Stable Diffusion

Stable Diffusion 3 Guide: New AI Image Generator & How to Use the API

Stability AI has released a new and exciting tool called Stable Diffusion 3, which is a big step forward in using artificial intelligence to create images. Here's a simple and detailed explanation of what it's all about:

What is Stable Diffusion 3?

Stable Diffusion 3 is the latest image generation model developed by Stability AI. It has made significant improvements in multi-subject prompts, image quality, and spelling capabilities, and is described as the most powerful text-to-image model. Stable Diffusion 3 utilizes a novel diffusion transformer technology, similar to Sora, combined with Flow Matching technology and other enhancements. It can handle multimodal inputs and supports video and 3D functionalities. The model parameters range from 800 million to 8 billion, allowing it to operate on a variety of devices, including portable ones.

Stability AI emphasizes safe and responsible AI practices, taking preventive measures to prevent misuse and continuously improving safety throughout the model's testing, evaluation, and deployment processes. Additionally, the API for Stable Diffusion 3 is now available on the Stability AI Developer Platform, and a research paper detailing the underlying technology has been published. The report provides an in-depth look at how Stable Diffusion 3 works and how it outperforms existing text-to-image generation systems.

Stable Diffusion 3 excels in image generation, outperforming other systems such as DALLE 3, Midjourney v6, and Ideogram v1, particularly in typography and prompt adherence. It also offers improved photo-realistic image generation, adherence to strong prompts, and multimodal input capabilities.

Detailed Technical Improvements

Enhanced Text Generation Capability

Stable Diffusion 3 has made significant strides in text rendering, capable of generating high-quality images containing long sentences, which was not possible with previous models.

Improved Prompt Following

Stable Diffusion 3 has significantly improved its adherence to user prompts through training with highly accurate image captions, matching the performance of DALL-E 3.

Speed and Deployment

Stable Diffusion 3 can be run locally on the largest model with a graphics card featuring 24 GB of RAM. Initial benchmark tests indicate that generating a 1024×1024 image (50 steps) on an RTX 4090 graphics card takes 34 seconds, suggesting substantial room for future optimization.

Safety

Stable Diffusion 3 is likely to generate only safe-for-work (SFW) images. Additionally, artists who do not wish their work to be included in the model have the option to opt out.

New Features of the Stable Diffusion 3 Model

Noise Predictor

A notable change in Stable Diffusion 3 is the shift away from the U-Net noise predictor architecture used in Stable Diffusion 1 and 2. Instead, it employs a repeating stack of Diffusion Transformers, which, like transformers in large language models, offer predictable performance improvements as the model size increases.

Sampling

Stable Diffusion 3 utilizes Rectified Flow sampling, essentially a direct path from noise to a clear image—the most efficient route. The team also discovered a noise schedule that samples the middle part of the path more frequently, resulting in higher-quality images.

Text Encoders

Stable Diffusion 3 employs three text encoders, an increase from its predecessors:

  1. OpenAI’s CLIP L/14
  2. OpenCLIP bigG/14
  3. T5-v1.1-XXL (This larger encoder can be omitted if text generation is not required)

Better Captions

Stable Diffusion 3 also uses highly accurate captions during training, similar to DALL-E 3, which contributes to its strong prompt-following capabilities.

How to Download the Stable Diffusion 3 Model?

As of the latest updates from Stability AI, the direct download option for the Stable Diffusion 3 model weights is not immediately available to the public. However, Stability AI has taken a significant step towards democratizing access to their technology by launching the Stable Diffusion 3 and Stable Diffusion 3 Turbo on the Stability AI Developer Platform API. This move allows a broader audience to tap into the capabilities of Stable Diffusion 3 through the API without the need to download and self-host the model weights.

How to Use the Stable Diffusion 3 API?

The release of Stable Diffusion 3 and its Turbo variant on the Stability AI Developer Platform API marks a significant milestone, providing users with access to a cutting-edge text-to-image generation system.

Here's a detailed guide on how to use the Stable Diffusion 3 API:

Step 1: Access the Documentation

Begin by visiting the Stability AI Developer Platform API documentation page. The documentation is your go-to resource for understanding how the API works, including details on endpoints, request formats, parameters, and usage limits.

Step 2: Register for an API Key

To use the API, you'll need to register and obtain an API key. This key is essential for authenticating your requests and ensuring that you have access to the API services.

Step 3: Choose Your Model

Decide whether you want to use the standard Stable Diffusion 3 model or the enhanced Stable Diffusion 3 Turbo version. The choice depends on your specific needs for image quality and generation capabilities.

Step 4: Formulate Your Request

Construct your API request by specifying the necessary parameters. For image generation, this typically involves providing a text prompt that describes the image you want to create.

Step 5: Send API Requests

Use an HTTP client or write a script to send requests to the API endpoint. Include your API key in the request headers for authentication. The request body should contain the text prompt and any other required parameters.

Step 6: Receive and Handle Responses

The API will process your request and return a response, which will include the generated image or a URL to access it. Ensure your application can handle the response data appropriately, whether it's displaying the image or saving it for further use.

Step 7: Optimize and Iterate

Based on the initial results, you may need to refine your text prompts or adjust other parameters to achieve the desired image outcomes. Iteration is key to getting the best results from the API.

Step 8: Integrate with Applications

Integrate the API functionality into your applications, services, or workflows. This could be as part of a web service, a mobile application, or even an internal tool for content creation.

Step 9: Monitor Usage and Compliance

Keep track of your API usage to ensure you stay within any rate limits or quotas. Additionally, be mindful of the ethical and safety considerations outlined by Stability AI to ensure responsible use of the technology.

Step 10: Explore Beta Opportunities

Stability AI is also inviting a limited number of users to participate in the early release of the Stable Assistant Beta, which features Stable Diffusion 3. This could provide an opportunity to test and utilize the model in a more integrated environment.

Step 11: Contact for Enterprise Deployment

For enterprise deployment options, including self-hosting capabilities that will be available with a Stability AI Membership, reach out to Stability AI directly for more information.

By following these steps, you can harness the power of Stable Diffusion 3 through the API to create unique and high-quality images that align with your creative vision or business needs.

Conclusion

Stable Diffusion 3 is shaking up the AI image generation game with its robust capabilities and innovative features. It's not just a tool; it's a creative powerhouse that puts high-quality image creation at your fingertips. The Multimodal Diffusion Transformer (MMDiT) architecture isn't just a buzzword—it's the secret sauce that makes Stable Diffusion 3 a leader in text-to-image generation, outclassing the competition with its keen understanding of complex prompts and superior image output.

By making the API accessible on the Stability AI Developer Platform, Stability AI is leveling the playing field for creators of all stripes. Whether you're a solo artist or a corporate juggernaut, you can now plug into the creative potential of Stable Diffusion 3. This move is more than just opening doors; it's smashing down walls to make AI-generated imagery a mainstream reality.

Safety and ethics aren't afterthoughts here—they're at the heart of Stability AI's mission. The company's commitment to responsible AI practices means that you can unleash your creativity without crossing the line. And with the promise of self-hosting options down the line, the future looks bright for those eager to take control of their AI image generation journey.

Frequently asked questions

  • How does Stable Diffusion 3 differ from its predecessors?

    It offers improved multi-subject prompts, enhanced image quality, better spelling capabilities, and uses a novel Multimodal Diffusion Transformer (MMDiT) architecture.

  • Is there a research paper detailing Stable Diffusion 3?

    Yes, a research paper has been published that provides an in-depth look at the technology and performance of Stable Diffusion 3.

  • How can I access Stable Diffusion 3?

    It is currently accessible via the Stability AI Developer Platform API.

  • Is Stable Diffusion 3 available for self-hosting?

    Direct self-hosting is not immediately available, but Stability AI plans to offer model weights for self-hosting with a Stability AI Membership soon.

  • What kind of API key do I need to use the Stable Diffusion 3 API?

    You need to register on the Stability AI Developer Platform to obtain an API key that authenticates your requests.

  • Can I use Stable Diffusion 3 for commercial purposes?

    The use of Stable Diffusion 3, including for commercial purposes, is governed by Stability AI's licensing policy, which you should review to ensure compliance.

  • How does Stable Diffusion 3 handle safety and ethical considerations?

    Stability AI has implemented safety measures to prevent misuse and continues to improve the model's safety throughout testing, evaluation, and deployment.

  • Can I participate in the beta release of Stable Assistant featuring Stable Diffusion 3?

    Stability AI is inviting a limited number of users to participate in the early release of the Stable Assistant Beta. You may contact them for an opportunity to join.