img.now vs Stable Diffusion
img.now and Stable Diffusion both generate images from text, but they ask for very different setups. img.now is a free, no-install web app (100 credits a month plus a daily bonus) that bundles generation, editing, and format conversion together and releases every result under CC0 for commercial use without attribution. Stable Diffusion is an open-source model you can run on your own hardware or through third-party services, which gives advanced users deep control at the cost of more setup.
| Feature | img.now | Stable Diffusion |
|---|---|---|
| Price / Free tier | Free plan: 100 credits/month plus 40 bonus credits each day you return. Pro and Max add more. | The model is open-source; running it costs your own hardware, compute, or a third-party service's fees. |
| Image rights | Every image is CC0 - commercial use, no attribution, no royalties. | Output rights depend on the model license you use and the host you run it through. |
| Editing tools included | Built in: upscaler, enhancer, background remover, image-to-image, resizer, compressor, cropper, expander, OCR. | Extensible with community add-ons and extensions, but you assemble and maintain the toolchain yourself. |
| Format conversion | Convert PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, BMP, TIFF, HEIC, AVIF, SVG, PDF and camera RAW in the same app. | Not a converter; you handle format changes with separate software. |
| Ease of use | Browser-based - prompt, generate, then edit or convert with no setup. | Powerful but technical; local setups need installation, models, and hardware tuning. |
| Where it runs | Hosted web app, nothing to install; free files are pruned after 24 hours. | Self-hosted on your own GPU or run through a hosted third-party service. |
| Control and privacy | Hosted convenience with private-by-default files; payments via Stripe. | Running it locally keeps generation fully on your machine and offers maximum parameter control. |
Which should you choose?
Choose img.now if you want to skip setup and generate, edit, and convert in one free browser tab with CC0 rights. Choose Stable Diffusion if you want open-source flexibility, custom models, and the control of running everything on your own hardware.
Frequently asked questions
Is img.now or Stable Diffusion cheaper to use?
img.now has a free plan with 100 credits per month plus 40 bonus credits each day you return, and no hardware needed. Stable Diffusion's model is open-source, but running it has real costs - your own GPU and electricity, or the fees of a third-party hosting service.
Do I need a powerful computer for img.now?
No. img.now runs in the browser and does the work on its servers, so you do not need a GPU. Stable Diffusion run locally typically benefits from a capable graphics card and some technical setup.
What are the rights on images from each tool?
img.now releases every image under CC0, so it is free for commercial use with no attribution or royalties. With Stable Diffusion, output rights depend on the specific model license and the service or setup you use, so check those terms.
Can img.now match the customization of Stable Diffusion?
img.now focuses on being fast and complete out of the box, with styles, aspect ratios, and built-in editing and conversion. Stable Diffusion offers deeper customization through community models and extensions, which suits advanced users willing to manage their own toolchain.