FLUX.1 Kontext tutorial: edit images, prompts & FLUX.2

FLUX.1 Kontext is Black Forest Labs' previous-generation family for text-to-image generation and instruction-based editing. It still works through Pro, Max and downloadable Dev routes, but BFL recommends FLUX.2 for new projects. Use Kontext when an existing workflow depends on it; start a new evaluation with FLUX.2 unless a matched test shows a reason to stay.

Status, prices and license boundaries checked September 13, 2026 against the official Kontext overview, BFL pricing table and official repository.

FLUX.1 Kontext variants and current replacement

Prices are BFL's listed base API prices. Third-party hosts can charge different rates. Local Dev deployments still incur compute, storage and engineering cost.

How to edit an image with FLUX.1 Kontext

• Choose Pro or Max in BFL's API or playground, or run Dev under its applicable license and hardware requirements.

• Upload the highest-quality source image you are allowed to use.

• Write one instruction that names the change and the details that must remain fixed.

• Generate one result, inspect it at full size, and save the source, prompt, model variant and output.

• Apply the next edit only after the current result preserves the required identity, composition, text and product details.

Kontext can edit without a manually painted mask, but that does not guarantee that every untouched region will remain pixel-identical. Compare the result with the source rather than trusting the instruction alone.

A prompt structure that is easy to review

Use: change + target + desired result + preserved details. Keep the first request narrow.

• Object change: Change the ceramic mug from red to cobalt blue. Keep its exact shape, white logo, handle position, table, lighting and camera angle unchanged.

• Text edit: Replace “SUMMER” with “AUTUMN” on the poster. Preserve the font weight, alignment, paper texture, shadows and every other word.

• Background change: Replace the office background with a bright kitchen. Keep the person’s face, hair, clothing, pose, crop and lighting direction consistent.

• Style reference: Apply the reference image’s ink-and-watercolor style to this street scene. Preserve the buildings, perspective, people and sign wording.

BFL's Kontext prompting guide recommends direct instructions, explicit preservation language and quoted text for text replacement. The exact result remains probabilistic, so validate every required detail.

Pro, Max or Dev?

Choose Pro for the lower listed hosted price and fast production iteration. Evaluate Max when the premium route's typography or adherence is worth twice the per-image price on your actual brief. Choose Dev when downloadable weights and customization matter enough to operate the model and the non-commercial license fits; contact BFL for commercial licensing rather than inferring permission from open weights.

When to move to FLUX.2

BFL now recommends FLUX.2 for new generation and editing work. Its documentation highlights multi-reference input, improved text editing and output up to 4 megapixels. Move when those capabilities matter, when starting a new integration, or when a current FLUX.2 variant beats Kontext on accepted-output cost.

Keep Kontext when compatibility, a fine-tuned workflow or a known production baseline has more value than migrating. Run the same source images and acceptance rubric before switching.

A fair five-image evaluation

• A face or character where identity must remain stable.

• A product with a logo, label and exact shape.

• A poster requiring one precise text replacement.

• A busy scene where one object must change without moving others.

• A style-reference task that must preserve composition.

For each case, record variant, provider, prompt, resolution, attempts, charged amount and whether the result passes the written requirements. Compare cost per accepted image, not only price per request.

Browser and model alternatives

Use Magic Hour AI Image Editor when you want a managed browser workflow and model choice rather than operating weights. The selected model and credit estimate can change, so verify the live option before assuming it is FLUX.1 Kontext. Our AI image editor comparison covers other editing workflows.

Frequently asked questions

Is FLUX.1 Kontext still current?

It is still available, but Black Forest Labs labels it previous generation and recommends FLUX.2 for new projects.

How much does FLUX.1 Kontext cost?

BFL lists Pro at $0.04 per image and Max at $0.08 per image. Dev is local-only through BFL's current pricing table, so budget compute and operations separately.

Is FLUX.1 Kontext Dev open source?

BFL publishes downloadable open weights, but the official documentation states that Dev uses a non-commercial license and that commercial licensing is available. Open weights do not mean unrestricted commercial use.

Does Kontext edit only the requested area?

It is designed for targeted instruction-based edits, but no prompt guarantees that all other pixels or details remain unchanged. Compare the entire output with the source.

Should I use FLUX.1 Kontext or FLUX.2?

Start new work with FLUX.2 because that is BFL's current recommendation. Retain Kontext when a matched evaluation, compatibility need or existing deployment justifies it.