tools
Flux.1 Review 2026 — Black Forest Labs' Open-Source Image Model Explained
Flux.1 by Black Forest Labs is the best open-source image generation model in 2025-2026. Schnell variant is free (Apache 2.0). Runs in ComfyUI and AUTOMATIC1111.
FLUX.1 generates images from text prompts in three variants: [pro], [dev], and [schnell]. The family supports different aspect ratios and resolutions, while FLUX.1 Tools adds inpainting, outpainting, image variation, and structural editing.
Creators, developers, researchers, and businesses use FLUX.1 through the BFL API, partner services, or local deployments. API use is pay-as-you-go; FLUX.1 [dev] is intended for non-commercial use unless separately licensed, and FLUX.1 [schnell] is available under Apache 2.0.
Features
- Generate images from text prompts
- Support varied aspect ratios and resolutions
- Offer API access through Black Forest Labs
- Run FLUX.1 [dev] with open weights
- Run FLUX.1 [schnell] under Apache 2.0
- Perform inpainting and outpainting with FLUX.1 Fill
- Create image variations with FLUX.1 Redux
- Edit images using text and reference images with FLUX.1 Kontext
Use cases
- Create concept art and visual drafts from text prompts
- Prototype product and marketing imagery
- Generate images locally for research and development
- Edit or extend existing images with text instructions
- Build image-generation features into applications through the API