Criterion RecraftStable Diffusion (Stability AI)
CategoryAI Image GeneratorsAI Image Generators
In one sentenceAn AI image and vector design platform aimed at designers, with custom styles and editable SVG output.Stability AI's open-weight image models, also available through a credit-based API.
Problem it solvesGetting design-ready output — vectors, mockups and consistent brand styles — instead of one-off raster images you have to redraw.Teams that need control, privacy or customisation cannot always use closed cloud generators; Stable Diffusion can be self-hosted and fine-tuned.
Free planYesYes
Developer APIYes — docsYes — docs
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWeb, APIWindows, Linux, macOS (local), API
Pricing (summary)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
Model weights are free under the Stability Community Licence for individuals and organisations under $1M annual revenue; larger companies need a custom Enterprise licence. The hosted API is pay-as-you-go at $0.01 per credit with a small starter credit grant.
Checked 2026-10-23
Strengths
  • Real vector output, not just raster images
  • Custom styles keep a campaign visually consistent
  • API with documented per-operation pricing
  • Open weights allow local and private use
  • Huge ecosystem of community tools
  • Free commercial use under $1M revenue
Limitations
  • 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
  • No major new image model found in 2026; recent focus is audio
  • Licence is revocable and requires registration for commercial use
  • Hosted API prices were raised in Aug 2025 and current per-model figures were not verified
  • Local use needs technical skills and a GPU