Leonardo AI Models Explained: Best Finetuned Models To Use

Leonardo AI Models, or Finetuned Models, are pre-trained default platform models designed for generating images in a specific style.

The coolest feature of Leonardo AI is the ability to use user-generated models in the “Community Models” section. Here, you can also train your own models.

Stable Diffusion Models Explained

However, the main point is that there are hundreds of models available in Leonardo AI. Only a few of them are widely loved and used by users, considered the best.

In this article, I will introduce what models are, some best Leonardo AI Finetuned models, and how to figure out models based on your needs. 

So, let’s dive into it. 

Leonardo AI Finetuned Models

Before understanding fine-tuned models, you need to know what fine-tuning is.

Fine-tuning refers to the process of taking a pre-trained model and adjusting its parameters or hyperparameters to adapt it to a specific task or dataset. 

And a finetuned model is used to generate images that are similar to the model’s training dataset.

In Leonardo AI, a finetuned model is trained with numerous images, and based on this training, it generates images.

For example, a model would not generate any realistic images if it is trained with anime images.

Likewise, if a model is trained with dog images, it will only generate images of dogs.

In the Platform Models section, you probably have seen a model named ‘Cute Characters,’ which is trained with a lot of cute character images. 

That’s why it only generates images of cute characters.

Cute Characters model

If you are still contemplating the need to choose Leonardo AI finetuned models, here is the explanation:

Why should you opt for a Fine-tuned Model?

You can use Leonardo AI’s common fine-tuned models like ‘Leonardo Vision XL‘ or ‘Leonardo Diffusion XL,’ which are really good for both short and long prompts.

But, these two models are not enough for everything. 

While you can generate images of robots with these models by including “Robot” in your prompt, you won’t be able to generate different types of robot images.

That’s why you need to choose other models that are trained with robot images and can generate sub-genres of robots with simple prompt descriptions.

To understand it better, below I have provided three example images using three different finetuned models but the same prompt.

  • PhotoReal: Image of Photorealism
  • 3D Animation Style: 3D Film Vibes
  • Anime Pastel Dream: Anime style Images
PhotoReal
PhotoReal
3D Animation Style
3D Animation Style
Anime Pastel Dream
Anime Pastel Dream

Prompt Details:

Midshot of beautiful woman, french, 22 years old, (pale:1.5) skin, light-blue eyes, blond (straight:1.5) long hair, slim, lady, aristocrat, smiling, without makeup, complicated dress from Victorian Age, dress has white and light-blue colors, in the living room of the palace, Victorian Age

You can also use this prompt to check your own.

Learn: Leonardo AI commercial Use Guide

Overview Of Best Leonardo AI Finetuned Models

If you choose only one Leonardo AI finetuned model for all categories of images, it will not be sufficient. Different finetuned models were created to perform better on different types and styles of images.

However, there are hundreds of fine-tuned models available on the platform, and that’s why I have compiled this list of the best Leonardo AI finetuned models to cater to various image styles and categories.

1. Best Overall Model: Leonardo Vision XL

2. Best Anime Model: Anime Pastel Dream

3. Best Realistic Model: Photo Real

4. Best 3D Image Model: 3D Animation Style

5. Best Fantasy Model: DreamShaper v7

Best Leonardo AI Models

After testing numerous models and conducting research on the Internet, we have compiled this list of the best fine-tuned models for Leonardo AI. We found that these fine-tuned models work best for images of different styles and categories.

1. Leonardo Vision XL

The first and favorite Leonardo AI model is Leonardo Vision XL. It works best for almost all categories of images.

This new custom SDXL model is added to the Leonardo AI platform with the Alchemy V2 update.

This model comes with a bunch of cool features, making it super versatile for realistic, artistic, and CG images.

Leonardo Vision XL is all about delivering top-notch realism and photo quality. You can use it to create images that look just like professional photographs.

And here are three example images I created using this model. Here, I tried to give you an overview of Realistic, Anime, and Fantasy-type images.

Leonardo Vision XL output 1
Leonardo Vision XL output 1
Leonardo Vision XL output 2
Leonardo Vision XL output 2
Leonardo Vision XL output 3
Leonardo Vision XL output 3

2. Anime Pastel Dream

Anime Pastel Dream is a custom Leonardo AI model trained to generate anime-style images based on simple text prompts. 

The fascinating aspect is that there’s no need to include specific anime-related keywords in your text prompt.

For instance, if you just type “beautiful girl” in the text prompt, the model will automatically generate a beautiful anime girl. 

I can assure you that this finetuned model is capable of fulfilling your anime image needs. You can generate various types of anime, excluding nudity or other harmful content.

However, it’s worth noting that this Leonardo AI model tends to be biased towards generating female anime characters. 

Not to worry, as you can also generate male characters using this model.

Below are three example images I created using this model.

Anime Pastel Dream output 1
Anime Pastel Dream output 1
Anime Pastel Dream output 2
Anime Pastel Dream output 2
Anime Pastel Dream output 3
Anime Pastel Dream output 3

3. PhotoReal

According to my experience with Leonardo AI, PhotoReal is the best fine-tuned model for producing realistic images, whether they depict humans, animals, objects, or scenes.

It is specially designed to generate hyper-realistic photos and lifelike portraits. 

This model excels at generating faces and eyes so convincingly that distinguishing between AI-generated and human-captured images becomes challenging.

However, I noticed that this model struggles with wide-angle or vintage-style images. 

In such cases, consider using the Vintage Style Photography model instead.

Overall, PhotoReal stands out as one of the best choices for generating human images, and you can even upscale the generated images further. 

Below, I have provided three example images generated using this model.

PhotoReal output 1
PhotoReal output 1
PhotoReal output 2
PhotoReal output 2
PhotoReal output 3
PhotoReal output 3

4. 3D Animation Style

If you are a 3D anime artist, there is no better model than the 3D Animation Style model. 

This model is specifically trained to generate 3D images with an anime aesthetic, rather than realistic ones. 

It excels at producing vivid, cinematic computer-generated imagery reminiscent of Pixar and DreamWorks movies.

The color combination of this model is truly impressive. Utilizing this model, anyone can generate assets for 3D films or games.

I suggest that even if you don’t require this finetuned model, consider using this one and test it with some prompts. You will be pleased with the results.

Below, I have provided three example images generated using the 3D Animation Style model.

3D Animation Style output 1
3D Animation Style output 1
3D Animation Style output 2
3D Animation Style output 2
3D Animation Style output 3
3D Animation Style output 3

5. DreamShaper v7

DreamShaper v7 is a Leonardo AI finetuned model created to turn dreams into reality. 

Anything you can imagine, this Leonardo AI model can easily transform your imagination into reality. Additionally, this model can generate realistic images.

Since its launch, there have been several updates that have consistently improved the performance of the model. 

Nowadays, this model has become everyone’s go-to source for generating anime/illustration-style images.

I have been using the DreamShaper model since its launch on Leonardo AI, specifically employing it to generate fantasy images. 

I hope you also appreciate this model after seeing the example images below.

DreamShaper v7 output 1
DreamShaper v7 output 1
DreamShaper v7 output 2
DreamShaper v7 output 2
DreamShaper v7 output 3
DreamShaper v7 output 3

6. Cute Characters 

“Cute Characters” is a model trained specifically with cute and charming game characters, and as such, it exclusively produces images of game characters.

This model can be utilized to generate assets for cartoons or games.

On Reddit, I have come across a post where someone shared their experience of creating a complete YouTube video using this model, and the results were quite impressive.

After experimenting with various prompts on this model, I can confidently say that the Cute Characters model is an excellent choice for generating stickers and cute cartoon images.

Below, you can view three images that I created using this model.

Cute Characters output 1
Cute Characters output 1
Cute Characters output 2
Cute Characters output 2
Cute Characters output 3
Cute Characters output 3

7. RPG 4.0

RPG 4.0 is also one of the best Leonardo AI finetuned models available on their platform. 

This model is trained to produce highly detailed RPG character portraits. This finetuned model is also capable of generating realistic images. 

You can use this model to generate human, anime, animal, and other fantasy-type images. 

But I have noticed that this model is not very effective for producing isometric images. For this purpose, you can use the ‘Isometric Fantasy’ model instead.

However, overall, this model excels at generating photorealistic images.

RPG 4.0 output 1
RPG 4.0 output 1
RPG 4.0 output 2
RPG 4.0 output 2
RPG 4.0 output 3
RPG 4.0 output 3

Final Thoughts: Leonardo AI Models Explained

So, this is our complete list of the best Leonardo AI finetuned models that you should try at least once. This list will be sufficient for all types of image needs, from realistic to fantasy to isometric.

In this guide, I not only covered the best models but also included ways to choose the best models according to your needs.

Now, if you are looking for some great prompts that work well with Leonardo AI, then check out our comprehension guide of the best Leonardo AI prompts.

Also, best Leonardo AI prompts for coloring book page.

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