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draw-thing

draw-thing

Local AI image generation via Draw Things CLI. txt2img, img2img, upscale, inpaint, ControlNet, LoRA, batch. Use when you need local image work on macOS. NOT for UI implementation (frontend-designer).

draw-thing 2140 words MIT v1.0.0 wyattowalsh opus Custom

Local AI image generation via Draw Things CLI. txt2img, img2img, upscale, inpaint, ControlNet, LoRA, batch. Use when you need local image work on macOS. NOT for UI implementation (frontend-designer).

Quick Start

Section titled “Quick Start”

Install:

Terminal window
npx skills add wyattowalsh/agents/skills/draw-thing -g

Use: /draw-thing <mode> [prompt or path] [--model flux|sdxl|sd15]

Works with Claude Code, Gemini CLI, and other agentskills.io-compatible agents.

What It Does

Section titled “What It Does”

Local AI image generation and editing via draw-things-cli. Wraps the Draw Things inference stack for txt2img, img2img, upscaling, inpainting, ControlNet, LoRA, batch generation, and hi-res fix on macOS.

Modes

Section titled “Modes”
$ARGUMENTSModeAction
generate <prompt> / create <prompt>Generatetxt2img via CLI
edit <path> <prompt> / transform <path>Editimg2img with --strength
upscale <path> / enhance <path> / superres <path>Upscale--upscaler + --upscaler-scale
inpaint <path> <mask> <prompt>Inpaintimg2img with mask input
controlnet <control_path> <prompt> / cn <path> <prompt>ControlNet--controls JSON
lora <prompt> --lora <name>LoRA--loras JSON
batch <prompt> / variations <prompt>Batch--batch-count variations
model <name>Model infoShow recommended settings
refine / iterateRefineRe-run with adjusted params, locked seed
gallery / recentGalleryList recent outputs
(empty)HelpVerify CLI, show modes, examples
Natural language image descriptionAuto: GenerateDetect prompt intent
Path to image + modification intentAuto: Edit/UpscaleDetect intent from context

Critical Rules

Section titled “Critical Rules”
  1. Always check CLI before any operation — command -v draw-things-cli
  2. Always report the seed so results are reproducible
  3. Model-appropriate dimensions: SD 1.5 -> 512x512, SDXL -> 1024x1024, Flux -> 1024x1024
  4. Flux has NO negative prompt — omit --negative-prompt entirely; use detailed positive descriptions
  5. Prompt style must match model: Flux = natural language, SD 1.5 = comma tags, SDXL = hybrid
  6. Upscale preserves originals — always output to a new file, never overwrite
  7. Default output: ~/Pictures/draw-thing/ with descriptive filenames
  8. Show the full CLI command before running — transparency enables learning and debugging
  9. Upscaling denoising 0.2-0.4 — higher values alter the image instead of enhancing
  10. Single-quote JSON for --loras and --controls to prevent shell expansion
  11. Refuse video requests — out of scope for v1.0; Draw Things supports it but workflows differ
  12. Verify unknown flags — if unsure about a flag, run draw-things-cli generate --help first
FieldValue
Namedraw-thing
LicenseMIT
Version1.0.0
Authorwyattowalsh
View Full SKILL.md
SKILL.md
---
name: draw-thing
description: >-
  Local AI image generation via Draw Things CLI. txt2img, img2img, upscale,
  inpaint, ControlNet, LoRA, batch. Use when you need local image work on
  macOS. NOT for UI implementation (frontend-designer).
argument-hint: "<mode> [prompt or path] [--model flux|sdxl|sd15]"
model: opus
license: MIT
metadata:
  author: wyattowalsh
  version: "1.0.0"
allowed-tools: Bash Read Glob
---


# Draw Thing


Local AI image generation and editing via `draw-things-cli`. Wraps the Draw Things inference stack for txt2img, img2img, upscaling, inpainting, ControlNet, LoRA, batch generation, and hi-res fix on macOS.


**Scope:** Local Draw Things image generation and editing only. NOT for UI implementation (frontend-designer), ad copy iteration (ad-creative), or broad vendor/tool research (research).


---


## Canonical Vocabulary


| Term | Meaning | NOT |
|------|---------|-----|
| **txt2img** | Text-to-image generation: prompt in, image out | img2img |
| **img2img** | Image-to-image: input image + prompt, modified image out | txt2img |
| **upscale** | Increase resolution while preserving/enhancing detail | img2img with high strength |
| **inpaint** | Replace content within a masked region | img2img (full image) |
| **ControlNet** | Structural guidance from a control image (edges, depth, pose) | LoRA (style/subject) |
| **LoRA** | Low-Rank Adaptation: small model add-on for style/subject | ControlNet (structure) |
| **negative prompt** | Text describing what to exclude; essential for SD 1.5, minimal for SDXL, **unused for Flux** | positive prompt |
| **cfg_scale** | Guidance scale: how literally the model follows the prompt | denoising strength |
| **denoising strength** | How much to change an input image (0.0 = none, 1.0 = complete redraw) | cfg_scale |
| **sampler** | Diffusion algorithm (DPM++ 2M Karras, Euler a, DDIM, etc.) | model |
| **seed** | Random number determining exact output; same seed = same image | prompt |
| **batch** | Generate multiple images in one run with different seeds | sequential runs |
| **hi-res fix** | Two-pass: generate at low res, then upscale with denoising | standalone upscaler |


---


## Dispatch


| `$ARGUMENTS` | Mode | Action |
|--------------|------|--------|
| `generate <prompt>` / `create <prompt>` | **Generate** | txt2img via CLI |
| `edit <path> <prompt>` / `transform <path>` | **Edit** | img2img with `--strength` |
| `upscale <path>` / `enhance <path>` / `superres <path>` | **Upscale** | `--upscaler` + `--upscaler-scale` |
| `inpaint <path> <mask> <prompt>` | **Inpaint** | img2img with mask input |
| `controlnet <control_path> <prompt>` / `cn <path> <prompt>` | **ControlNet** | `--controls` JSON |
| `lora <prompt> --lora <name>` | **LoRA** | `--loras` JSON |
| `batch <prompt>` / `variations <prompt>` | **Batch** | `--batch-count` variations |
| `model <name>` | **Model info** | Show recommended settings |
| `refine` / `iterate` | **Refine** | Re-run with adjusted params, locked seed |
| `gallery` / `recent` | **Gallery** | List recent outputs |
| _(empty)_ | **Help** | Verify CLI, show modes, examples |
| Natural language image description | Auto: **Generate** | Detect prompt intent |
| Path to image + modification intent | Auto: **Edit/Upscale** | Detect intent from context |


### Auto-Detection Heuristic


1. Keywords: animate, video, motion, gif, mp4 -> **Refuse**: out of scope for v1.0
2. File path + "upscale/enhance/bigger/higher res/superres" -> **Upscale**
3. File path + mask path + descriptive prompt -> **Inpaint**
4. File path + "inpaint" keyword but NO mask path -> inform user a mask is required; offer to create one via ImageMagick or suggest Edit mode
5. File path + modification verb (change, edit, transform, restyle) -> **Edit**
6. Descriptive text with no file path -> **Generate**
7. Ambiguous -> ask which mode


---


## Prerequisite Protocol


Run this before any generation operation:


1. Check CLI: `command -v draw-things-cli`
2. If NOT found, show install command and STOP:
   ```
   brew tap drawthingsai/draw-things
   brew install --HEAD drawthingsai/draw-things/draw-things-cli
   ```
3. If found, verify: `draw-things-cli generate --help`
4. Detect model directory:
   - Default: `~/Library/Containers/com.liuliu.draw-things/Data/Documents/Models`
   - Override: `$DRAWTHINGS_MODELS_DIR`
5. List available models if user needs guidance:
   ```bash
   ls "${DRAWTHINGS_MODELS_DIR:-$HOME/Library/Containers/com.liuliu.draw-things/Data/Documents/Models}"/*.{ckpt,safetensors} 2>/dev/null
   ```


---


## Model Quick-Reference


| Family | `--model` | Dims | Steps | CFG | Sampler | Prompt Style |
|--------|-----------|------|-------|-----|---------|-------------|
| **Flux Schnell** | `flux_1_schnell_q5p.ckpt` | 1024x1024 | 4 | 1.0 | `"Euler a"` | Natural language |
| **Flux Dev** | `flux_1_dev_q6p.ckpt` | 1024x1024 | 30 | 1.0 | `"Euler a"` | Natural language |
| **Flux Klein** | `flux_2_klein_4b_q6p.ckpt` | 1024x1024 | 4 | 1.0 | `"DPM++ 2M AYS"` | Natural language |
| **Flux Klein 9B** | `flux_2_klein_9b_q6p.ckpt` | 1024x1024 | 8 | 1.0 | `"DPM++ 2M AYS"` | Natural language |
| **SDXL** | `sd_xl_base_1.0.safetensors` | 1024x1024 | 25 | 7.0 | `"DPM++ 2M Karras"` | Tags + sentences |
| **SD 1.5** | `v1-5-pruned-emaonly.ckpt` | 512x512 | 25 | 7.5 | `"DPM++ 2M Karras"` | Comma-separated tags |


**Decision guide:**
- Need fast prototyping? -> Flux Schnell or Klein (4 steps, ~1-2s)
- Need best quality? -> Flux Dev (30 steps) or SDXL (Juggernaut XL)
- Need huge LoRA library? -> SD 1.5 (most mature ecosystem)
- Need text in images? -> Flux (dramatically better text rendering)
- Low VRAM / fastest? -> SD 1.5 (4-6 GB)


For full model catalog with checkpoints, quantization guide, and SDXL resolutions, load `references/model-catalog.md`.


---


## Core Generation Protocols


Every mode follows this pattern:


1. **Validate** — file exists? CLI available? model downloaded?
2. **Select defaults** — from model quick-ref table (user overrides take precedence)
3. **Build CLI command** — assemble all flags
4. **Show command** — display the full command to user before running
5. **Execute** — run via Bash, capture output
6. **Report** — image path, seed used, dimensions


**Flag verification note:** The examples below reflect the approved research plan. If your local CLI help differs — especially around `--image`, `--mask`, `--upscaler`, or output-path flags — trust `draw-things-cli generate --help` over this file and adapt the command.


### Mode: Generate (txt2img)


Build the command using model-appropriate defaults:


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model <model> \
  --prompt "<prompt>" \
  --negative-prompt "<negative>" \
  --width <W> --height <H> \
  --steps <N> \
  --guidance-scale <cfg> \
  --sampler "<sampler>" \
  --seed <seed or -1>
```


- For **Flux**: omit `--negative-prompt` entirely (not supported). Write detailed natural language prompts.
- For **SD 1.5**: include aggressive negative prompt. Use comma-separated tags. Load `references/prompt-patterns.md` for templates.
- For **SDXL**: include short targeted negative prompt. Use descriptive sentences.


### Mode: Edit (img2img)


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model <model> \
  --image <input_path> \
  --prompt "<what to change>" \
  --strength 0.75 \
  --steps <N> --guidance-scale <cfg>
```


- `--strength` controls how much to change: 0.3 = subtle, 0.5 = moderate, 0.75 = significant, 0.9 = near-complete redraw
- If width/height not specified, preserve input image dimensions


### Mode: Upscale


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model <model> \
  --image <input_path> \
  --upscaler <upscaler_filename> \
  --upscaler-scale <2 or 4> \
  --strength 0.2 \
  --steps 30
```


Available upscalers:


| Upscaler | Filename | Scale |
|----------|----------|-------|
| Real-ESRGAN X2+ | `realesrgan_x2plus_f16.ckpt` | 2x |
| Real-ESRGAN X4+ | `realesrgan_x4plus_f16.ckpt` | 4x |
| Real-ESRGAN X4+ Anime | `realesrgan_x4plus_anime_6b_f16.ckpt` | 4x |
| Remacri | `remacri_4x_f16.ckpt` | 4x |
| 4x UltraSharp | `4x_ultrasharp_f16.ckpt` | 4x |


- Default upscaler: `realesrgan_x4plus_f16.ckpt`
- Use `--strength 0.2-0.4` for upscaling (preserve detail). Higher values alter the image.


### Mode: Inpaint


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model <model> \
  --image <input_path> \
  --mask <mask_path> \
  --prompt "<what to paint in masked area>" \
  --strength 0.75 \
  --mask-blur 4 \
  --preserve-original-after-inpaint true
```


- Mask: white = area to repaint, black = keep original
- Prompt should describe ONLY what goes in the masked area, not the full image
- `--mask-blur 4` default; increase if seams are visible


### Mode: ControlNet


Load `references/controlnet-guide.md` for module details and weight recommendations.


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model <model> \
  --image <control_image_path> \
  --prompt "<prompt>" \
  --controls '[{"file": "<controlnet_model>", "weight": 0.6, "guidanceStart": 0.0, "guidanceEnd": 1.0, "controlMode": "Balanced"}]' \
  --width <W> --height <H>
```


Common modules: Canny (edges), Depth (spatial layout), Pose (human skeleton), Scribble (sketches), Tile (upscaling).


### Mode: LoRA


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model <model> \
  --prompt "<prompt>" \
  --loras '[{"file": "<lora_filename>", "weight": 0.8}]' \
  --width <W> --height <H>
```


- Default weight: 0.6. Range: -1.5 to 2.5. Typical: 0.5-1.0.
- Multiple LoRAs: add objects to the JSON array
- Modes: `"All"` (default), `"Base"`, `"Refiner"`


### Mode: Batch


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model <model> \
  --prompt "<prompt>" \
  --batch-count <N> \
  --seed <start_seed> \
  --width <W> --height <H>
```


- `--batch-count 4` generates 4 images with incrementing seeds
- Use to explore variations, then pick the best seed for refinement


### Mode: Refine


Re-run the previous generation with adjustments:


1. Lock the seed from the previous generation
2. Adjust one parameter at a time (prompt, cfg, steps, strength)
3. Compare results


Example — previous SDXL generate used seed 42, now increase guidance:


```bash
draw-things-cli generate \
  --model sd_xl_base_1.0.safetensors \
  --prompt "same prompt as before" \
  --seed 42 \
  --guidance-scale 9.0 \
  --steps 25 \
  --sampler "DPM++ 2M Karras" \
  --width 1024 --height 1024
```


If the previous generation is not visible in the current conversation, ask the user for: the seed, the prompt, and the model used.


### Mode: Gallery


```bash
ls -lt "${DRAWTHINGS_OUTPUT_DIR:-$HOME/Pictures/draw-thing}/" | head -20
```


### Mode: Model info


Load `references/model-catalog.md`. Display the requested model's recommended settings (dimensions, steps, CFG, sampler, prompt style). If the model name is not recognized, list available model families.


---


## Prompt Engineering Quick-Reference


| Model | Style | Example |
|-------|-------|---------|
| **Flux** | Natural language sentences, subject-first, camera/lens terms | `"Portrait of a woman with auburn hair, studio headshot, 85mm lens, f/1.8, soft diffused light, neutral backdrop"` |
| **SDXL** | Descriptive sentences, Subject-Action-Location-Style | `"A majestic castle on a cliff overlooking the sea, golden hour lighting, dramatic clouds, highly detailed, masterpiece"` |
| **SD 1.5** | Comma-separated tags, most important first | `"castle, cliff, ocean, golden hour, dramatic sky, highly detailed, masterpiece, best quality, 8k"` |


**Flux has NO negative prompt support.** Frame exclusions positively: "perfect hands with five fingers" not "no extra fingers".


For advanced prompt patterns, quality boosters, negative prompt templates, and weighting syntax, load `references/prompt-patterns.md`.


---


## Iterative Refinement Workflow


1. **Generate** with a starting prompt and note the seed
2. **Evaluate** the result — what's good? what needs changing?
3. **Lock seed** (`--seed <value>`) to isolate the effect of parameter changes
4. **Adjust one thing** at a time:
   - Prompt wording -> changes content/composition
   - `--guidance-scale` -> higher = more literal, lower = more creative
   - `--steps` -> more steps = more detail (diminishing returns past 30-40)
   - `--strength` (img2img) -> how much to change
5. **Unlock seed** when satisfied with parameters, generate variations with `--seed -1`


---


## Output Handling


- Default output directory: `~/Pictures/draw-thing/`
- Create it if it doesn't exist: `mkdir -p ~/Pictures/draw-thing`
- PNG files include embedded metadata (prompt, seed, model, parameters)
- If `draw-things-cli` outputs to a different location, move/copy to the standard directory
- Always report the output file path and seed to the user


---


## Error Recovery


| Error | Likely Cause | Action |
|-------|-------------|--------|
| Model file not found | Wrong filename or missing download | List models dir, suggest correct name from model quick-ref |
| Process killed / OOM | Model too large for available memory | Suggest smaller model or quantized variant (e.g., q5p/q6p) |
| Unknown flag error | CLI version mismatch with this skill | Run `draw-things-cli generate --help`, adapt command |
| No output file | Silent failure or wrong output path | Check CLI stderr, verify output location |


---


## Reference Files


Load ONE reference at a time. Do not preload all references into context.


| File | Content | Load When |
|------|---------|-----------|
| `references/cli-reference.md` | Complete flag tables: 60+ flags, 19 samplers, 4 seed modes, JSON schemas | Building non-trivial commands, user asks about flags |
| `references/model-catalog.md` | Model variants, checkpoints, SDXL resolutions, quantization guide | User asks about models, `model` mode |
| `references/prompt-patterns.md` | Prompt engineering, quality boosters, negative templates, weighting | Complex prompts, quality issues |
| `references/controlnet-guide.md` | Modules, weights, scheduling, multi-ControlNet, JSON format | ControlNet mode |
| `references/workflow-recipes.md` | Multi-step recipes: character design, photo restoration, style transfer | Complex creative goals |


---


## Critical Rules


1. **Always check CLI** before any operation — `command -v draw-things-cli`
2. **Always report the seed** so results are reproducible
3. **Model-appropriate dimensions**: SD 1.5 -> 512x512, SDXL -> 1024x1024, Flux -> 1024x1024
4. **Flux has NO negative prompt** — omit `--negative-prompt` entirely; use detailed positive descriptions
5. **Prompt style must match model**: Flux = natural language, SD 1.5 = comma tags, SDXL = hybrid
6. **Upscale preserves originals** — always output to a new file, never overwrite
7. **Default output**: `~/Pictures/draw-thing/` with descriptive filenames
8. **Show the full CLI command** before running — transparency enables learning and debugging
9. **Upscaling denoising 0.2-0.4** — higher values alter the image instead of enhancing
10. **Single-quote JSON** for `--loras` and `--controls` to prevent shell expansion
11. **Refuse video requests** — out of scope for v1.0; Draw Things supports it but workflows differ
12. **Verify unknown flags** — if unsure about a flag, run `draw-things-cli generate --help` first

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