Welcome to this step-by-step guide on how to install SDXL 1.0. This blog post aims to streamline the installation process for you, so you can quickly utilize the power of this cutting-edge image generation model released by Stability AI. We also cover problem-solving tips for common issues, such as updating Automatic1111 to version 5.1.1 or newer.

Let’s jump right into it.

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Pre-installation: Setting Up Your System

Skip this section if you already have the pre-requisites.

Before we dive into the installation of SDXL 1.0, it’s crucial to ensure that your system is prepared. Having the right setup will allow the installation process to run smoothly and ensure optimum performance of the model.

• System Requirements:

  SDXL 1.0 requires a system with a modern GPU (8GB VRAM or higher is recommended) to function optimally. Ensure that your computer meets these requirements.

• Software Requirements:

  It’s essential to have Python 3.8 or above installed on your system. You can download the latest version from the official Python website. Additionally, check that you have the latest versions of all the required Python libraries installed. These include torch, torchvision, numpy, and a few others.

  Most will recommend Python 3.10.6 which I use as well.

• Update Automatic1111:

  If you have an older version of Automatic1111, you may encounter problems during the installation of SDXL 1.0. Make sure you have updated to version 5.1.1. In case you face issues updating the software using the gitpull function in the .bat file or Fetch Origins in GitHub Desktop, you may need to install a new version of Automatic1111.

• Get Comfy with ComfyUI:

  Stability AI recommends using ComfyUI for SDXL 1.0. While this guide will not cover the details of installing and using ComfyUI, you can learn how to install it here.

• Invoke and Fooocus:

  I find myself using these 2 a lot more these days. If you have all the prerequisites mentioned above, these 2 will work just fine. [Learn how to Install Invoke]

After making sure your system meets these requirements, you’re all set to move on to the actual installation of SDXL 1.0. Let’s get started!

Now that you’ve completed the pre-installation steps, let’s dive into the process of installing SDXL 1.0. This step-by-step guide will lead you through the process, ensuring that you can start creating breathtaking images in no time!

1. Download SDXL 1.0:

The first step is to download the SDXL 1.0 model. You can access the download link on the Stability AI GitHub page. Be sure to download the three models: base, offset, and lora.

Download the 3, SDXL 1.0 model weights HERE. (Or Direct Download below)

• sd_xl_base_1.0.safetensors
• sd_xl_base_1.0_0.9vae.safetensors (optional)
• sd_xl_offset_example-lora_1.0.safetensors

Direct Download: SDXL Base

Download the 2, SDXL 1.0 refiner models HERE. (Or Direct Download below)

• sd_xl_refiner_1.0.safetensors
• sd_xl_refiner_1.0_0.9vae.safetensors (optional)

Direct Download: SDXL Refiner

2. After successfully downloading the required files:

• Navigate to your Automatic1111 Installation Folder.

  Deposit the model files into their designated locations. This precise placement is crucial for proper functionality.

• Transfer the SDXL Models.

  Transfer the files sd_xl_base_1.0.safetensors and sd_xl_refiner_1.0.safetensors into:

  models folder > Stable-diffusion folder. If you opted to download the additional files, they too should be placed here.

• Transfer LoRas

  Transfer the file sd_xl_offset_example-lora_1.0.safetensors into the Lora folder > Stable-diffusion folder.

3. Once the files are correctly placed, launch Automatic111 WebUI.

To utilize these models, navigate to the top left corner and select ‘Stable Diffusion checkpoint’ from the dropdown menu. From here, you can select your desired model.

You are now all set to use these models!
Everything below is extra information for those who want to know more about SDXL and need to trouble shoot.

Understanding the SDXL 1.0 Models

Each model in the SDXL 1.0 lineup performs a unique role, contributing to the overall image creation process. Let’s learn about each model and the functions they serve:

• Clipdrop:

  SDXL 1.0 has been integrated with Clipdrop, a versatile platform for generating and manipulating images. To access the model via Clipdrop, simply follow this Link.

• Stability AI Platform:

  SDXL 1.0 has also been released on the Stability AI Platform as an API, which makes it convenient for developers to incorporate the model into their applications and projects. Link.

• Amazon Web Services (AWS):

  If you’re a user of AWS, you’ll be pleased to know that SDXL 1.0 is available on AWS Sagemaker and AWS Bedrock.

  This allows for seamless integration and use within your existing AWS environment.
  AWS SageMaker Link | AWS Bedrock Link

• Stable Foundation Discord:

  Join the Stable Foundation Discord community to be a part of live testing of SDXL models, discuss ideas, and get feedback from like-minded creators and enthusiasts. Link,

• DreamStudio:

  SDXL 1.0 is also available on DreamStudio for image generation. This platform provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for creators to generate images using SDXL 1.0. Link.

• Stability AI GitHub:

  For those who wish to down the rabbit hole into the nuts and bolts of SDXL 1.0, the model weights and associated source code are available on the Stability AI GitHub page. This allows developers and researchers to use the model in a more custom and flexible manner, suited to their specific requirements. Source

• Use Open Source Version Locally:

  For those interested in running SDXL 1.0 directly on their personal computer, the open-source versions available via Automatic1111, Comfy UI, and Invoke web UI provide an excellent option. This allows for maximum control and customizability, enabling you to leverage the power of SDXL 1.0 right from your own system.

Understanding the Usage of SDXL 1.0, LoRa, and Refiner + Trouble Shoot

Let’s get into the usage of the SDXL 1.0, LoRa, and the Refiner, to understand how to actually use them.

• Activating the ‘Lora to Prompt’ Tab:

  This tab is hidden by default. To enable it, head over to:

  Settings > User Interface > Quick Setting List and then choose Add sd_lora.

  Once done, you’ll see a new tab titled ‘Add sd_lora to prompt’.

• Setting SD VAE:

  Make sure that SD VAE is set to Automatic. It’s important to note that it doesn’t work with LoRa’s from SD 1.5.

• Utilizing Offset LoRa’s:

  Using the offset LoRa’s that you downloaded is optional but can potentially lead to better results.

• Selecting the LoRa:

  Activate the network menu by clicking on the Icon for Show/Hide Networks, then head over to LoRa tab.

  Find your sd_xl_offset_example-lora_1.0.

  Once selected, it will automatically append the LoRa prompt to the end of your existing prompt. It should look something like <lora:offset_0.2:1>.
  The numbers represent the weights. If you’re unfamiliar with this, refer to my blog post on how to use LoRa’s.

• Preferred Dimensions:

  SDXL 1.0 performs optimally at a resolution of 1024×1024, so consider working with images of this size.

• Using the Refiner:

  The Refiner is slightly annoying to use. You need to send your rendered images to ‘img2img’, then switch your Stable Diffusion Checkpoint to the refiner model.

• If your installation keeps getting errors:

  It’s important that your Automatic1111 is updated to version 1.5.1. Updating via Git Pull or GitHub Desktop’s Fetch can be problematic and not truly update. The solution? Install a new copy, preferably a separate version for SDXL 1.0.

Start experimenting with the denoising strength; you’ll want a lower value to retain the image’s original features for refining. Remember to delete the LoRa out of the prompt to avoid errors. You might need to use the ‘restore face’ option if the images look distorted.

Keep Experimenting

Keep playing around with the settings and find what combination works best for you. The aim is to push the boundaries of with SDXL 1.0 and produce unique, high-quality images.

With SDXL 1.0 still fresh out of the box, it’s an exciting time to explore and experiment. The full extent of its features are yet to be uncovered and you can bet I’ll be right here, updating you with the latest insights as we learn them. This is a collective endeavour and I’m certain that in a year’s time, we’ll be well-versed in the workings of SDXL 1.0, assisting others in creating wonders with it. We’re stepping into the unknown together and I’m thrilled to discover where this path leads us.

How to Install Stable Diffusion:

• How to Install Stable Diffusion Web UI (Complete Installation)
• Prerequisites Installation Guide to Stable Diffusion’s Web UI’s
• How to Install Stable Diffusion SDXL 1.0: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Install Automatic1111 Web UI for Stable Diffusion
• How to Install Comfy UI: A Streamlined Process for Enhanced Workflow
• How to Install InvokeAI 3.0: A Cleaner Web UI for Stable Diffusion