InvokeAI
FreeAI image generation that feels like real image software — canvas and inpainting in the UI
An Apache-2.0 local AI image tool with 27,896 stars taking a product-first approach: the interface resembles real image software, with canvas, layers and inpainting all in the GUI rather than a node graph. Its licence is the most permissive here, and it was still receiving commits in August 2026.
Why we picked it
If this is your first local AI image tool and you do not want to learn node graphs, InvokeAI is the easiest way in. 27,896 stars, Apache-2.0 — the most permissive licence here — and still receiving commits in August 2026.
It builds a product rather than a workflow engine: canvas, layers and inpainting live in the GUI, and it handles more like real image software than a patch board.
For complex pipelines — batching, chaining models, fine control — its ceiling is lower than ComfyUI's. But for most "I want to make an image" needs it is enough, and it does not punish you.