InvokeAI
InvokeAI is a free, open-source creative engine for AI-powered image generation that runs on the user’s hardware.
What InvokeAI is
InvokeAI is a free, open-source creative engine for AI-powered image generation that runs on the user’s hardware. Its layer-based canvas supports drawing, painting, sketching, and editing images, while a visual node editor can be used to create repeatable generation workflows. Listed model support includes Flux, SDXL, and SD 1.5, and its Model Manager handles checkpoints, LoRAs, Textual Inversions, and ControlNets. Other listed tools include ControlNet guidance, batch generation, prompt wildcards, and high-resolution upscaling. InvokeAI also offers API access and PNG output. External integrations include Google Gemini, OpenAI, BytePlus Seedream, and Alibaba Cloud DashScope, with usage billed by the provider; inpainting is not currently supported by external providers. The project says local use keeps data, prompts, and creations under the user’s control. Hosted GPU options are linked through AI Badgr, RunPod, and Railway. The software is licensed under Apache 2.0. The former Invoke.ai hosted platform has shut down, while the open-source project continues under community stewardship.
Good
- Free and open-source under Apache 2.0.
- Canvas supports drawing, painting, and image editing.
- Node editor builds repeatable workflows.
- Supports Flux, SDXL, and SD 1.5.
- PNG output and API access are listed.
Watch out
- The former Invoke.ai hosted platform has shut down.
- External provider usage is billed by the provider.
- External providers do not currently support inpainting.
- No rigorous security audit or intrusion testing has occurred.
Who it suits
InvokeAI may suit people who want to generate and edit images locally, build visual workflows, or use supported models through a self-hosted setup. External model users should account for provider billing and the stated inpainting limitation.
Verdict
InvokeAI offers a broad set of local image-generation and editing tools, along with workflow and API options. Its open-source project remains available, but users should note the former hosted service’s shutdown and the stated security-audit limitation.
Plans and prices
From InvokeAI's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| InvokeAI | Free | Free and open-source · self-hosted · Apache 2.0 licensed |
The facts
Each one read from InvokeAI's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- API access
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Canvas
- Its layer-based canvas supports drawing, painting, sketching, and editing images.checked 9 Oct 2026
- External model limit
- Inpainting is not currently supported by any external provider.checked 9 Oct 2026
- External providers
- External model integrations include Google Gemini, OpenAI, BytePlus Seedream, and Alibaba Cloud DashScope; usage is billed by the provider.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Generation tools
- Features listed include ControlNet guidance, batch generation, prompt wildcards, and high-resolution upscaling.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Hosted options
- The download page links to hosted GPU options on AI Badgr, RunPod, and Railway.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Hosted service status
- The former Invoke.ai hosted platform has shut down, while the open-source project continues under community stewardship.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Image editing
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- License
- Invoke is free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license.checked 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.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Output formats
- PNGchecked 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.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Invoke is a creative engine for AI-powered image generation.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Reference images
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Security
- The administrator guide says the software has not undergone a rigorous security audit or intrusion testing.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project points users to its FAQ, Discord community, documentation, and GitHub Issues for help.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Text-to-image
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Workflows
- A visual node editor lets users build complex, repeatable image-generation workflows.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- 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.checked 9 Oct 2026
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