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Stable Diffusion 3 Medium is the model; SwarmUI is a higher-level web interface for generating images, while ComfyUI provides graph-based workflows for inspecting and customizing the process. This guide walks through a local workflow that starts with SwarmUI, checks the official model files and paths, and then uses ComfyUI’s example workflows for further experimentation.
SD3 Medium is the original model, not SD3.5. Confirm that both the selected checkpoint and workflow are intended for SD3 Medium, and check the current project documentation because software instructions and interface labels can change.
Understand the model and interfaces
Stable Diffusion 3 Medium is a text-to-image Multimodal Diffusion Transformer (MMDiT) developed by Stability AI. Its model card describes three fixed pretrained text encoders: OpenCLIP-ViT/G, CLIP-ViT/L, and T5-XXL. The model card recommends ComfyUI for local or self-hosted inference and links to StableSwarmUI.
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SwarmUI offers a higher-level generation flow. ComfyUI is the graph-based environment for loading and connecting models, conditioning, and other workflow components. They are complementary options, not a proven speed or quality ranking.
| Route or tool | What it offers | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Local or self-hosted inference | Runs on hardware you manage, using tools such as SwarmUI and ComfyUI | You handle installation, model files, compatible hardware, and software setup; requirements vary by configuration |
| SwarmUI | Higher-level interface for selecting a model, entering a prompt, and generating | Use its current documentation for setup and model-folder configuration |
| ComfyUI | Graph workflows for inspecting and customizing image-generation steps | Use the official SD3 examples and ensure the checkpoint and workflow match |
| Hosted API | Stability AI documents an API route for hosted inference | Verify current SD3 Medium availability, service terms, pricing, and access directly with the provider |
What you need
- A computer and software configuration supported by the current SwarmUI and ComfyUI documentation.
- A compatible GPU or other supported accelerator is useful for local inference. The reviewed sources do not specify a universal GPU or VRAM minimum for this workflow.
- Storage for the model package, any separate encoders, software, workflows, and generated images.
- An internet connection to download software and model files.
Performance and whether a setup fits your hardware depend on the selected package, text encoders, resolution, batch, and backend. No hardware was tested for this guide, so check the current backend documentation and begin with a simple generation on your own system.
Step 1: Install or open SwarmUI
Use the current installation instructions in the official StableSwarmUI repository. The repository’s rolling documentation is the source of truth for supported platforms, setup, and interface labels. The official model card recommends ComfyUI for local or self-hosted inference and links to SwarmUI.
- Follow the current SwarmUI installation instructions for your platform.
- Choose or configure the ComfyUI backend if that is the local workflow you intend to use.
- Start the server and open the local address it provides.
- Check that the backend starts and that the interface can see its configured model folders.
Do not rely on old forum commands or assume a particular port, installer, or setup screen will remain unchanged between releases.
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Step 2: Locate the model folders
SwarmUI and ComfyUI need to use the same model files. SwarmUI’s Basic Usage documentation explains how to connect an existing ComfyUI model folder. It documents setting ModelRoot to the UI’s models directory and SDModelFolder to checkpoints for that arrangement. Check the current documentation and your configuration before moving or duplicating large files.
- Identify whether SwarmUI manages ComfyUI or connects to an existing installation.
- Check the active model root and checkpoint folder in the current configuration.
- Place or configure the SD3 Medium files in the folders used by that backend.
- Restart or rescan as the current documentation instructs if the model does not appear.
Step 3: Get the intended SD3 Medium files
Use the official Stability AI SD3 Medium model card and repository. Follow its access and license instructions. Check the current repository filenames rather than relying on filenames copied from older guides.
The repository offers packages with different bundled components. The standalone sd3_medium.safetensors package does not include text encoders; other packages bundle CLIP encoders, and some also bundle T5-XXL in different weight formats. Choose a package based on its current repository description and your setup. The model card says results differ without T5-XXL, so do not treat packages with and without T5 as automatically equivalent.
| Package type | What to verify | Setup implication |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone model weights | Whether the package excludes text encoders | Install the required separate encoders and use a compatible workflow |
| Model with CLIP encoders | Whether T5-XXL is included | Check the model card’s guidance and workflow requirements for the missing encoder |
| Model with CLIP and T5-XXL | The included T5 variant and its format | Confirm backend compatibility and hardware suitability using current documentation |
The model card repository supplies basic, multi-prompt, and upscaling ComfyUI example workflows. Start with the example that matches the files you downloaded, and verify that its model references point to your installed files.
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Step 4: Select the model and generate an image
SwarmUI’s Basic Usage documentation describes opening Generate, choosing a model from the Models tab, entering a prompt, and generating an image. Interface labels may change, so use the current guide if your screen differs.
- Open the generation view and select the intended SD3 Medium checkpoint.
- Enter a concise prompt describing the subject, setting, composition, and visual treatment.
- Begin with one generation and the interface’s initial settings.
- Save the result and record the prompt, model filename, and settings you used.
For example: An oil-painted plein-air scene of a red umbrella beside a quiet lake at dawn, a small figure standing near the water, soft mist, warm light, visible brush texture, balanced landscape composition.
Stability AI describes SD3 Medium as offering improved image quality, typography, complex prompt understanding, and resource efficiency. These are publisher descriptions, not a guarantee for every prompt or a controlled benchmark of this workflow.
Step 5: Open an official ComfyUI example workflow
Once a basic generation works, try the ComfyUI examples supplied by the official model repository. The repository includes basic, multi-prompt, and upscaling workflows. Select the example matching the task and checkpoint package, then confirm the graph’s model and encoder references.
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- Load the relevant official example workflow in ComfyUI.
- Check that the checkpoint and any separate text encoders are available to the configured model folders.
- Run the workflow without changing several components at once.
- Save a copy of a working workflow and note any file dependencies.
- Experiment with multi-prompt or upscaling workflows only after the basic example runs.
A workflow file may depend on local model files and settings. Keep track of those dependencies if you move the workflow to another system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Step 6: Troubleshoot common setup problems
| Symptom | First checks | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Model does not appear | Active backend, model root, checkpoint folder, and whether the backend has rescanned | Follow current SwarmUI guidance for connecting the model folder and refresh the model list |
| Encoder or workflow error | Whether the package includes the encoders the workflow expects, and whether separate files are configured | Choose a matching official example workflow or install the required files as documented |
| Generation fails or runs out of resources | Backend support, model package, resolution, batch, and local hardware | Check current backend documentation and test a simpler, smaller generation |
| Example workflow references missing files | Checkpoint and encoder filenames and their configured folders | Install the matching files or adjust the workflow using current project guidance |
Licensing and commercial use
The SD3 Medium model card describes the Stability AI Community License: it states that research, non-commercial, and commercial use are permitted for individuals or organizations with annual revenue below USD 1 million, while commercial products or services above that threshold require an Enterprise license. Stability AI’s license update also describes a brief form for users below the threshold who integrate models or derivatives into commercial products or services. These are the publisher’s stated terms, not legal advice; requirements can change.
Before using the model commercially, read the current Stability AI Community License information, the model card, and the terms for the exact model files and any other components or hosted service in your workflow. Follow the current Stability AI Acceptable Use Policy linked from its official license materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific GPU or VRAM amount for SD3 Medium?
The reviewed official sources do not set a universal minimum for this workflow. Requirements depend on the package, encoders, backend, and generation settings. Check current backend guidance and test your own system.
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Is SD3 Medium the same as SD3.5?
No. SD3 Medium is the original model covered by this guide; SD3.5 is a later model family. Verify that the checkpoint and workflow you select are intended for SD3 Medium.
Should I use SwarmUI or ComfyUI?
SwarmUI supplies a higher-level generation interface, while ComfyUI provides graph-based workflows. You can start with SwarmUI and use ComfyUI examples when you want to inspect or customize a workflow. The reviewed sources do not establish a universal speed or quality winner.
Do all SD3 Medium packages include T5-XXL?
No. The official repository offers packages with different bundled components. Check the current package description; the model card notes that results differ without T5-XXL.
Can I use SD3 Medium commercially?
The model card and license update describe eligibility and conditions, including the stated revenue threshold and reporting guidance. Read the current official license and terms for every component and service you use before commercial deployment.
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Quick Recap
Next steps
- Confirm the model and workflow are for SD3 Medium, not SD3.5.
- Make a basic generation in SwarmUI after checking its model-folder configuration.
- Load a matching official ComfyUI example workflow and add complexity only after it works.
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