FLUX AI: The Best Image Generator EVER! | Step-by-Step Tutorial

Introduction

FLUX AI is a cutting-edge image generation model developed by Black Forest Labs, the same team behind the revolutionary Stable Diffusion. FLUX offers image quality and realism that rivals, if not surpasses, other leading image generators such as Midjourney and DALL·E. One of its standout features is its remarkable capability to render text accurately and to create lifelike human hands, which often pose challenges for other models.

In this article, we'll walk you through the process of getting FLUX up and running on your computer using the Comfy UI interface.

Step 1: Install Comfy UI

If you're new to Comfy UI, you'll need to install it on your system. The installation process is straightforward, and I've prepared a separate tutorial for it, which you can view before continuing.

Step 2: Download the FLUX Model

To get started with FLUX, you need to download the model itself. Two primary versions are available for local use: the Dev version and the Schnell version. The Schnell version is reported to run faster but may prioritize speed over quality. For today’s tutorial, we'll use the Dev version, but you're welcome to experiment with the Schnell version if quicker image generation is your goal.

Make sure to place the FLUX model in the Comfy UI models directory under the unet folder. In addition to the model, you will need to download three encoders as well. You can find the links for these under the Comfy models clip directory.

Another essential file is the VAE model. There are two versions based on the model you're using, and you'll want to save your chosen file in the Comfy models directory under the VAE folder. Feel free to rename the files for better organization, but ensure they are in the correct folders.

Step 3: Launch Comfy UI

Once you have all the files downloaded and in place, launch the Comfy UI. If you haven’t updated it recently, navigate to Manager and click on Update All to get the latest version.

Step 4: Download the Simple Workflow for FLUX

Next, go to the OpenArt page (link provided below) and download the Simple Workflow for FLUX. Drag and drop the downloaded workflow file into the Comfy UI interface to load the FLUX workflow.

Ensure that you load the correct FLUX model, as its name may vary based on your source. If you prefer speed, you can opt for the default fp8 encoder, but for higher precision, I recommend switching to the T5 XXL fp16 encoder.

Step 5: Set Up Your Image Generation

To generate an image, write a prompt describing what you want. For instance, you may want to create a picture of an elderly woman sitting in a garden surrounded by flowers. Keep in mind that the output dimensions determine generation time; larger images will take longer to produce.

Make sure the seed is set to randomize and leave the sampler name set to "uler." If you're interested in experimenting, feel free to try out different options. The scheduler I prefer is sgm uniform, but again, you're welcome to explore other options.

By default, the steps value is set to 20. You can increase this for better quality, but it will slow down the process. Lastly, select the VAE model you downloaded, and then click on Q Prompt to start generating your image.

Step 6: Review the Output

FLUX may not be the fastest model available, especially on lower-end GPUs. For instance, with my 1490 RTX GPU boasting 24 GB of VRAM, it still uses nearly all available memory and can generate images slowly. If you encounter limitations, consider trying the Schnell version or one of the cloud-based solutions like Think Diffusion, which is currently working on making FLUX stable on their platform.

Once the generating process is complete, you will be presented with a preview of your image. The output quality is stunning, with intricate details in the facial features, lighting, and overall realism. The use of random seed makes each final output unique. You can further enhance your images using third-party upscalers like Topaz Photo AI to add extra detail and sharpness.

Conclusion

In summary, FLUX AI emerges as a powerful image generation tool that excels in producing realistic images, accurate text, and lifelike representations of human hands. Its ease of use with Comfy UI makes it accessible for both beginners and seasoned users.

I hope you found this guide useful! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Stay creative, and I’ll see you in the next video!

Keywords

FLUX AI, image generator, Black Forest Labs, Stable Diffusion, Comfy UI, Dev version, Schnell version, text rendering, human hands, image generation, VAE model, encoder, OpenArt, artwork workflow.

FAQ

1. What is FLUX AI?
FLUX AI is an advanced image generation model developed by Black Forest Labs, designed for creating high-quality and realistic images, as well as accurately generating text.

2. How do I install Comfy UI?
Installing Comfy UI is straightforward. Please refer to the separate tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

3. What versions of the FLUX model can I use?
You can use either the Dev version for higher quality image generation or the Schnell version that focuses on faster performance.

4. Can I use FLUX AI on lower-end GPUs?
Yes, but you may experience slower performance and increased memory usage. In such cases, consider using the Schnell version or cloud-based solutions for better performance.

5. What can I do to improve the quality of images produced by FLUX?
You can increase the steps value during image generation for higher quality. Additionally, using third-party upscalers can enhance image details after generation.