What Stable Diffusion does
Stable Diffusion is Stability AI's family of image generation models, currently led by Stable Diffusion 3.5 in Large, Turbo and Medium versions. Unlike most image tools, the model weights can be downloaded and run on your own computer or server, and Medium is designed for consumer hardware. You can also call the models through Stability AI's paid API or use them in its Stable Assistant app. Use is free for individuals and businesses under $1M in yearly revenue.
Best for
- Developers building image generation into their own products
- Hobbyists who want to run image AI on their own GPU
- Teams that need to self-host for privacy or cost control
- Researchers experimenting with open image models
Key features
Stable Diffusion 3.5 Large
The most capable model in the family, aimed at professional use at about 1 megapixel resolution.
Turbo and Medium versions
Turbo produces images in four steps for speed; Medium is built to run on consumer hardware.
Self-hosting
Model weights can be downloaded and run locally under Stability AI's license instead of a cloud service.
Platform API
Hosted endpoints for SD 3.5 and Stable Image Ultra and Core, billed per call in credits.
Wide range of styles
Handles 3D, photography, painting and line art from text prompts.
Stable Diffusion pricing
Stable Diffusion has a free plan. The Community License lets individuals, researchers and businesses under $1M annual revenue use the models for free; new API accounts get 25 free credits. Paid plans start at $10 per 1,000 credits. 1 API credit equals $0.01. Stable Image Ultra costs 8 credits and Stable Image Core 3 credits per generation. Organizations above $1M annual revenue must contact Stability AI for an Enterprise License. Prices checked on the official site on Nov 9, 2026.
| Community License | $0 | Under $1M annual revenue; self-hosted |
|---|---|---|
| API credits | $10 per 1,000 credits | SD 3.5 Large 6.5 credits, Medium 3.5, Flash 2.5 per generation |
| Enterprise License | Contact sales | Required above $1M annual revenue; custom pricing via sales |
Source: Stable Diffusion pricing page
Pros and cons
What it does well
- Model weights can be run locally, so images never have to leave your machine.
- Free to use commercially for small businesses and individuals under the revenue cap.
- Pay-per-use API pricing is low, from 2.5 to 8 cents per generation depending on the model.
Know before you sign up
- Businesses with over $1M in annual revenue need a paid Enterprise License.
- Running it yourself requires a capable GPU and some technical setup.
- The API is pay-as-you-go with only 25 free credits for new accounts.
Alternatives to Stable Diffusion
FLUX 3 ImageGenerate images with Black Forest Labs models.
Bing Image CreatorCreate and remix images from prompts.- MidjourneyGenerate and refine images from prompts and references.
Adobe FireflyGenerate visual and audio creative assets.
CanvaCreate visual assets with Canva AI design tools.
ClipdropEdit and generate images in a visual suite.
Questions about Stable Diffusion
What is Stable Diffusion?
Stable Diffusion is Stability AI's family of image generation models, currently led by Stable Diffusion 3.5 in Large, Turbo and Medium versions. Unlike most image tools, the model weights can be downloaded and run on your own computer or server, and Medium is designed for consumer hardware. You can also call the models through Stability AI's paid API or use them in its Stable Assistant app. Use is free for individuals and businesses under $1M in yearly revenue.
Is Stable Diffusion free?
Stable Diffusion has a free plan. The Community License lets individuals, researchers and businesses under $1M annual revenue use the models for free; new API accounts get 25 free credits. Paid plans start at $10 per 1,000 credits. 1 API credit equals $0.01. Stable Image Ultra costs 8 credits and Stable Image Core 3 credits per generation. Organizations above $1M annual revenue must contact Stability AI for an Enterprise License. Prices checked on the official site on Nov 9, 2026.
How much does Stable Diffusion cost?
Paid plans start at $10 per 1,000 credits; plans listed on the official pricing page: Community License ($0), API credits ($10 per 1,000 credits), Enterprise License. 1 API credit equals $0.01. Stable Image Ultra costs 8 credits and Stable Image Core 3 credits per generation. Organizations above $1M annual revenue must contact Stability AI for an Enterprise License.
Who is Stable Diffusion best for?
Developers building image generation into their own products, Hobbyists who want to run image AI on their own GPU, Teams that need to self-host for privacy or cost control and Researchers experimenting with open image models.
Where can I use Stable Diffusion?
Stable Diffusion is available on API and Web, according to its official site.
What are some alternatives to Stable Diffusion?
Similar image & design tools include FLUX 3 Image, Bing Image Creator, Midjourney and Adobe Firefly. Compare them on the Image & design page.