chaiNNer
Node-based image processing GUI for upscaling and batch pipelines.
- Stars
- 6.1K
- Forks
- 378
- Open issues
- 300
- Last commit
- 2026-10-11
Live from the GitHub API · updated 2026-10-15
What is chaiNNer?
chaiNNer lets you chain image operations — upscaling models, resizing, color correction, format conversion — in a visual node editor and run them over whole folders. It supports PyTorch, NCNN and ONNX models.
Key features
- Visual node editor for image pipelines
- Runs PyTorch, NCNN and ONNX upscaling models
- Batch iteration over folders
- Built-in dependency manager
System requirements
- Platforms
- Windows · macOS · Linux
- GPU
- Optional; NVIDIA for PyTorch, any Vulkan GPU for NCNN
How to install chaiNNer
Summarized from the project’s README. Projects change quickly — check the GitHub page for the latest instructions.
Desktop installers
- 1Download the installer for your OS from GitHub Releases.
- 2Open the Dependency Manager in the app and install PyTorch/NCNN/ONNX as needed.
Strengths
- Powerful batch workflows
- Supports many model formats
Limitations
- Node editors take time to learn
chaiNNer alternatives compared
| Software | Stars | License | Platforms | VRAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| chaiNNer Node-based image processing GUI for upscaling and batch pipelines. | 6.1K | GPL-3.0 | — | |
| Upscayl Free desktop app that upscales images with AI. | 50.6K | AGPL-3.0 | — | |
| Real-ESRGAN Practical image and video super-resolution models. | 37.1K | BSD-3-Clause | — | |
| ComfyUI Node-based interface for diffusion models — images, video and audio. | 137.6K | GPL-3.0 | 4 GB minimum for SD1.5; 12 GB+ recommended for FLUX and video models | |
| GFPGAN Blind face restoration for old and low-quality photos. | 37.7K | Apache-2.0 | — | |
| CodeFormer Robust face restoration with an adjustable fidelity–quality trade-off. | 18.2K | S-Lab License 1.0 (non-commercial) | — |
FAQ
Is chaiNNer free?
Yes — chaiNNer is open-source software released under the GPL-3.0 license. Check the license (and any model weight licenses) before commercial use.
Does chaiNNer run on Windows, Mac and Linux?
chaiNNer supports: Windows, macOS, Linux.
What hardware do I need for chaiNNer?
Optional; NVIDIA for PyTorch, any Vulkan GPU for NCNN
How do I install chaiNNer?
1. Download the installer for your OS from GitHub Releases. 2. Open the Dependency Manager in the app and install PyTorch/NCNN/ONNX as needed.
What are the best chaiNNer alternatives?
Popular alternatives include Upscayl, Real-ESRGAN, ComfyUI, GFPGAN. See the comparison table on this page.
Can I use chaiNNer online without installing it?
If you just want results, AiLoft runs top image models such as GPT Image 2.5 and Nano Banana Pro in the browser — no GPU or setup required.
Skip the install — generate images in your browser
No GPU, drivers or Python needed. Use GPT Image 2.5 and Nano Banana Pro online and compare them side by side.