Criterion FLUX (Black Forest Labs) Recraft
CategoryAI Image GeneratorsAI Image Generators
In one sentenceBlack Forest Labs' FLUX image models, available through an API, a playground, and open-weight licences you can self-host.An AI image and vector design platform aimed at designers, with custom styles and editable SVG output.
Problem it solvesGetting a state-of-the-art image model either as a hosted API or as weights you can run and fine-tune on your own infrastructure.Getting design-ready output — vectors, mockups and consistent brand styles — instead of one-off raster images you have to redraw.
Free planNoYes
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsWeb, API, Linux, WindowsWeb, API
Pricing (summary)API access is pay-as-you-go with a published per-image calculator and no subscription; open-weight use requires a paid licence tier (Builder, Platform, Professional or Enterprise). Verify current rates on BFL's pricing page.
Checked 2026-10-18
A free plan exists but its images are public and not licensed for commercial use; paid individual and team plans grant ownership, private images and monthly credits, with API units purchased separately. Verify current plans on Recraft's pricing page.
Checked 2026-10-18
Strengths
  • Both hosted API and open weights, so you are not locked into one deployment model
  • Documented per-image API pricing calculator
  • Fine-tuning and LoRA rights under the open-weight licences
  • Real vector output, not just raster images
  • Custom styles keep a campaign visually consistent
  • API with documented per-operation pricing
Limitations
  • No free consumer plan is advertised — API use is pay-as-you-go and open weights require a paid licence
  • Self-hosting needs a capable GPU and operational work
  • Licence tiers cap monthly images, domains and licensed users
  • Images made on the Free plan are owned by Recraft, publicly visible and not licensed for commercial use — paid plans change this
  • Subscription credits reset each cycle and do not roll over
  • API units are prepaid separately from subscription credits