Recraft V3 generates raster images and editable SVG vectors through Recraft's hosted applications and API. Choose recraftv3 for raster output or recraftv3_vector for vectors, then submit a text prompt to the image-generation endpoint. Also known as Red Panda, V3 is proprietary and has no open weights for local inference. V3 reference, Access documentation
What are the key facts about Recraft V3?
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Recraft. Official documentation |
| Released | October 30, 2024. Launch announcement |
| Type | Hosted text-to-image model with raster and SVG vector output. V3 API documentation |
| Size or parameters | Not published in the cited V3 documentation. V3 documentation |
| License and access | Proprietary; hosted applications and authenticated API access. Image rights depend on the access plan. Access, rights |
| Where it runs | Recraft's hosted infrastructure; its ComfyUI integration calls the API. Official integration |
What can Recraft V3 create and edit?
V3 supports text placement, styles, image-to-image generation, inpainting, and outpainting. Its vector option returns editable SVG files.
These are documented capabilities, rather than a guarantee that every generated design is ready to ship. V3 API
Start by choosing the deliverable. A photo concept calls for raster output; an illustration that must remain editable may call for vector output. Make that choice before spending time polishing the prompt.
For a small asset set, write a shared visual brief: subject treatment, palette, background, and intended placement. Then vary the subject while keeping those requirements stable. Review the set together for inconsistent details.
V3's launch also introduced controls for text position and size. Treat these as composition tools: reserve room for the headline, then inspect the actual lettering and spacing before approval. Launch announcement
If a generated asset is almost useful, consider a targeted edit before generating a whole new concept. Preserve a copy of the accepted image so that you can compare the changed region with the previous candidate.
What are Recraft V3 access and image-rights limits?
V3 is a hosted service. A ComfyUI installation does not turn it into an offline checkpoint: the official nodes require a Recraft API key and send generation requests to Recraft. Integration README
Measure request latency and the proportion of images you accept using your own design brief. Record the requested model and output format with those observations.
Recraft's rights documentation distinguishes free and paid application plans. Free-plan images are public and are not licensed for commercial use; paid-plan images receive the ownership and commercial rights described there. Image rights
For client work, record the plan and terms under which an asset was generated. Check the agreement for the access path you actually use before treating a browser subscription and API account as interchangeable.
The API guide warns that compatibility with a familiar client library does not mean every parameter has the same meaning or is implemented. Build requests from Recraft's own reference. Getting started
How do you use Recraft V3 through its API?
For browser use, open Recraft Studio, select the required model and output type, and enter a visual brief. For a repeatable integration, use the documented API path below. Available applications
Sign in to Recraft and open the API area in your profile. The documentation says generating a key requires an API units balance above zero. Store the token as an environment variable. Authentication
Choose
recraftv3for raster output orrecraftv3_vectorfor SVG output. Keep this value explicit in requests so that your application records which output family it requested. Model valuesSend a generation request and inspect the returned result. This example asks for a simple packaging illustration; it does not claim that the prompt has been benchmarked.
curl --fail-with-body https://external.api.recraft.ai/v1/images/generations \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $RECRAFT_API_TOKEN" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"model":"recraftv3_vector","prompt":"A flat illustration of a tea leaf, dark green on cream, simple shapes"}'
The request follows Recraft's documented generation endpoint. Save the output alongside the prompt and requested model value, then inspect it in the tool where the finished asset will be used. API example
As of September 6, 2026, the API price table lists V3 raster generation at $0.04 per image and V3 vector generation at $0.08 per image. These are API generation charges, not a promise about application subscriptions or other operations. API pricing
Estimate a project using the number of attempts you expect to review, not just the final asset count. Track rejected results separately; that makes the cost of a usable design visible without claiming a universal success rate.
For ComfyUI, use the official Recraft repository and its installation instructions. Its client and image generator nodes provide an API connection; begin with those before adding downstream processing. Official nodes
The PromptZone ComfyUI guide explains the surrounding workflow. Keep the generation request and later image processing identifiable when saving the graph.
How does Recraft V3 compare with local SDXL?
| Choice | Documented distinction | Evaluation question |
|---|---|---|
| Recraft V3 | Hosted raster and native vector generation. V3 reference | Do you need editable vector output and design controls? |
| SDXL Base | Downloadable diffusion weights with a standalone base pipeline. SDXL card | Do you need control over the inference environment? |
Use the SDXL models pillar to explore that local workflow. Compare finished deliverables, including editing effort, instead of ranking unrelated speed claims.
For the later generation's prompting approach, see the Recraft V4 sibling guide. Keep V3 and V4 settings separate when recording your experiments.
What else should you know about Recraft V3?
Is Red Panda the same as Recraft V3?
Recraft identifies Recraft V3 as Red Panda in its API documentation. For raster generation, specify recraftv3 in the request. Model identities, model values
Can I download Recraft V3 weights?
Recraft V3 has no open weights for local inference. Its official ComfyUI integration requires a Recraft API key and calls the hosted service. Access, integration
Does Recraft V3 generate editable SVG files?
Recraft V3 Vector returns editable SVG output through the recraftv3_vector model value. Inspect the file in your vector editor before accepting it for a design. Vector model
Can I use free-plan Recraft images commercially?
Recraft's Free application plan does not license its generated images for commercial use. Recraft's paid application plans grant ownership and commercial rights under the documented terms. Rights
Sources
- Recraft V3 launch announcement
- Recraft API access and authentication
- Recraft V3 API model reference
- Recraft API pricing
- Recraft commercial rights and ownership
- Official Recraft ComfyUI integration
- Stability AI SDXL Base model card
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