Here’s a list of the top 10 free or open-source AI models for text-to-image generation, ordered by popularity based on download counts from Hugging Face and mentions in recent articles. These models are widely used for creating images from text prompts, and while most are free for non-commercial use, some may have specific licensing for commercial applications.
Key Points
- Research suggests Stable Diffusion is the most popular free, open-source text-to-image AI model, followed by OpenJourney and DeepFloyd IF, based on download counts and mentions.
- The evidence leans toward a list of 10 models, including Dream Shaper V7, Waifu Diffusion, and others, ranked by popularity, though exact rankings may vary by metric.
- It seems likely that all listed models are free for non-commercial use, but some may have licensing restrictions for commercial applications.
Detailed Model Descriptions and Popularity Metrics
Below is a table summarizing the top 10 free text to image models, their key features, and the basis for their popularity ranking:
| Rank | Model Name | Key Features | Popularity Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stable Diffusion | High-quality, detailed images, multiple versions, widely used in tools | Millions of downloads, frequent mentions |
| 2 | OpenJourney | Midjourney-style AI art, fine-tuned from Stable Diffusion | Second most downloaded on Hugging Face |
| 3 | DeepFloyd IF | Realistic visuals, modular design, strong language comprehension | 42.7k+ downloads, multiple article mentions |
| 4 | Dream Shaper V7 | Enhanced LoRA support, photorealistic and anime-style images | Mentioned in multiple lists, download data |
| 5 | Waifu Diffusion | Anime-style images, derived from Stable Diffusion v1.4 | Frequent in rankings, niche popularity |
| 6 | Anything V5 | Versatile for various styles, open source | Included in top 10 lists, download implied |
| 7 | Counterfeit V2.5 | Realistic image generation, part of open-source ecosystem | Mentioned in analyticsindiamag list |
| 8 | Realistic Vision V5.1 | Focus on photorealistic outputs, creative project use | Included in top lists, download implied |
| 9 | Protogen X5.8 | Detailed, customizable image generation | Mentioned in analyticsindiamag, download data |
| 10 | Craiyon | Based on DALL-E Mini, free web interface, beginner-friendly | Mentioned in ZDNET, user accessibility |
Licensing and Accessibility
All listed models are open source, with most free for non-commercial use. However, some, like DeepFloyd IF, may have community licenses (e.g., deepfloyd-ai-community) that require acceptance for access, as seen on DeepFloyd/IF-I-XL-v1.0 | Hugging Face. Craiyon, accessible via its website, is free with unlimited prompts, enhancing its accessibility for non-technical users, as noted in The best AI image generators of 2024: Tested and reviewed | ZDNET.