What do the steps do?

AI image generation starts with random noise, which is gradually refined into your desired image based on your prompt. The number of "steps" determines how many iterations the AI uses to enhance the image. More steps generally add finer details, similar to an artist refining a sketch, while fewer steps may result in less detailed or grainier outputs.

Sugarlab defaults to 40 steps, a high setting that often produces detailed results. However, reducing steps (e.g., to 30) can sometimes create more coherent or realistic images, though with a grainier texture and higher failure rate with eyes and hands. Conversely, increasing steps (e.g., to 50) may enhance details but risks overprocessing.

30 steps	40 steps	50 steps

Lower steps can lead to issues like poorly defined eyes or distorted fingers. To refine specific elements (e.g., hands or eyes), generate an image, note its seed and prompt, then adjust the steps while keeping other settings constant. Experimenting with steps is a powerful way to fine-tune your results.