How to use Stable Diffusion 3 on your PC: requirements and recommended models

To create spectacular images with AI from your computer, Stable Diffusion 3 It's one of the most interesting options, thanks to its flexibility, quality, and ecosystem of models. In this guide, I'll explain how to get it working on your computer, what you need for it to run smoothly, and how to get the most out of its interface step by step so you feel right at home from the very first minute.

What is Stable Diffusion 3 and why is it worth it?

Stable Diffusion is a model of generating images from text which has become a de facto standard due to its open nature, quality, and the number of tools surrounding it. With the evolution to Stable Diffusion 3 (SD3), the philosophy that anyone can Download models, combine them, and run them locallywhich provides independence and control over closed alternatives.

The great advantage of Stable Diffusion 3 remains that you can operate locally, without depending on external servers: You run the models on your PCYou choose what to install, what to update, and how to save your results. Furthermore, the ecosystem allows you to work with custom models (trained for specific styles, genres or subjects) and with complementary utilities to refine faces, eyes or increase resolution.

To make things easier for you, this guide will use a simple and visual interface such as Easy Diffusionwhich simplifies installation and use. Although Stable Diffusion 3 may require specific compatibility depending on the chosen interface, the workflow and concepts you'll see here will work for both SD3 and similar versions of the model, with the advantage that you don't need advanced knowledge to start generating images from day one.

Minimum and recommended requirements

Installation with Easy Diffusion is very directSimilar to any desktop program. That said, it's advisable to review the requirements first to avoid surprises and properly manage your performance and quality expectations.

At a minimum, you will need a processor (CPU), 8 GB of RAM and at least 25 GB storage Free. The tool can even work without a dedicated GPU, as it's possible to force CPU rendering, although the speed will be very low; for testing and output to low resolution may be enough.

If you use integrated graphics, make sure they have at least 2 GB of video memoryOtherwise, you might want to force CPU mode to avoid errors due to insufficient memory, keeping in mind that generation times They will be longer.

For smooth performance and higher resolutions, a dedicated GPU (NVIDIA or AMD) is ideal. Realistically, a system with a dedicated GPU is recommended. 8 GB of VRAM or moreThe more VRAM you have, the faster you can work, the higher the resolution you can support with each pass, and the more advanced options you can enable without bottlenecks. It also helps to have a fast memory bus in the graph.

Step-by-step installation with Easy Diffusion (Windows)

Although you can also use Linux or macOS, here we will focus on Windows as it is the most common environment. The procedure is very simple and it only requires following a few screens of the installer.

1. Download the installer. Visit the Easy Diffusion repository (for example, on GitHub) and choose the package that corresponds to your operating systemIn our case, select the Windows version. Save the file in an easy-to-locate folder.
2. Execution and installation. Open the installer and proceed using the button. "Next" To accept the steps. There are no tricks here: simply follow the wizard and keep the default settings unless you have specific requirements.
3. Choose the correct location. It's important to install it in a folder in the root from a drive (for example, C:/Easy-Diffusion). The installer will download additional dependencies during the process, so let it finish even if it takes a while. When it's finished, select the option to create shortcut on desktop to make it easier for you to start the tool.

With the installation complete, you can launch the interface from the desktop icon or by opening the installation folder and running the script called “Start Stable Diffusion UI”From here, the system will prepare everything necessary to open the application in the browser.

First run and interface: what you'll see

Upon starting, a black window will open CMD which will remain active while you use the program. Do not close it, because it is the main process responsible for Load models and manage the render queue.

Once the backend is ready, your default browser with the interface. Sometimes it may take a little while if it needs to verify or reinstall components.

The interface is organized into several tabs. The two main ones are “Generate” (where you will create images) and "Settings" (General settings). You will also see “Help and Community” (links to documentation and resources), “Merge Models” (to combine AI models) and “What’s new?” (Easy Diffusion changelog). Over time, more tabs are usually added for new features.

In the upper right corner there usually appears a status indicator This will tell you if the system is generating, if it's ready, or if any errors have occurred. It's a good reference point for knowing what's happening in the background at any given time.

Essential settings in “Settings”

Before you start generating, it's a good idea to quickly review the settings. Changing these options can make the difference between a smooth experience and one full of waiting. Here are the most relevant ones.:

• Auto-Save Images: Enables automatic saving of everything you produce. You can choose the destination folder and metadata format to preserve the generation information.
• Block NSFW Images: activates a blurring effect for adult content that might appear; useful if you share equipment or want to avoid surprises.
• GPU Memory Usage: Adjust the VRAM footprint: low (2-4 GB), Balanced (4-8 GB) or Fast (>8 GB). If you're running low on memory, start on "Low".
• Use CPU: It forces rendering using the processor. Only recommended for systems without a dedicated GPU and for testing purposes, as it is very slowIf you have a GPU, do not activate it.
• Confirm dangerous actions: It requests confirmation when deleting files or performing operations that involve data loss within the interface.
• Make Stable Diffusion available on your network: Open the service on your local network to access it from other devices. See the “Server Addresses” See the bottom of the page for the exact address and port.

When you're finished adjusting the settings, don't forget to press "Save" to apply changes. Right below you'll also see a summary of the hardware detected by the app.

Generate images with Stable Diffusion 3

Already on the tab “Generate”You'll see a large text field under "Enter Prompt". There you'll write a description of what you want to achieve. It's recommended to write the prompt in English For best results; if you prefer, use a translator, copy the English phrase and paste it as is.

When your prompt is ready, press the purple button. “Make Image” to queue the generation. Right below you'll find "Negative Prompt", which is used to indicate what you DON'T want that appears (for example: “blurry, low quality, deformed hands”).

If you only did this, you could already produce interesting pieces. But the magic of Stable Diffusion 3 and its ecosystem lies in the advanced generation parameters. Below the create image button, you'll see several dropdown menus with large number of adjustments that modify the model's behavior, style, sharpness, etc.

Remember that AI is sensitive to the input text, sampler settings, and steps. There's no one-size-fits-all solution. experiment and take notes of what works with each theme or style, and don't hesitate to iterate by changing a single variable to understand its real impact.

Step-by-step image adjustments

These controls define how your images are constructed. Use them wisely, and if you get stuck, try the default values ​​first and work your way up. The most important are:

• Seed: the seed that feeds the stochastic process. You can leave “Random” To obtain variations in each render. If you want to repeat a result, save the seed.
• Number of Images: Determine how many images are generated and how many are processed in parallel. Note: the number processed in parallel must be multiple of the totalIf it isn't, the render may not finish and you'll have to restart the app.
• Model: choose the model of stable diffusion that you want to use. If you have multiple versions (SD3, SDXL, specialized checkpoints, etc.), select it here.
• Custom VAE: Add a specific VAE to improve certain traits (for example, eyes or faces). It is a very useful accessory for specific styles.
• Samplers: This is the algorithm that removes noise and "converges" the final image. Changing the sampler can alter the character of the result; some are faster and others slower. deterministic.
• ImageSize: Define the width and height in pixels. To begin, maintain a ratio 1:1 It usually gives reliable results and avoids VRAM problems.
• Inference Steps: Number of sampling steps. More steps tend to improve the qualityHowever, there comes a point of diminishing returns. Adjust according to the chosen sampler.
• Guidance Scale: Controls how closely the image follows the prompt. Higher values ​​follow the text. the verbatimLow values ​​allow for more creative freedom.
• Hypernetwork: modifiers that adapt the generation to a style Specifically. Useful for directing the aesthetics without redoing the prompt.
• output format: the format (PNG, JPG, etc.) of the final output.
• Image Quality: The format quality (e.g., JPG compression) does not change. intrinsic quality of the generated image, only its presentation/file.
• Render Settings: options such as live preview (consumes VRAM), face/eye fix, upscaling to higher resolution (choose factor and method) and whether to keep or replace the original image after upscaling.

A good tactic is to set the sample size and sampler, then test several. steps and guidance, and only then touch VAEs or hypernetworks. This way you'll know which parameter really contributes and avoid getting lost in endless combinations.

Style modifiers

In the modifiers section, you can activate preset visual styles that change the artwork's appearance (more realistic, more illustrative, more photographic, etc.). Although the descriptions are in English, the associated icons help identify what each style does. These are not the only possibilitiesYou can handwrite styles, techniques, or artists in the prompt to broaden the range.

The key is to combine them wisely. If you mix too many styles, the model might randomly gravitate towards one or another. It's best to start with a single modifier and add another if you're looking for a more specific touch.

Options regarding pre-generated images

When you hover your cursor over a thumbnail, several tools will appear. With “Use as Input” You reuse the configuration used to create that image and generate consistent variations. With “Make Similar Images” The system produces versions similar to the selected one.

You can also download the image in the established format or the JSON with all the settings used (including the seed). It's very practical for sharing settings with other people or for documenting your best findings.

If you see a promising piece and want to push it a little further, the option “Draw another 25 Steps” It adds 25 extra steps to refine details. And once you have it, it's a good idea to apply “Upscale” to increase resolution using your preferred scaling method.

Generation from images and sketches

In addition to text, with Stable Diffusion 3 you can also use images such as guide from AI. You have two options: start from a pre-generated image or upload a photo/illustration from your computer for the AI ​​to interpret and transform according to the prompt.

If you choose the option “Draw”You can paint a quick sketch and use it as a base. The model will try to respect the overall composition of the drawing and complete it with the necessary details according to the input textIt's hard to get the hang of it at first, but with practice you'll achieve very solid results.

Specific notes on Stable Diffusion 3

Although the explained flow will help you get started, remember that Stable Diffusion 3 may require more resources and specific compatibility depending on the interface you use. If you're working with checkpoints and pipelines specifically designed for SD3, check your UI documentation to confirm support and VRAM requirements.

The good news is that the working logic doesn't change: clear prompts, sampler control, steps, guidance, and output processing (VAEs, upgradeetc.). If an interface does not yet support an SD3 checkpoint, you can use intermediate compatible models or stay on previous versions while adding key features from this guide to your routine.

How to uninstall (and clean) when you no longer need it

If at any point you decide to stop using the tool, simply delete folder where you installed it. No need for a complex uninstaller: just delete the directory and you're done. If you saved models or outputs in custom paths, remember make a copy before in case you want to retrieve them later.

With all this, you now have the complete roadmap for working with Stable Diffusion 3 on your PC: from the requirements to the installation, including vital interface settings, fine-tuning parameters, and expanding with models and VAEs. If you organize yourself well, you'll be able to iterate quicklyDocument your best combinations and get solid results without relying on external services, with the peace of mind that everything runs on your own equipment.