AUTOMATIC1111 vs 
SD.Next
AUTOMATIC1111 vs SD.Next compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. The classic Stable Diffusion web UI vs Power-user fork with broad model support.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
AUTOMATIC1111 vs SD.Next at a glance
| Spec | AUTOMATIC1111 | SD.Next |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI image generation | AI image generation |
| Type | Web UI | Web UI |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Runs locally | Yes | Yes |
| Primary language | Python | Python |
| Ease of use | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Best for | users who want the biggest extension ecosystem | power users who want the newest architectures |
| GitHub stars | 164.3k | 7.2k |
Feature comparison
| Feature | AUTOMATIC1111 | SD.Next |
|---|---|---|
| Runs locally | ✓ | ✓ |
| Node workflows | ✗ | ✗ |
| Inpainting | ✓ | ✓ |
| LoRA support | ✓ | ✓ |
| ControlNet | ✓ | ✓ |
| API | ✓ | ✓ |
How AUTOMATIC1111 and SD.Next score
| Criterion | AUTOMATIC1111 | SD.Next |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 5.0 | 2.5 |
| Maintenance | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| License freedom | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
AUTOMATIC1111
AUTOMATIC1111 (stable-diffusion-webui) is the classic, feature-packed Gradio web UI for Stable Diffusion, with a huge extension ecosystem and an enormous community.
- Massive extension and tutorial ecosystem
- Familiar form-based UI, gentle learning curve
- Huge community with answers for everything
SD.Next
SD.Next is a feature-forward web UI for image generation that supports a wide range of model architectures and backends with frequent updates.
- Supports many model architectures and backends
- Frequent updates and optimizations
- Highly configurable for advanced users
Key differences
AUTOMATIC1111 is web UI, while SD.Next is web UI. AUTOMATIC1111 leans more intermediate-friendly, whereas SD.Next is more suited to advanced users. In short, AUTOMATIC1111 fits users who want the biggest extension ecosystem, and SD.Next fits power users who want the newest architectures.
Which should you choose?
Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem. Choose SD.Next for power users who want the newest architectures.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is AUTOMATIC1111 or SD.Next easier to use?
AUTOMATIC1111 is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while SD.Next rewards more setup with more control.
Are AUTOMATIC1111 and SD.Next free?
AUTOMATIC1111 is free and open source (AGPL-3.0), and SD.Next is free and open source (AGPL-3.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run AUTOMATIC1111 and SD.Next locally?
AUTOMATIC1111: yes · SD.Next: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
AUTOMATIC1111 vs SD.Next — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem. Choose SD.Next for power users who want the newest architectures.
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