Flux 3: Black Forest Labs' Newest Image Model, and How to Use It

What Flux 3 Is

FLUX 3 Image is the newest image model from Black Forest Labs, released in October 2026. Here we just call it Flux 3. It is new on the site, and it sits next to the Flux 2 models instead of replacing them, so nothing you already use goes away. One model does both jobs: send a prompt and it creates, add reference images and it edits. Either way it costs 10 credits per image and renders at about 2 megapixels.

What It Does Differently

• It looks things up first. By default Flux 3 searches the web before it draws, so real things come out right: this year's event posters, landmarks, actual products.
• Short prompts are fine. It expands a one line prompt into a full description before generating, so even "a bakery at dawn" comes back as a composed picture.
• Text is better than in Flux 2. Put the exact words in quotes and say where they go.
• Create and edit in one model, including combining several reference images into a new composition.

The Catch: Speed

That lookup takes time. Flux 3 is slower than the other models, so expect around 20 to 30 seconds per image. For a poster of a real event, or a product that has to look like the actual product, the wait is worth it. For throwing ten rough ideas at the wall, honestly, it isn't. And if a generation fails, the credits come back automatically.

That's what Flux 3 [klein] is for: the small, fast sibling at 2 credits per image (it has its own post at /blog/flux-3-klein). I'd draft with Klein and switch to Flux 3 once I know what I want.

Flux 3 vs Flux 2

This is the question that comes up most. The Flux 2 models are still here, so it is a choice, not an upgrade you are forced into. Here is how the prices line up per image:

• Flux 2 [pro]: 7 credits to create, 13 to edit
• Flux 3: 10 credits to create, 10 to edit
• Flux 2 [flex]: 13 credits to create, 20 to edit
• Flux 2 [max]: 15 credits, create only

So for new images Flux 3 lands between [pro] and [max], and for edits it is cheaper than both [pro] and [flex]. What you get for that: the web lookup, better text and prompt expansion. What you give up is speed. My rough rule: if the image has words in it or shows something real, start with Flux 3. If you already have a Flux 2 setup you are happy with, keep it.

How to Use Flux 3

• Studio: choose create or edit mode, pick Flux 3 from the model menu, write the prompt, pick an aspect ratio (1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4, 2:3 or 21:9) and generate. In edit mode, upload your reference images first.
• Agent: describe what you want and add "use Flux 3 for this". The Agent writes the prompt and shows a plan with the credit cost before anything is generated.
• Fire Images: run one prompt on Flux 3 and the other Fire models at the same time, up to 5 images per model and 25 in total, grouped by model. It is the fairest way to settle Flux 3 vs Flux 2 for your own prompts.

Prompting Tips That Actually Help

• Describe four things: subject, setting, light and framing. Short prompts get expanded anyway, but if you care about the result, say it yourself: "a ceramicist at her wheel, small sunlit studio, late afternoon light from the left, close medium shot".
• For text, quote it and place it: a paper poster on the wall that reads "OPEN LATE".
• For edits, write the change as an instruction and name exactly what to change, for example "make the jacket dark green". Everything else stays as it was.
• With several references, refer to them by position: "image 1 is the room, put the lamp from image 2 on the desk".
• Name real places and products directly. That is what the lookup is for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Flux 3 and Flux 2?

Flux 3 is the newer Black Forest Labs model. By default it searches the web before drawing, expands short prompts into full descriptions and renders text better than Flux 2. It is also slower, around 20 to 30 seconds per image. The Flux 2 models stay available here.

How much does Flux 3 cost?

10 credits per image, and editing costs the same 10 credits. For comparison, Flux 2 [pro] is 7 credits and Flux 2 [max] is 15.

Why does Flux 3 take longer than other models?

Because it looks things up on the web before generating, which is what makes real events, landmarks and products come out right. If you want speed for drafts, Flux 3 [klein] at 2 credits is the fast option.

Can I edit photos with Flux 3?

Yes. In Studio edit mode or through the Agent, add one or more reference images and describe the change. You can edit a single image or combine several into a new composition, calling them image 1, image 2 and so on.