanced functionalities like GIF creation and multiple-image generation.

Using the Local Version

Stable Diffusion can be used locally for more advanced customization and flexible operation. By installing the dedicated "Stable Diffusion web UI" tool on your PC, you can create an environment for generating high-quality images without restrictions. This method is particularly ideal for professionals who want the freedom to adjust resolutions and settings.

Features

Using the local version offers the following advantages:

• Full Customization: Adjust resolution, noise removal steps, additional models, and more for detailed customization.
• Privacy Protection: Operates entirely within a local environment, eliminating the need to send data over the internet.
• No Restrictions: No limitations on the number of images or features, unlike the web version.

Recommended PC Specifications

The following specifications are recommended for using the local version:

For General Image Generation

• Memory: 16GB or more Enough to handle stable processing.
• GPU: NVIDIA GPU with VRAM 8GB or more NVIDIA GPUs can utilize CUDA for faster generation. 8GB of VRAM is sufficient for standard image generation.
• Storage: 20GB or more of free space Allows for storing model files (typically 4–7GB) and generated data.
• OS: Windows, Mac, Linux A wide range of OS compatibility ensures flexibility.

For High-Resolution Images or Complex Models

• Memory: 32GB or more Essential for generating high-resolution images and handling complex models.
• GPU: NVIDIA GPU with VRAM 12GB or more Necessary for high-resolution images and multi-step processing.
• Storage: 50GB or more of free space Ideal for storing complex models and extensive generation data.
• OS: Windows, Mac, Linux Suitable for professional use, with support for these OS options.

The Importance of VRAM and CUDA

The Stable Diffusion web UI primarily relies on the GPU's VRAM for processing. Insufficient VRAM can result in processing failures or significant slowdowns. NVIDIA GPUs are recommended due to their ability to utilize CUDA technology, which accelerates computation and enables efficient image generation.

How to Use

• Preparation
  • Download the repository for Stable Diffusion web UI from GitHub.
  • Install Python and necessary libraries to set up the environment.
• Installation
  • Extract the downloaded files and run the setup script to build the web UI.
  • Install models and any additional dependencies as needed.
• Execution
  • Run the execution script and access the localhost via your web browser.
  • Enter text prompts in the interface to generate images.
• Customization
  • Adjust resolution and prompt strength, and, if needed, load custom models to refine the generated content.

Points to Note

Using Stable Diffusion in a local environment offers high flexibility, but the initial setup and installation of dependencies may take effort. Additionally, performance may be slower on PCs with insufficient specifications, so checking the recommended environment in advance is advisable.

Notes on Commercial Use

While images generated by Stable Diffusion are generally allowed for commercial use, some precautions must be taken. Understanding these will help you avoid copyright or legal risks and ensure safe business utilization.

Basic Principles

Stable Diffusion officially states that it does not claim rights to the generated images, granting users the freedom to utilize them. This means images can be used for a wide range of applications, from personal projects to commercial endeavors. However, they must not be used for harmful purposes or illegal activities.

Cases Requiring Caution

Special attention is required in the following two cases:

Using Images as a Base for Modifications (img2img)

If an image with existing copyrights is loaded and modified, there is a risk of copyright infringement. This is especially relevant when working with logos or characters. Solution: Check the license and rights of the source image beforehand.

Using Models Prohibited for Commercial Use

If you use a custom-trained model, it is essential to review the license. Using models that prohibit commercial use may lead to objections from rights holders. Solution: Verify the license details before using a model and adhere to the terms of use.

For Safe Usage

• Verify Licenses: Check whether the models or materials used for generated images are allowed for commercial use.
• Use Original Materials: When using the img2img feature, rely on your own created images or materials explicitly allowed for commercial use.
• Consult if in Doubt: If unsure about using specific images, consulting a professional is the best course of action.

Conclusion

Stable Diffusion is a groundbreaking AI tool capable of automatically generating high-quality images based on text inputs. Its advanced algorithm and flexibility make it suitable for users ranging from beginners to professionals.

For easy usage, platforms like "Dream Studio" or "Mage.space" are recommended. For more advanced adjustments or privacy concerns, the local version is ideal. It also supports commercial use, but careful attention to copyright and licensing is essential.

Stable Diffusion is an incredible tool for realizing ideas and streamlining projects. Be sure to leverage it and explore its potential!

Follow me!