How to Run Flux Image Models In ComfyUI with Low VRAM

The Local Lab
15 Aug 202411:42

TLDRThis video tutorial explores the use of Flux image models in ComfyUI, a popular GUI for AI image generation. It introduces different Flux models like Schnell, Dev, and Flux Pro, and discusses how to run them efficiently on systems with limited VRAM using quantized versions. The guide provides a step-by-step method to install ComfyUI, set up the necessary repositories, and run Flux models with a pre-made workflow. It also offers tips for optimizing the AI art creation process and keeping ComfyUI updated.

Takeaways

  • 🌐 Flux models are a family of AI image generation models developed by Black Forest Labs, known for their high-quality outputs.
  • 🚀 Flux models include Schnell for quick tests, the Dev model for balanced speed and quality, and Flux Pro for peak performance.
  • 💻 The unquantized versions of Flux models are resource-intensive, requiring over 20 GB of VRAM for full experience.
  • 🛠️ Bit sand bites, a low bit acceleration method, and quantized versions (F4) of Flux models allow for lower VRAM usage, starting from 4 to 10 GB.
  • 🚀 F4 versions of Flux models not only reduce VRAM requirements but also increase processing speed.
  • 🎨 ComfyUI is a popular GUI for AI image generation, offering a flexible and powerful platform for artists.
  • 🔧 To run Flux models in ComfyUI, additional installations and configurations are required, including the ComfyUI manager and specific extensions.
  • 📚 A detailed workflow and instructions are provided to simplify the installation and setup process for using Flux models in ComfyUI.
  • 🖼️ Users can switch between different Flux models within ComfyUI to generate images with varying levels of detail and speed.
  • ⏱️ Image generation times vary based on the model used, with the Dev model taking 5-10 minutes and the Schnell model taking around 2 minutes on a 6 GB RTX 4050.
  • 🔄 The ComfyUI manager makes it easy to keep the software and custom nodes updated, ensuring users have access to the latest features and models.

Q & A

  • What is Flux and why has it become popular?

    -Flux is a family of AI image generation models developed by Black Forest Labs. It has gained popularity due to its ability to produce high-quality images, which have been seen on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit.

  • What are the different Flux models mentioned in the script?

    -The script mentions three main Flux models: Schnell, the Speedster for quick tests; the Dev model, an all-rounder balancing speed and image quality; and Flux Pro, the powerhouse for peak performance.

  • Why are Flux models particularly demanding on VRAM?

    -Unquantized versions of Flux models require a significant amount of VRAM, with 20 GB or more needed for the full experience, making them demanding on system resources.

  • What is the significance of the 'bit sand bites' low bit acceleration method?

    -The 'bit sand bites' method allows for the creation of quantized and F4 versions of Flux models, which are less demanding on VRAM and faster, making them accessible on systems with 4 to 10 GB of VRAM.

  • What is ComfyUI and how does it relate to Flux models?

    -ComfyUI is a graphical user interface for AI image generation that has gained popularity. It provides a platform to run and manage Flux models, including the new quantized NF4 versions.

  • How can one install ComfyUI on a Windows system?

    -To install ComfyUI on Windows, download the portable standalone build from the releases page, extract the contents of the 7z file to a chosen location, and run the appropriate executable for CPU or GPU.

  • What additional software is needed to run Flux models in ComfyUI?

    -To run Flux models in ComfyUI, one needs to install Git to manage GitHub repositories, and a special Python library called 'bits and bytes' for the NF4 extension.

  • How does one obtain and install the Flux NF4 models in ComfyUI?

    -Flux NF4 models are obtained by downloading them from the Hugging Face pages linked in the script description. Once downloaded, they are placed in the checkpoints folder within the ComfyUI directory.

  • What is the workflow file mentioned in the script and how is it used?

    -The workflow file is a pre-made configuration for ComfyUI that simplifies the process of using Flux models. It is loaded into ComfyUI to define how the models should be utilized for image generation.

  • How can users switch between different Flux models in ComfyUI?

    -Users can switch between different Flux models in ComfyUI by selecting the desired model in the checkpoint loader node within the UI.

  • What is the recommended approach to keep ComfyUI and its custom nodes updated?

    -The recommended approach to keep ComfyUI and its custom nodes updated is by using the ComfyUI manager, which simplifies the process of installing updates or adding new models and nodes.

Outlines

00:00

🖼️ Exploring AI Image Generation with Flux Models

The video introduces the world of AI image generation, focusing on Flux models developed by Black Forest Labs. These models are a family of AI tools designed for different purposes: Schnell for quick tests, the Dev model for a balance of speed and quality, and Flux Pro for peak performance. However, these models are resource-intensive, requiring significant VRAM. The video discusses the introduction of low bit acceleration methods and quantized versions of the models that allow for AI art creation with less VRAM, making it accessible to users with modest hardware. Comfy UI, a popular GUI for AI image generation, is introduced as the platform to harness the power of Flux models, with a simple installation method provided for the audience.

05:00

🛠️ Setting Up Comfy UI for Flux Models

The tutorial continues with a step-by-step guide on setting up Comfy UI for running Flux models. It starts with downloading and installing Comfy UI on Windows, then moves on to installing necessary repositories and extensions using 'get' commands in the command prompt. The process includes cloning the Comfy UI manager for easier management and the extension for running the quantized Flux models. A special Python library is also installed to support the NF4 extension. The video then guides viewers on downloading the Flux NF4 models from GitHub and placing them in the correct folder within the Comfy UI directory. Lastly, it provides a link to a pre-made workflow for easy setup and use of the models in Comfy UI.

10:02

🚀 Generating AI Art with Flux Models in Comfy UI

The final part of the video script explains how to use the installed Comfy UI with the Flux models to generate AI art. It covers launching Comfy UI, loading the workflow, and selecting the desired Flux model. The video points out the differences in usage between the Dev and Schnell models, including the number of steps required for image generation. It also touches on the generation times and the potential for higher quality with increased resolution, acknowledging the trade-off with longer generation times. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to experiment with the settings, share their creations, and keep their setup updated for optimal AI art creation.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Flux models

Flux models refer to a family of AI image generation models developed by Black Forest Labs. These models have gained popularity for their ability to create high-quality images, as mentioned in the script with phrases like 'those jaw-dropping images flooding your Twitter and Reddit feeds.' The video discusses different models within the Flux family, each designed for specific use cases, such as Schnell for quick tests, the dev model for a balance of speed and quality, and Flux Pro for peak performance.

💡VRAM

VRAM, or Video Random Access Memory, is a type of memory used by graphics processing units (GPUs) to store image data. The script highlights the high VRAM requirements of Flux models, particularly the unquantized versions, which can demand '20 GB of VRAM or more.' This is significant as it sets a high barrier for users with lower-end hardware, but the introduction of quantized and NF4 versions aims to make Flux models more accessible to a wider range of users.

💡Bit sand bites

Bit sand bites is a low bit acceleration method introduced by the creator of stable diffusion, liasf, as mentioned in the script. This method allows for the reduction of VRAM usage, making AI image generation more feasible on systems with less powerful hardware. The script explains that this method has been applied to Flux models, enabling them to run on systems with 'a modest 4 to 10 GB of VRAM.'

💡ComfyUI

ComfyUI is described as a popular graphical user interface (GUI) for AI image generation in the script. It has gained a significant following, with 'over 46,000 stars on GitHub,' positioning it as a competitive tool in the AI art space. The video provides a guide on how to install and use ComfyUI with Flux models, emphasizing its user-friendliness and powerful features that make AI art creation more accessible.

💡Quantized models

Quantized models are a type of AI model that has been optimized to reduce the amount of memory and computational resources required. In the context of the video, quantized Flux models are highlighted as a way to 'experience the magic of Flux even with a modest 4 to 10 GB of VRAM.' These models are not only less demanding on system resources but also faster, offering a more efficient way to generate AI art.

💡NF4 versions

NF4 versions of Flux models are a specific type of quantized model mentioned in the script. These versions are designed to be lighter on system resources, thus allowing users with lower VRAM capacities to run Flux models. The script suggests that these NF4 versions are not only less taxing on the system but also faster, providing a 'lighter' and more efficient way to generate AI art.

💡Stable diffusion

Stable diffusion is an AI model for image generation that is mentioned in the script as a point of comparison to Flux models. The creator of stable diffusion, liasf, is credited with introducing the bit sand bites method, which has been applied to Flux models to reduce VRAM requirements. This comparison helps to contextualize the advancements in AI image generation and the efforts to make these technologies more accessible.

💡GitHub

GitHub is a web-based platform for version control and collaboration used by developers. In the script, GitHub is mentioned as the place where users can download ComfyUI, as well as the quantized and NF4 versions of Flux models. It serves as a repository for the AI art community to access and share tools and resources, highlighting its importance in the development and distribution of AI image generation technologies.

💡Workflow

In the context of the video, a workflow refers to a series of steps or processes that are followed to complete a task, such as generating AI art using ComfyUI and Flux models. The script provides a 'pre-made workflow' designed for the new quantized Flux NF4 models, which simplifies the process for users. This workflow is a set of instructions that ComfyUI follows to generate images, making it easier for users to create AI art without needing to understand the underlying complexities.

💡Hugging Face

Hugging Face is a platform for developers to share and collaborate on machine learning models. In the script, it is mentioned as the place where the quantized and NF4 versions of Flux models are available for download. This platform is significant as it provides a centralized location for accessing and using the latest AI models, including those discussed in the video.

Highlights

Introduction to AI image generation with Flux models.

Flux models are a family of AI models developed by Black Forest Labs.

Schnell is the fastest Flux model, ideal for quick tests.

The dev model offers a balance between speed and image quality.

Flux Pro is the most powerful model for professionals.

Flux models require high VRAM, with unquantized versions needing over 20 GB.

Introduction of bit sand bites low bit acceleration method for lower VRAM usage.

Quantized and F4 versions of Flux models are available for lower VRAM systems.

ComfyUI is a popular GUI for AI image generation with over 46,000 GitHub stars.

A simple method to install ComfyUI and a workflow for Flux NF4 models is provided.

Instructions on downloading and setting up ComfyUI for Windows.

Git is required to download necessary repositories for Flux models.

ComfyUI Manager simplifies the management of ComfyUI and its extensions.

Installation of the Bits and Bytes NF4 extension for running Flux models.

Downloading and installing the Flux NF4 models from Hugging Face.

A pre-made workflow is available for easy setup with Flux models in ComfyUI.

How to switch between different Flux models in ComfyUI.

Tips for generating images with Flux models in ComfyUI.

The ComfyUI Manager is essential for keeping AI Art Studio up to date.

Encouragement to experiment with Flux models and share workflows and tips.