v1.8.1 Interface overhaul and controlnet

AI Runner v1.7.0 introduced an overhauled interface with many new features and improvements. It also introduced several bugs. Rather than waste time on a blog post I got to work on fixing those bugs in a series of patches, which brings us to v1.8.1 and gives me some breathing room to talk about everything that has been introduced between v1.7.0 and v1.8.1.

Removed features

The first thing you will notice after upgrading to 1.7.0+ is that the Image gallery and model database have been removed. I felt both of these features were adding complexity to the experience without much value.

You can still add custom models to AI Runner by setting your Stable Diffusion Path.

Redesigned interface

AI Runner Versions prior to v1.7.0 were built using tkinter, but starting with 1.7.0 everything was moved to PyQT which is more robust and powerful and also allows for faster development.

The new UX features a larger canvas, side tabs for each section and the return of the right side bar.

New Features

• Layers: layers can be added and rearranged to allow for more control over your composition
• Drawing tools: The ability to draw and erase lines has been added allowing you the ability to convert quick sketches into complex works of art in minutes.
• Support for Embeddings: simply create a folder called embeddings inside your Stable Diffusion Path folder, place your textual inversion embedding files in the folder and restart the app.
• Controlnet: A popular set of models that allow you to take more control over your final work.

Bug fixes

If you upgraded to 1.7.0 you will have also noticed a number of bugs which have now been patched as of 1.8.1

• fixes to canvas alignment
• inability to download model for fresh install fixed
• small visual bug fixes
• fixed frequent crashes