This is now the #1 AI image editor. Free & open source

Hydream E1.1 is introduced as the leading free and open-source AI image editor, excelling in detailed and precise image edits using simple text prompts while maintaining high fidelity and versatility for various creative transformations. The video also provides a comprehensive installation guide, compares Hydream with similar tools, and highlights its strengths and minor limitations, positioning it as a powerful offline solution for creators and enthusiasts.

The video introduces Hydream E1.1 as the new leading free and open-source AI image editor, surpassing previous tools like Omni Genen 2 and Flux Context Dev. Hydream E1.1 excels at detailed image editing using simple text prompts, allowing users to remove unwanted elements like raindrops, change clothing and backgrounds, restore and colorize old photos, and add new objects seamlessly while preserving original details. The AI demonstrates impressive capabilities in microediting, such as changing car colors or adding mountains, and even altering text within images, though some minor imperfections remain.

The presenter showcases various practical examples, including turning photos into 3D Pixar-style images, transforming scenes into underwater environments, and converting photos into anime style. Hydream E1.1 maintains the integrity of faces and poses, making it suitable for creating realistic deepfake images. Despite its strengths, the tool sometimes introduces noise along image edges and can slightly alter color saturation. However, these issues are expected to be addressed in future updates.

For installation, the video guides viewers through downloading necessary model files and setting up Hydream E1.1 within the Comfy UI interface. Due to the large size and VRAM requirements of the full model (over 32 GB), the presenter recommends using quantized versions tailored to different GPU capacities, ensuring broader accessibility. The tutorial covers selecting appropriate models, configuring settings like CFG values for prompt adherence and creativity, and explains the balance between image quality and processing speed with step counts.

The presenter compares Hydream E1.1 with Flux Context Dev, noting that while Hydream is superior for precise microedits, Flux Context Dev performs better for full-image style transfers and faster edits. Both tools are currently the top free and open-source options available, and users are encouraged to choose based on their specific editing needs. The video also invites viewers to seek help with installation issues and stay updated on AI developments through the presenter’s newsletter.

In conclusion, Hydream E1.1 represents a significant advancement in open-source AI image editing, offering powerful, versatile, and user-friendly features for offline use. Its ability to handle complex edits with high fidelity makes it a valuable tool for creators and enthusiasts. The video not only reviews its capabilities but also provides a comprehensive installation guide, empowering users to leverage this cutting-edge technology effectively.