AI image generators
InvokeAI: review, pricing, data and alternatives
InvokeAI lets people creating images generate visuals from descriptions and edit them on a layered canvas. It also provides a visual editor for building generation steps. A free tier exists. Access and transparency score: 68/100, #12 of 38 in its category.
| Access | 15/30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 30/30 | |
| Trust | 23/40 |
What is InvokeAI?
InvokeAI lets people creating images generate visuals from descriptions and edit them on a layered canvas. It also provides a visual editor for building generation steps.
According to its documentation, InvokeAI lets you:
- create images from descriptions
- edit an image on a layered canvas
- guide composition with reference images
- build generation steps in a visual editor
We file it under AI image generators, the category of tools to create images from text, and it also overlaps with aI photo editing. The category lists 38 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is Communauté InvokeAI.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: graphic designers. The need it covers is simple to state: create images from text.
InvokeAI is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you must keep your data in Europe or on your own machine
- you want to read the code or host it yourself
The best test is a concrete case from your daily work: if the tool does not beat your current method within a week, move on to an alternative.
How much does InvokeAI cost?
Pricing model: open source (public code). Basic use costs nothing.
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed on your device (local processing).
Local processing is the most favourable case: your files do not leave your machine for the features concerned.
Exporting your content: PNG. Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
InvokeAI runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux, and API.
Interface languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
The source code is public: invoke-aiinvoke-ai/InvokeAI.
How we scored it
Our 68/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 15/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 30/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 23/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
InvokeAI against other tools in the aI image generators category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InvokeAI | Yes | not published | Yes | 68 |
| RunDiffusion | Yes | $8.79 per month | Yes | 81 |
| Krea | Yes | $5 per month | Yes | 78 |
| Ideogram | Yes | $15 per month | Yes | 75 |
| Stable Diffusion | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 75 |
| Adobe Firefly | Yes | $9.99 per month | Yes | 73 |
| FLUX | Yes | $0.01 pay as you go | Yes | 73 |
| Leonardo.Ai | Yes | $12 per month | Yes | 71 |
Verdict
InvokeAI is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Public source code
- Local processing available
- Available on many platforms
Alternatives
- RunDiffusionfree tier
- Kreafree tier
- Ideogramfree tier
- Stable Diffusionfree tier
- Adobe Fireflyfree tier
- FLUXfree tier
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is InvokeAI free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits.
Where is InvokeAI data stored?
According to the publisher, on your device (local processing).
Does InvokeAI have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to InvokeAI?
In the same category: RunDiffusion, Krea, Ideogram, and Stable Diffusion.
InvokeAI or RunDiffusion: which one to choose?
Our score is 68/100 for InvokeAI and 81/100 for RunDiffusion. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score