Image Generator Tutorial: Build with Stable Diffusion, Next.js & Vercel

How to Build an Image Generation Web Application Using Stable Diffusion

In this tutorial, we will explore the process of building a web application that generates images based on text prompts using Stable Diffusion, a cutting-edge deep learning text-to-image model. We'll leverage Next.js for both the frontend and backend functionalities and deploy our application effortlessly on Vercel.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Prerequisites
• Setting up the Next.js Project
• Installing Tailwind CSS
• Creating the Image Generation Form
• Creating the API Route for Stable Diffusion
• Deploying the Application on Vercel
• Conclusion

Introduction

Stable Diffusion stands out as a powerful text-to-image model capable of generating highly detailed images based on textual descriptions. In this tutorial, we will develop a web application where users can input a text prompt, and the system generates an image based on that prompt using the Stable Diffusion model. This application is an excellent starting point for experimenting with and developing creative tools rooted in a variety of Stable Diffusion models.

Prerequisites

Before we embark on this journey, ensure that you have the following tools installed on your machine:

• Node.js
• npm

Additionally, create an account on Vercel if you haven't done so already.

Setting up the Next.js Project

First, we will initiate a new Next.js project with TypeScript and ESLint support. Execute the following command in your terminal:

npx create-next-app@latest my-project --typescript --eslint

This command creates a new Next.js project in a directory named my-project with TypeScript and ESLint configuration.

Installing Tailwind CSS

We will incorporate Tailwind CSS for styling our application. Here are the steps:

1. Install Tailwind CSS and its required dependencies:

   npm install -D tailwindcss postcss autoprefixer

2. Edit tailwind.config.js to include your template paths:

   module.exports = {
     content: ["./app/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}", "./pages/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}", "./components/**/*.{js,ts,jsx,tsx}",],
     theme: {
       extend: {},
     },
     plugins: [],
   }
   

3. Add the Tailwind directives to your globals.css file:

   @tailwind base;
   @tailwind components;
   @tailwind utilities;

4. Run the development server:

   npm run dev

Your Next.js project is now operational with Tailwind CSS integrated.

Creating the Image Generation Form

Next, we need to create a form that allows users to submit their text prompts. Update your pages/index.tsx file with the following code snippet:

{/* Your form code here */}

This code creates a user-friendly form for entering text prompts while displaying a loading spinner during image generation.

Creating the API Route for Stable Diffusion

Now, let’s implement an API route that will facilitate the interaction with Stable Diffusion for image generation. Create a new file called pages/api/stablediffusion.ts and add the following code:

{/* Your API route code here */}

Don't forget to add your Replicate API token into a .env file:

REPLICATE_API_TOKEN=your_api_token

This API route will process requests from the frontend to generate images using the Stable Diffusion model.

Deploying the Application on Vercel

To deploy your application seamlessly on Vercel, follow these steps:

1. Install the Vercel CLI:

   npm i -g vercel

2. Login to your Vercel account using the CLI:

   vercel login

3. Run the vercel command in your project directory to deploy:

   vercel

4. Follow the prompts to link your project to an existing Vercel project or to create a new one.

Your application will be live on a unique URL, accessible through any web browser.

To view the complete code for this tutorial, please visit our GitHub repository.

Conclusion

Throughout this tutorial, we have successfully built a web application that leverages the capabilities of the Stable Diffusion model to generate images based on user-provided textual descriptions. The use of Next.js facilitates a structured development experience, while Tailwind CSS enhances our application's styling. Following deployment on Vercel, this application stands as a testament to the innovative integration of AI technology within web development.

If you aim to put your new skills to the test, we enthusiastically invite you to participate in our special Stable Diffusion AI Hackathon! This week-long event presents a remarkable opportunity for you to collaborate and create a functional prototype of an app utilizing Vercel and Stable Diffusion, alongside like-minded individuals worldwide!

Explore our AI app page to discover inspiring projects crafted by our community members using Stable Diffusion, ChatGPT, and other pioneering AI technologies. Perhaps you’ll unearth new ideas or even solutions you'd like to enhance. Don't hesitate to connect with our team to share your feedback or embark on a journey of collaboration to create groundbreaking AI-powered applications!

Join us in shaping the future alongside a vibrant community of creators, builders, and innovators harnessing the power of AI!