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InvokeAI
What it is
InvokeAI is a free, open-source creative engine for AI-powered image generation that runs locally on a user’s hardware. Its layer-based canvas supports drawing, painting, sketching, and image editing, while a visual node editor helps build repeatable generation workflows. Listed model support includes Flux, SDXL, SD 1.5, and other models. The Model Manager handles checkpoints, LoRAs, Textual Inversions, and ControlNets. Generation tools include ControlNet guidance, batch generation, prompt wildcards, and high-resolution upscaling. InvokeAI supports reference images, API access, and PNG output. External model integrations include Google Gemini, OpenAI, BytePlus Seedream, and Alibaba Cloud DashScope, with usage billed by the provider; inpainting is not currently supported by any external provider. The project says local use keeps data, prompts, and creations under the user’s control. The software is licensed under Apache 2.0. Hosted GPU options are linked through AI Badgr, RunPod, and Railway. The former Invoke.ai hosted platform has shut down, while the open-source project continues under community stewardship.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source under Apache 2.0.
- Runs locally on the user’s hardware.
- Includes a layer-based canvas and visual node editor.
- Supports multiple models and ControlNet guidance.
- Offers API access and PNG output.
Against
- External model usage is billed by the provider.
- External providers currently do not support inpainting.
- The former hosted platform has shut down.
- The software has not had a rigorous security audit or intrusion testing.
The verdict
InvokeAI provides local image generation alongside editing and workflow-building tools. Users considering external model providers should note their billing and inpainting limits.
Who it suits
InvokeAI may suit people who want image-generation tools on Linux, macOS, or Windows and prefer a self-hosted setup. Its canvas and node editor also suit users who want image editing and repeatable workflows.
Plans and prices
InvokeAI
Free and open-source · self-hosted · Apache 2.0 licensed
Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
On the record
- API access
- Yesinvoke.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Canvas
- Its layer-based canvas supports drawing, painting, sketching, and editing images.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- External model limit
- Inpainting is not currently supported by any external provider.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- External providers
- External model integrations include Google Gemini, OpenAI, BytePlus Seedream, and Alibaba Cloud DashScope; usage is billed by the provider.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Generation tools
- Features listed include ControlNet guidance, batch generation, prompt wildcards, and high-resolution upscaling.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Hosted options
- The download page links to hosted GPU options on AI Badgr, RunPod, and Railway.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Hosted service status
- The former Invoke.ai hosted platform has shut down, while the open-source project continues under community stewardship.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Image editing
- Yesinvoke.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- License
- Invoke is free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Models
- The site lists support for Flux, SDXL, SD 1.5, and other models, with a Model Manager for checkpoints, LoRAs, Textual Inversions, and ControlNets.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Output formats
- PNGinvoke.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- Invoke runs locally on the user’s hardware, and its site says data, prompts, and creations remain under the user’s control.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Invoke is a creative engine for AI-powered image generation.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Reference images
- Yesinvoke.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Security
- The administrator guide says the software has not undergone a rigorous security audit or intrusion testing.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project points users to its FAQ, Discord community, documentation, and GitHub Issues for help.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
- Text-to-image
- Yesinvoke.ai · read 20 Sep 2026
- Workflows
- A visual node editor lets users build complex, repeatable image-generation workflows.invoke.ai · read 9 Oct 2026
