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FLUX.1 Kontext by Black Forest Labs Introduces Next-Generation Image Editing Models

Created on May 30|Last edited on May 30
Black Forest Labs has introduced FLUX.1 Kontext, a new suite of generative models focused on contextual image generation and editing. The models in this suite support both text and image inputs, enabling users to perform detailed edits and transformations on visual content without requiring traditional image editing tools or retraining steps. Unlike earlier models that only generated images from text prompts, FLUX.1 Kontext enables in-context editing where images and text work together to guide the transformation.

Core Capabilities of the Kontext Model Suite

FLUX.1 Kontext models are designed around several key capabilities. Users can modify individual elements within an image using natural language prompts, while the system preserves the surrounding visual context. This includes keeping a character’s appearance consistent across multiple edits or scenes. The suite includes models that allow both local image modifications and full-scene generation based on input text and image combinations. These features give creators precise control over image output while maintaining coherence and style.

Text and Image Driven Workflows

Where previous generative image models typically relied on text alone, FLUX.1 Kontext supports workflows that begin with an image and evolve through layered, iterative prompts. For example, a user could upload a portrait, remove an object from the subject’s face, change the background to a sunny street in Freiburg, and then update the scene to depict snowfall. Each new instruction compounds on the last, enabling a step-by-step evolution of the image. This workflow supports both creative flexibility and fine-grained control.

Character Consistency and Local Edits

One standout feature of the FLUX.1 Kontext models is their ability to maintain character consistency. This means the unique attributes of people, objects, or environments can be preserved across edits, even as their settings or expressions are changed. This is essential for creating coherent image sequences or iterating on a concept without breaking visual continuity. Local editing lets users modify specific parts of an image, such as changing a facial expression or adding new elements, while leaving the rest of the image untouched.

Performance and Variants

The FLUX.1 Kontext family includes several variants aimed at different use cases. FLUX.1 Kontext [max] is the top-tier model, offering high performance, improved prompt accuracy, and better typography handling without compromising speed. FLUX.1 Kontext [pro] supports fast, iterative image editing with strong regional editing capabilities. A developer version, FLUX.1 Kontext [dev], is a distilled, open-weights version meant for more technical users, though it is not yet released. These models are available through Black Forest Labs’ own platform and integrations with services like Replicate, Krea, and Freepik.

Implications for Image Generation and Creative Workflows

FLUX.1 Kontext marks a shift in how generative models can be used for image creation and editing. By enabling contextual understanding and combining both text and visual input, it allows for far more interactive and controllable workflows. Artists, designers, and developers can experiment and iterate more freely, while retaining consistency and stylistic intent. It represents a step forward in making generative tools more usable and adaptable for real creative tasks.