Stable Diffusion PNG Info Explained: A1111 Parameters vs ComfyUI Workflow
Stable Diffusion “PNG Info” is not one universal metadata format. AUTOMATIC1111 commonly writes a parameters string, ComfyUI writes prompt and workflow JSON, and NovelAI uses its own recognizable values. This guide explains how to tell them apart, which settings each format preserves, and why the information can disappear. Use the extractor page when you want to upload a file and read the data.
The answer: identify the writer from the PNG key name
A parameters key usually indicates an AUTOMATIC1111-style export containing prompt, negative prompt, steps, sampler, CFG, seed, size, model, and hash in one text value. prompt and workflow keys indicate ComfyUI and carry a serialized node graph. NovelAI is recognized from the stored values. None of these formats is signed.
Read Stable Diffusion PNG parameters →Guide page or extraction tool?
| This platform guide | Understand the differences among A1111 parameters, ComfyUI workflow JSON, and NovelAI metadata. |
|---|---|
| PNG Parameter Extractor | Upload a PNG and directly search, copy, or export the parameters and raw text chunks. |
Bundled sample and verified parser output
| ComfyUI / Stable Diffusion XL PNG | A reproducible original from the official ComfyUI examples is included in the public sample set. |
|---|---|
| Verified result | The parser finds prompt and workflow chunks with a full unsigned graph and generation settings. |
| Evidence level | Highly useful descriptive metadata, but not tamper-evident because PNG text chunks are unsigned. |
How Stable Diffusion front ends store PNG Info
| parameters | AUTOMATIC1111 convention: prompt, negative prompt, steps, sampler, CFG, seed, dimensions, model, and model hash in one string. |
|---|---|
| prompt / workflow | ComfyUI convention: node graph and generation settings serialized as JSON, often reloadable in the original front end. |
| NovelAI values | Recognized from the content rather than only the key name and reported separately from A1111 output. |
| Other text keys | Software, Comment, Description, Source, and Author may identify a front end or export tool, but remain unsigned. |
Why Stable Diffusion metadata is often mistaken for EXIF
People often use “EXIF” to mean any information stored inside an image. In practice, Stable Diffusion front ends favor PNG text chunks because they can hold long prompts and structured workflow data. An EXIF-only reader can therefore miss the parameters entirely even when PNG Info is intact.
Why parameters disappear after sharing
PNG text survives ordinary file copying but rarely survives re-encoding. JPEG conversion, screenshots, messaging apps, social platforms, and image optimizers commonly discard the chunks. The image can look identical while the prompt and workflow evidence is gone.
How to read Stable Diffusion PNG Info correctly
- Start with the original PNG: Avoid screenshots, JPEG conversions, and files downloaded back from social platforms.
- Open the PNG Parameter Extractor: Parsing happens locally in the browser with no file upload.
- Identify the front-end convention: parameters points to A1111-style output; prompt or workflow points to ComfyUI.
- Read only the fields actually present: Check prompt, negative prompt, seed, sampler, CFG, steps, model, hash, and size without assuming every exporter writes all of them.
- Treat the result as descriptive evidence: It can explain the generation process but cannot detect edits the way a valid signature can.
Limits
- PNG text chunks are unsigned and can be edited, removed, or copied between files.
- JPEG conversion, screenshots, social-media re-encoding, and many optimizers destroy the parameters.
- Custom front ends and extensions may use fields the parser cannot fully normalize.
- No parameters found does not mean the image was not generated with Stable Diffusion.
FAQ
- How do I read Stable Diffusion PNG Info?
Upload the original PNG to the PNG Parameter Extractor. It reads tEXt, iTXt, and zTXt chunks locally and shows the same underlying data front-end PNG Info views use.
- Why are my Stable Diffusion parameters missing?
The file was probably re-encoded, converted, optimized, or screenshotted. Those operations often preserve the pixels while removing the text chunks.
- Does the extractor support both A1111 and ComfyUI?
Yes. It distinguishes the parameters convention from prompt/workflow JSON and reports the structures separately.
- Does PNG Info prove an image is AI-generated?
It is strong descriptive evidence but not signed proof. The values can be changed or copied to another image.
Related tools and guides
Sources and verification records
- Official ComfyUI examples — Source of the bundled SDXL workflow PNG.
- AICheck365 public sample records — Sample provenance, test date, observed signals, and limits.
- W3C PNG Third Edition — Standard reference for tEXt, iTXt, and zTXt chunks.
- AICheck365 methodology — How unsigned metadata is interpreted.