SDXL - BEST Build + Upscaler + Steps Guide

Olivio Sarikas
10 Jul 202312:15

TLDRThis tutorial offers a comprehensive guide on achieving stunning results with the SDXL image model. It covers the setup of prompts for quality and style, explains the distinction between base and refiner models, and details the process of upscaling images for enhanced detail. The video also provides insights on using different upscalers and encourages viewers to explore community models for further experimentation. Links to models, Discord communities, and additional resources are provided for those eager to delve deeper into image enhancement techniques.

Takeaways

  • πŸ˜€ The tutorial provides insights on achieving high-quality image results with SDXL, following a successful live stream discussion.
  • πŸ” The 'Comp View I' is highlighted as a valuable tool for experimenting with different methods and setting up automatic testing for image processing techniques.
  • πŸ“ The script introduces new features, including multiple instances of prompts for positive and negative aspects of image quality and style.
  • 🎨 The importance of defining the image setup with detailed descriptions in the prompts, such as 'detailed photo' and 'realistic 8K UHD high quality', is emphasized.
  • 🚫 The negative prompt includes terms to avoid, like '3D render', 'anime', 'blurry', and 'low resolution', ensuring the AI generates images without these unwanted qualities.
  • πŸ”’ The script discusses the significance of the 'steps' in the image generation process, with a suggested ratio of 80% base model steps to 20% refiner steps.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ The 'K sampler Advanced' is mentioned as a key component in the base rendering process, which takes inputs from both positive and negative prompts.
  • πŸ› οΈ The refiner stage is presented as a simpler process, focusing on technical aspects of the image and using a different model from the base rendering.
  • πŸ” The tutorial explains the difference between a latent image and a pixel image, with the VAED code responsible for converting latent data into viewable pixels.
  • πŸ“ˆ The process of 'double upscaling' is introduced, first with a skin detailer and then with a choice of two different upscalers to enhance image detail and clarity.
  • πŸ”— Links to upscaling models, community-trained models, and Discord channels for inspiration and support are provided for further exploration and experimentation.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the tutorial in the video?

    -The main focus of the tutorial is to guide viewers on how to achieve amazing results with SDXL (Stable Diffusion XL) by setting up the best build, using an upscaler, and following a step-by-step guide.

  • What is the role of Winston Wolf in the video?

    -Winston Wolf is part of the Discord community and helped the creator during the live streams and in setting up the tutorial.

  • What is the significance of the positive and negative prompts in the SDXL setup?

    -Positive prompts define the desired qualities and style of the image, such as 'detailed photo', 'wide angle shot', 'realistic 8K UHD', while negative prompts specify what to avoid, like '3D render', 'anime', 'blurry', 'low resolution'.

  • How does the base model and refiner model differ in terms of steps used in the SDXL process?

    -The base model uses 20 steps, and the refiner model starts from the 20th step and uses 25 steps, indicating a ratio of 80% base model steps to 20% refiner steps.

  • What is the purpose of the CFG scale in the SDXL setup?

    -The CFG scale is used to control the quality and style of the image. It can be fixed for consistent testing or randomized for different results.

  • How does the base rendering process work in the SDXL setup?

    -The base rendering process involves using two CLIP text encoders for positive and negative prompts, feeding in the text inputs, and using the K sampler Advanced. The image is then processed through the model to generate a base render with 20 steps.

  • What is the refiner stage in the SDXL process and how does it work?

    -The refiner stage is a follow-up to the base rendering, where the image is further refined for better detail and clarity. It uses a simpler setup with a CLIP input and a text input, mixing them with the refiner model and outputting through the K sampler.

  • What is the purpose of the VAED code in the SDXL process?

    -The VAED code is used to decode the latent image into a pixel image. It takes the data points used by the AI to define the image and renders them into visible pixels on the screen.

  • What are the two methods mentioned for upscaling the image in the video?

    -The two methods mentioned are using the 4X nmkd CX upscaler and the 4X Ultra sharp upscaler. Both methods are used to enhance the image quality after the initial rendering.

  • Where can viewers find more information and resources related to SDXL and upscaling models?

    -Viewers can join the official stable diffusion Discord, specifically the show and tell XL room for the XL beta, and also download models and resources linked in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“š Introduction to Upscaling with SDXL

The script begins with a recap of a previous live stream discussing optimal settings for image upscaling. The speaker appreciates the community's involvement, particularly acknowledging Winston Wolf from the Discord community. The tutorial will condense the live stream's insights into a comprehensive guide. The focus is on the 'comp view I', a tool for experimenting with various methods and setting up automatic testing. The script introduces new features, including multiple instances of prompts defining image quality and style, such as 'detailed photo' and 'realistic 8K UHD high quality'. Negative prompts include undesirable attributes like 'blurry' and 'low resolution'. The tutorial outlines the process of setting up the base model and refiner model with different steps, emphasizing an '80-20 rule' for steps distribution. It also covers image size, CFG scale, and seed settings, and mentions the availability of a download for easier setup.

05:01

πŸ–ΌοΈ Base Rendering and Refiner Stage Explanation

This paragraph delves into the technical aspects of the base rendering process using the SDXL model. It describes the use of CLIP text encoders for both positive and negative prompts, with the base model utilizing 20 steps and the refiner model using 25 steps. The script explains the process of linking the base model's output to the refiner model, which refines the image further. The refiner stage is simpler, requiring only a CLIP input and a text input. The script also details the use of a VAE decoder to convert the latent image into a pixel image. The paragraph concludes with a comparison of two upscaling methods: the 4X nmkd CX upscaler and the 4X Ultra sharp upscaler, discussing their respective pros and cons in terms of graininess, sharpness, and potential blurriness.

10:01

πŸ” Upscaling Models and Community Resources

The final paragraph provides guidance on where to find and how to use upscaling models, including a model database with community-trained models for various purposes. It instructs viewers on downloading and implementing these models into their Comfy UI folder. The speaker also recommends joining the official stable diffusion Discord for inspiration and examples of successful prompts and images. The paragraph concludes with an offer to download the speaker's image for direct use in Comfy UI, which will automatically load the complete build. It reminds viewers to download the necessary SDXL models and app scales, with all links provided in the video description. The script ends with a call to action for likes and a farewell, inviting viewers to explore additional content.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘SDXL

SDXL refers to a high-resolution model used in AI image generation, which stands for 'Stable Diffusion XL'. In the context of the video, it is the primary tool discussed for achieving high-quality image results. The script mentions setting up different methods to experiment with SDXL, indicating its significance in the tutorial.

πŸ’‘Upscale

Upscaling in the video script pertains to the process of increasing the resolution of an image while maintaining or enhancing its quality. The tutorial covers methods to upscale images using SDXL, with specific mentions of 1x and 4X upscaling techniques, emphasizing the importance of detail enhancement in the final output.

πŸ’‘Prompts

Prompts are the textual descriptions or commands given to the AI to guide the generation of images. The script discusses 'positive' and 'negative' prompts, which define the desired qualities and undesired attributes of the image, respectively. They are crucial for directing the AI to create specific styles and effects.

πŸ’‘Refined Model

A refined model, as mentioned in the script, is an advanced version of the base model used for further improving the image quality. It is used after the initial rendering with the base model to add more details and clarity, showcasing a two-step process in image generation.

πŸ’‘Steps

In the context of the video, 'steps' refer to the stages or iterations in the AI's image generation process. The script specifies different numbers of steps for the base model and the refiner, indicating a progression from a rough initial render to a more detailed final image.

πŸ’‘CFG Scale

CFG scale is a parameter in the AI model that adjusts the configuration of the image generation process. The script mentions setting a specific CFG scale for the base and refiner stages, suggesting its role in fine-tuning the image quality and style.

πŸ’‘Seed

A 'seed' in AI image generation is a starting point or initial condition that influences the randomness of the output. The script notes a fixed seed for testing purposes, allowing for consistent results when experimenting with different settings.

πŸ’‘CLIP Text Encoder

CLIP (Contrastive Language–Image Pre-training) Text Encoder is a component used in the AI model to process text prompts. The script describes its role in both the base and refiner stages, where it interprets the positive and negative prompts to guide the image generation.

πŸ’‘K Sampler

The 'K Sampler' mentioned in the script is part of the AI's image generation process, likely referring to a sampling method used to select and combine different image features based on the prompts and model inputs.

πŸ’‘VAE Decoder

VAE (Variational Autoencoder) Decoder is a neural network component that translates the latent space representation of an image into a pixel space image. The script explains its importance in the final stage of refining the image, turning data points into a viewable image.

πŸ’‘Upscaling Models

Upscaling models, as discussed in the script, are specific AI models designed to increase the resolution of images. The video compares two types of upscaling models, 'nmkd CX' and 'Ultra Sharp', demonstrating their different effects on image detail and sharpness.

Highlights

Introduction to an SDXL tutorial covering best settings for image upscaling and quality review.

Comprehensive guide on how to achieve amazing results with SDXL.

Explanation of the new features in the comp view lab for experimenting with different methods.

Introduction of multiple instances of prompts for defining image quality and style.

Use of positive and negative prompts to refine image characteristics.

Setting up the base model and refiner model with different steps for image generation.

Importance of the 'golden ratio' of 80% base model steps to 20% refiner steps.

Explanation of image size, batch size, and seed settings in the process.

CFG scale and its role in the testing of image generation settings.

Technical aspects of the image defined by positive and negative prompts for L.

Base rendering setup and its simplicity despite the complexity of node connections.

Use of CLIP text encoders for both positive and negative prompts in the SDXL model.

Process of inputting text prompts into the model for scene content and style definition.

Description of the K sampler and its role in the base rendering process.

How the refiner stage simplifies the process with fewer inputs and a focus on technicalities.

Importance of the VAE decoder in converting latent images to pixel images.

Double upscaling process using specific models to enhance image detail and quality.

Comparison of different upscaling methods and their impact on image graininess and sharpness.

Practical advice on downloading and using upscaling models for experimentation.

Community resources and Discord channels for inspiration and model databases.

Offer to download the presenter's image for direct use in Comfy UI.

Final encouragement to like the video and join the community for further assistance.