AUTOMATIC1111 vs 
InvokeAI
AUTOMATIC1111 vs InvokeAI compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. The classic Stable Diffusion web UI vs Polished studio with a unified canvas.
Updated regularly · curated by olud.ai
AUTOMATIC1111 vs InvokeAI at a glance
| Spec | AUTOMATIC1111 | InvokeAI |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI image generation | AI image generation |
| Type | Web UI | Pro creative suite |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Runs locally | Yes | Yes |
| Primary language | Python | Python |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Best for | users who want the biggest extension ecosystem | creative pros who want a studio-like canvas |
| GitHub stars | 164.2k | 27.6k |
Feature comparison
| Feature | AUTOMATIC1111 | InvokeAI |
|---|---|---|
| Runs locally | ✓ | ✓ |
| Node workflows | ✗ | ✓ |
| Inpainting | ✓ | ✓ |
| LoRA support | ✓ | ✓ |
| ControlNet | ✓ | ✓ |
| API | ✓ | ✓ |
How AUTOMATIC1111 and InvokeAI score
| Criterion | AUTOMATIC1111 | InvokeAI |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Maintenance | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| License freedom | 3.5 | 5.0 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
AUTOMATIC1111
AUTOMATIC1111 (stable-diffusion-webui) is the classic, feature-packed Gradio web UI for Stable Diffusion, with a huge extension ecosystem and an enormous community.
- Massive extension and tutorial ecosystem
- Familiar form-based UI, gentle learning curve
- Huge community with answers for everything
InvokeAI
InvokeAI is a professional creative suite for Stable Diffusion with a unified canvas, layers, inpainting and workflow tools aimed at serious creative work.
- Unified canvas with layers and inpainting
- Polished, studio-grade UX
- Apache-2.0 license, business-friendly
Key differences
AUTOMATIC1111 is web UI, while InvokeAI is pro creative suite. Their licenses differ (AGPL-3.0 vs Apache-2.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. In short, AUTOMATIC1111 fits users who want the biggest extension ecosystem, and InvokeAI fits creative pros who want a studio-like canvas.
Which should you choose?
Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem. Choose InvokeAI for creative pros who want a studio-like canvas.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is AUTOMATIC1111 or InvokeAI easier to use?
Both sit at a similar level (Intermediate). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.
Are AUTOMATIC1111 and InvokeAI free?
AUTOMATIC1111 is free and open source (AGPL-3.0), and InvokeAI is free and open source (Apache-2.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run AUTOMATIC1111 and InvokeAI locally?
AUTOMATIC1111: yes · InvokeAI: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
AUTOMATIC1111 vs InvokeAI — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem. Choose InvokeAI for creative pros who want a studio-like canvas.
People also compare
Explore more open-source AI
Browse thousands of open-source AI tools, models and projects — all curated in one place, updated daily.
Explore the directory →