Open-Source AI · AI image generation

AUTOMATIC1111 vs SD WebUI Forge

AUTOMATIC1111 vs SD WebUI Forge compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. The classic Stable Diffusion web UI vs A faster Stable Diffusion WebUI.

Updated regularly · curated by olud.ai

Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem. Choose SD WebUI Forge for faster SD on limited VRAM.

AUTOMATIC1111 vs SD WebUI Forge at a glance

SpecAUTOMATIC1111SD WebUI Forge
CategoryAI image generationAI image generation
TypeWeb UIOptimized SD web UI
LicenseAGPL-3.0AGPL-3.0
Runs locallyYesYes
Primary languagePythonPython
Ease of useIntermediateIntermediate
Best forusers who want the biggest extension ecosystemfaster SD on limited VRAM
GitHub stars164.2k—

How AUTOMATIC1111 and SD WebUI Forge score

🤝 Too close to call — AUTOMATIC1111 and SD WebUI Forge land within a hair (4.2 vs 4.0 / 5). Pick on fit, not on score.
CriterionAUTOMATIC1111SD WebUI Forge
Popularity5.0n/a
Maintenance4.0n/a
Ease of use3.53.5
Privacy5.05.0
License freedom3.53.5

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

Web UI · AGPL-3.0

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
See the AUTOMATIC1111 page →

SD WebUI Forge

Optimized SD web UI · AGPL-3.0

Stable Diffusion WebUI Forge is a performance-focused fork of AUTOMATIC1111 that speeds up generation and lowers VRAM use while keeping the familiar interface.

  • Faster generation, lower VRAM
  • Familiar A1111 interface and extensions
  • Great for modest GPUs
Visit SD WebUI Forge →

Key differences

AUTOMATIC1111 is web UI, while SD WebUI Forge is optimized SD web UI. In short, AUTOMATIC1111 fits users who want the biggest extension ecosystem, and SD WebUI Forge fits faster SD on limited VRAM.

Which should you choose?

Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem. Choose SD WebUI Forge for faster SD on limited VRAM.

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 WebUI Forge easier to use?

Both sit at a similar level (Intermediate). Your choice should come down to fit rather than difficulty.

Are AUTOMATIC1111 and SD WebUI Forge free?

AUTOMATIC1111 is free and open source (AGPL-3.0), and SD WebUI Forge is free and open source (AGPL-3.0). Neither charges for the core software.

Can I run AUTOMATIC1111 and SD WebUI Forge locally?

AUTOMATIC1111: yes · SD WebUI Forge: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.

AUTOMATIC1111 vs SD WebUI Forge — which should I pick in 2026?

Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem. Choose SD WebUI Forge for faster SD on limited VRAM.

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