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SPECIFICTION
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InvokeAI

invoke.ai

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 8.6 #26 of 124 in AI image generators

What it is

InvokeAI is a free, open-source creative engine for AI image generation. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, or through self-hosted and API setups. A layer-based canvas supports drawing, painting, sketching, and image editing, while a visual node editor builds repeatable workflows. Listed model support includes Flux, SDXL, and SD 1.5, with Model Manager handling checkpoints, LoRAs, Textual Inversions, and ControlNets. Tools include ControlNet guidance, batch generation, prompt wildcards, and high-resolution upscaling. InvokeAI supports text-to-image generation, reference images, API access, and PNG output. External integrations include Google Gemini, OpenAI, BytePlus Seedream, and Alibaba Cloud DashScope; those providers bill usage separately. Local operation keeps data, prompts, and creations under the user's control. The former hosted Invoke.ai platform has shut down.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Invoke is a creative engine for AI-powered image generation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Platforms
Download options are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux; the page specifies Windows 10 or later, Apple Silicon for macOS, and an NVIDIA or AMD GPU for Windows and Linux.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · invoke.ai
Security
The administrator guide says the software has not undergone a rigorous security audit or intrusion testing.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Privacy
Invoke runs locally on the user’s hardware, and its site says data, prompts, and creations remain under the user’s control.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Support
The project points users to its FAQ, Discord community, documentation, and GitHub Issues for help.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
License
Invoke is free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
API access
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · invoke.ai
Canvas
Its layer-based canvas supports drawing, painting, sketching, and editing images.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
External model limit
Inpainting is not currently supported by any external provider.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
External providers
External model integrations include Google Gemini, OpenAI, BytePlus Seedream, and Alibaba Cloud DashScope; usage is billed by the provider.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Generation tools
Features listed include ControlNet guidance, batch generation, prompt wildcards, and high-resolution upscaling.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Hosted options
The download page links to hosted GPU options on AI Badgr, RunPod, and Railway.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Hosted service status
The former Invoke.ai hosted platform has shut down, while the open-source project continues under community stewardship.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Image editing
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · invoke.ai
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.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai
Output formats
PNGRead 20 Sep 2026 · invoke.ai
Reference images
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · invoke.ai
Text-to-image
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · invoke.ai
Workflows
A visual node editor lets users build complex, repeatable image-generation workflows.Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai

Plans and prices

InvokeAI Free Free and open-source · self-hosted · Apache 2.0 licensed Read 9 Oct 2026 · invoke.ai

Every InvokeAI plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under Apache 2.0
  • Layer-based canvas supports image editing
  • Visual node editor builds repeatable workflows
  • Supports Flux, SDXL, and SD 1.5
  • Runs locally with user-controlled data

Limits

  • External model usage is billed by providers
  • External providers do not support inpainting
  • Former hosted Invoke.ai platform has shut down
  • Security audit and intrusion testing were not rigorous

Who it suits

It suits creators who want local, self-hosted image generation with editable canvases and repeatable workflows. Developers can also use its API and listed external model integrations.

Verdict

InvokeAI offers a broad local image-generation workspace with open-source licensing and workflow tools. External services add options but introduce provider billing, and the project’s hosted platform is no longer available.

Where Specifiction places it

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