# fal.ai

> fal.ai is a comprehensive generative media platform for developers providing fast, reliable APIs for AI-powered image, video, audio generation, and workflow orchestration. The platform serves over 100 AI models with enterprise-grade infrastructure, real-time streaming capabilities, and comprehensive developer tools.

fal.ai enables developers to integrate cutting-edge AI generation capabilities into their applications through a unified API platform. The service provides both consumer-facing web interfaces and enterprise solutions with SOC2 compliance, custom model hosting, and advanced user management.

The platform architecture centers around a universal model proxy that provides consistent access to diverse AI models including FLUX, video generation, audio processing, LLMs, and custom fine-tuned models. Key features include ComfyUI workflow integration, real-time streaming endpoints, intelligent rate limiting, and comprehensive SDK support across multiple programming languages.

## Platform Overview

fal.ai is a comprehensive generative media platform designed for developers who need to integrate AI-powered content generation into their applications. The platform provides a unified API interface to access over 100 different AI models across multiple categories, including high-quality image generation, video creation, audio processing, and large language models.

### Core Value Proposition

- **Fast and Reliable**: Optimized inference infrastructure with sub-second response times
- **Developer-First**: Comprehensive SDKs, detailed documentation, and interactive playgrounds
- **Enterprise-Ready**: SOC2 compliance, custom hosting, and advanced security features
- **Unified API**: Single interface for accessing diverse AI models and capabilities
- **Real-Time Streaming**: Support for live generation updates and progress tracking

### Platform Architecture

The fal.ai platform is built on a sophisticated multi-layer architecture:

1. **Universal Model Proxy**: Central API gateway that provides consistent access to all models
2. **Intelligent Rate Limiting**: Context-aware throttling based on user status and model requirements
3. **Authentication Layer**: Multi-provider auth supporting Auth0, WorkOS, and enterprise SSO
4. **Database Layer**: PostgreSQL with full-text search and comprehensive metadata storage
5. **Workflow Engine**: ComfyUI integration for complex AI pipeline orchestration

## API Documentation

### Getting Started

The fal.ai API uses RESTful principles with JSON request/response formats. All API requests require authentication via API keys.

**Base URL**: `https://queue.fal.run/`

**Authentication**: Include your API key in the `Authorization` header:
```
Authorization: Key YOUR_API_KEY
```

### Core API Concepts

#### Model Endpoints
Each AI model is accessible via a standardized endpoint pattern:
```
POST /fal-ai/{model-name}
```

Example models:
- `fal-ai/flux/dev` - Fast high-quality image generation
- `fal-ai/veo3` - Advanced video generation with sound
- `fal-ai/minimax/voice-clone` - Voice cloning capabilities

#### Request Format
FLUX image generation example:
```json
{
  "prompt": "Your generation prompt",
  "image_size": "landscape_4_3",
  "num_inference_steps": 28,
  "guidance_scale": 3.5,
  "enable_safety_checker": true
}
```

#### Response Format
Model responses include generated media URLs and metadata:
```json
{
  "images": [
    {
      "url": "https://v2.fal.media/files/...",
      "width": 1024,
      "height": 768,
      "content_type": "image/jpeg"
    }
  ],
  "timings": {
    "inference": 1.2
  },
  "seed": 42,
  "has_nsfw_concepts": [false]
}
```

### Rate Limiting

Rate limits vary based on user status and model type:

- **Anonymous Users**: 20 requests per minute
- **Signed-In Users**: 100 requests per minute  
- **Pro Users**: 500 requests per minute
- **Enterprise**: Custom limits

### Error Handling

The API uses standard HTTP status codes and provides detailed error messages:

```json
{
  "error": {
    "type": "invalid_request",
    "message": "The prompt parameter is required",
    "code": "missing_parameter"
  }
}
```

## High Quality Image Generation Models

Create stunning, professional-grade images from text descriptions using advanced AI models.

### FLUX1.1 [pro] Ultra
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux-pro/v1.1-ultra`
- **Purpose**: Ultra-high quality image generation
- **Features**: Up to 2K resolution, improved photo realism, professional-grade quality

### Imagen4 Ultra
- **Model**: `fal-ai/imagen4/preview/ultra`
- **Purpose**: Google's highest quality image generation
- **Features**: Premium results with advanced composition and detail

### Recraft V3
- **Model**: `fal-ai/recraft/v3/text-to-image`
- **Purpose**: Multi-format image generation
- **Features**: Long texts, vector art, brand-style images

### Ideogram V3
- **Model**: `fal-ai/ideogram/v3`
- **Purpose**: Typography-focused image generation
- **Features**: Exceptional typography handling and realistic outputs

### FLUX1.1 [pro]
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux-pro/v1.1`
- **Purpose**: Enhanced professional image generation
- **Features**: Superior composition, detail, and artistic fidelity

## Fast and Quality Image Generation Models

Generate high-quality images quickly with optimized AI models for rapid content creation.

### FLUX.1 [dev]
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux/dev`
- **Purpose**: Fast high-quality image generation
- **Features**: 12 billion parameter model, commercial use allowed

### FLUX.1 [schnell]
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux/schnell`
- **Purpose**: Ultra-fast image generation
- **Features**: 1-4 steps generation, commercial use allowed

### Sana Sprint
- **Model**: `fal-ai/sana/sprint`
- **Purpose**: Fast 4K image generation
- **Features**: Exceptional speed for 4K resolution

### HiDream-I1 Fast
- **Model**: `fal-ai/hidream-i1-fast`
- **Purpose**: Fast state-of-the-art generation
- **Features**: 17B parameter model, 16 steps for quality results

## Image Editing Tools

Transform and enhance images using AI-powered editing models with natural language instructions.

### FLUX.1 Kontext [max]
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux-pro/kontext/max`
- **Purpose**: Premium image editing with enhanced prompt adherence
- **Features**: Improved prompt adherence, typography generation, premium consistency

### SeedEdit 3.0
- **Model**: `fal-ai/bytedance/seededit/v3/edit-image`
- **Purpose**: Precise image editing with content preservation
- **Features**: Accurate editing instructions, effective content preservation

### OmniGen v2
- **Model**: `fal-ai/omnigen-v2`
- **Purpose**: Unified multi-task image generation and editing
- **Features**: Image editing, personalization, virtual try-on, multi-person generation

### FLUX Kontext [dev]
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux-kontext/dev`
- **Purpose**: Frontier image editing
- **Features**: Advanced editing capabilities with development model

## Video Generation Models

Create high-quality videos from text prompts and images using advanced AI video generation models.

### Veo 3
- **Model**: `fal-ai/veo3`
- **Purpose**: Advanced AI video generation
- **Features**: Google's most advanced video model with sound generation

### Kling 2.1 Master
- **Model**: `fal-ai/kling-video/v2.1/master/image-to-video`
- **Purpose**: Premium image-to-video generation
- **Features**: Unparalleled motion fluidity, cinematic visuals, exceptional prompt precision

### MiniMax Hailuo-02 Pro
- **Model**: `fal-ai/minimax/hailuo-02/pro/image-to-video`
- **Purpose**: Advanced image-to-video generation
- **Features**: 1080p resolution, high-quality image-to-video capabilities

### Seedance 1.0 Pro
- **Model**: `fal-ai/bytedance/seedance/v1/pro/image-to-video`
- **Purpose**: High-quality video generation
- **Features**: Professional-grade video generation by Bytedance

### PixVerse v4.5
- **Model**: `fal-ai/pixverse/v4.5/image-to-video`
- **Purpose**: High-quality video generation
- **Features**: Text and image prompt support with v4.5 improvements

## Audio Processing & Enhancement Tools

Transform, clone, and enhance your audio with AI-powered tools for voice cloning, music extension, and audio separation.

### MiniMax Voice Clone
- **Model**: `fal-ai/minimax/voice-clone`
- **Purpose**: Voice cloning capabilities
- **Features**: Clone any voice with just a few seconds of audio sample

### Transform Audios
- **Model**: `resemble-ai/chatterboxhd/speech-to-speech`
- **Purpose**: Speech-to-speech transformation
- **Features**: Convert speech from one voice to another in real-time

### PlayAI Inpaint
- **Model**: `fal-ai/playai/inpaint/diffusion`
- **Purpose**: Audio inpainting using diffusion models
- **Features**: Fill in missing or corrupted audio segments seamlessly

### ElevenLabs Audio Isolation
- **Model**: `fal-ai/elevenlabs/audio-isolation`
- **Purpose**: Audio isolation and separation
- **Features**: Separate vocals, instruments, and background noise

## Avatar & Lip Sync Tools

Create talking avatars and animated videos from audio files using AI-powered models.

### AI Avatar MultiTalk
- **Model**: `fal-ai/ai-avatar`
- **Purpose**: Single-person talking avatar generation
- **Features**: Lip-syncs to audio with natural facial expressions
- **Input**: Requires image + audio file

### AI Avatar Multi (Multi-Person)
- **Model**: `fal-ai/ai-avatar/multi`
- **Purpose**: Multi-person conversation video generation
- **Features**: Realistic scenes with multiple people speaking
- **Input**: Requires image with two people + audio file

### Sync Lipsync 2.0
- **Model**: `fal-ai/sync-lipsync/v2`
- **Purpose**: Advanced lip-sync animation generation
- **Features**: High-quality synchronization with advanced algorithms

### Kling LipSync
- **Model**: `fal-ai/kling-video/lipsync/audio-to-video`
- **Purpose**: Audio-to-video lip-sync generation
- **Features**: Realistic lip movements with natural synchronization

## Text-to-Speech Tools

Convert text into natural-sounding speech using advanced AI voice synthesis models.

### MiniMax Speech-02 HD
- **Model**: `fal-ai/minimax/speech-02-hd`
- **Purpose**: High-quality text-to-speech generation
- **Features**: Advanced AI techniques for high-quality output

### ElevenLabs TTS Multilingual v2
- **Model**: `fal-ai/elevenlabs/tts/multilingual-v2`
- **Purpose**: Multilingual text-to-speech
- **Features**: Support for multiple languages

### PlayAI TTS v3
- **Model**: `fal-ai/playai/tts/v3`
- **Purpose**: Blazing-fast TTS with emotional tones
- **Features**: Improved emotional tones, extensive multilingual support

### PlayAI TTS Dialog
- **Model**: `fal-ai/playai/tts/dialog`
- **Purpose**: Multi-speaker dialogue generation
- **Features**: Natural-sounding multi-speaker dialogues for storytelling

## Large Language Models (LLMs)

Access a comprehensive selection of advanced language models for text generation, analysis, and AI conversations.

### Any LLM (OpenRouter Integration)
- **Model**: `fal-ai/any-llm`
- **Purpose**: Universal LLM access
- **Features**: Access to Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, Llama models via OpenRouter

### Supported Models Include:

#### Anthropic Models
- **Claude 3.7 Sonnet**: Advanced reasoning and analysis
- **Claude 3.5 Sonnet**: Balanced performance and capabilities
- **Claude 3.5 Haiku**: Fast and efficient processing

#### Google Models
- **Gemini Pro 1.5**: High-performance multimodal capabilities
- **Gemini Flash 1.5**: Fast and efficient generation
- **Gemini 2.0 Flash 001**: Latest generation with enhanced features

#### Meta Llama Models
- **Llama 3.2 1B Instruct**: Lightweight instruction-following
- **Llama 3.1 70B Instruct**: High-performance large model
- **Llama 4 Maverick**: Advanced reasoning and creativity

#### OpenAI Models
- **GPT-4o Mini**: Efficient and cost-effective
- **GPT-4o**: Full-featured advanced model

### Vision Language Models (VLMs)
- **Model**: `fal-ai/any-llm/vision`
- **Purpose**: Universal vision language model access
- **Features**: Multimodal understanding with text and images

## Background Removal & Image Tools

Remove backgrounds and enhance images with precision using specialized AI models.

### BiRefNet v2
- **Model**: `fal-ai/birefnet/v2`
- **Purpose**: High-resolution background removal
- **Features**: Works best with 2048x2048 operating resolutions

### Clarity Upscaler
- **Model**: `fal-ai/clarity-upscaler`
- **Purpose**: High-fidelity image upscaling
- **Features**: Very high fidelity upscaling with creativity controls

### Ideogram V3 Reframe
- **Model**: `fal-ai/ideogram/v3/reframe`
- **Purpose**: Creative image extension
- **Features**: Extend images while preserving content, add creative directions

## Training & Personalization

Train custom LoRA models for FLUX image generation with specialized trainers.

### FLUX LoRA Fast Training
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux-lora-fast-training`
- **Purpose**: Rapid LoRA training
- **Features**: Train styles, people and subjects at blazing speeds

### FLUX LoRA Portrait Trainer
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux-lora-portrait-trainer`
- **Purpose**: Specialized portrait training
- **Features**: Optimized for portraits with bright highlights and detailed results

### FLUX Pro Trainer
- **Model**: `fal-ai/flux-pro-trainer`
- **Purpose**: FLUX Pro LoRA training
- **Features**: Training for Flux Pro endpoints

## Music & Audio Generation

Create music, songs, and audio content using AI-powered generation models.

### DiffRhythm
- **Model**: `fal-ai/diffrhythm`
- **Purpose**: Fast song generation from lyrics
- **Features**: Transforms lyrics into full songs in less than 30 seconds

### Lyria 2
- **Model**: `fal-ai/lyria2`
- **Purpose**: Universal music generation
- **Features**: Google's latest model capable of generating any type of music

### MMAudio v2
- **Model**: `fal-ai/mmaudio-v2/text-to-audio`
- **Purpose**: Text-to-audio generation
- **Features**: Generates synchronized audio from text inputs

## SDK Documentation

### JavaScript/TypeScript SDK

**Installation**:
```bash
npm install @fal-ai/client
```

**Basic FLUX Usage**:
```javascript
import { fal } from "@fal-ai/client";

const result = await fal.subscribe("fal-ai/flux/dev", {
  input: {
    prompt: "Extreme close-up of a single tiger eye",
    image_size: "landscape_4_3",
    num_inference_steps: 28,
    guidance_scale: 3.5,
    enable_safety_checker: true
  },
  logs: true,
  onQueueUpdate: (update) => {
    if (update.status === "IN_PROGRESS") {
      update.logs.map((log) => log.message).forEach(console.log);
    }
  },
});
```

**ComfyUI Dynamic LoRA Loading**:
```javascript
const result = await fal.subscribe("comfy/fal-ai/dynamic-lora-loading", {
  input: {
    prompt: "pixel, a cute corgi",
    negative_prompt: "3d render, realistic",
    lora_url: "https://huggingface.co/nerijs/pixel-art-xl/resolve/main/pixel-art-xl.safetensors"
  }
});
```

### Python SDK

**Installation**:
```bash
pip install fal-client
```

**Basic Usage**:
```python
import fal_client

def on_queue_update(update):
    if isinstance(update, fal_client.InProgress):
        for log in update.logs:
           print(log["message"])

result = fal_client.subscribe(
    "fal-ai/flux/dev",
    arguments={
        "prompt": "Extreme close-up of a single tiger eye",
        "image_size": "landscape_4_3",
        "num_inference_steps": 28,
        "guidance_scale": 3.5,
        "enable_safety_checker": True
    },
    with_logs=True,
    on_queue_update=on_queue_update,
)
```

### Swift SDK

**Installation** (Package.swift):
```swift
dependencies: [
    .package(url: "https://github.com/fal-ai/fal-swift", from: "0.1.0")
]
```

**Usage**:
```swift
import FalClient

let result = try await fal.subscribe(
    to: "fal-ai/flux/dev",
    input: [
        "prompt": "Extreme close-up of a single tiger eye",
        "image_size": "landscape_4_3",
        "num_inference_steps": 28,
        "guidance_scale": 3.5,
        "enable_safety_checker": true
    ],
    includeLogs: true
)
```

### Authentication

Before using the FAL API, you need to obtain an API key:

1. Sign up at [fal.ai](https://fal.ai)
2. Generate an API key from your dashboard
3. Set the environment variable:
   ```bash
   export FAL_KEY="your-api-key-here"
   ```

## Ready-to-Go Image Editing Pipelines

Quick and easy image transformations with specialized AI models for specific editing tasks.

### Professional Editing
- **Professional Photo**: `fal-ai/image-editing/professional-photo` - Perfect lighting and high-end photography style
- **Face Enhancement**: `fal-ai/image-editing/face-enhancement` - Perfect skin texture and professional retouching
- **Color Correction**: `fal-ai/image-editing/color-correction` - Perfect white balance and professional color grading

### Creative Transformations
- **Cartoonify**: `fal-ai/image-editing/cartoonify` - Studio Ghibli style with bold outlines
- **Style Transfer**: `fal-ai/image-editing/style-transfer` - Vibrant colors and artistic details
- **Age Progression**: `fal-ai/image-editing/age-progression` - Show different ages while maintaining features

### Practical Tools
- **Background Change**: `fal-ai/image-editing/background-change` - Replace backgrounds with perfect lighting
- **Hair Change**: `fal-ai/image-editing/hair-change` - Change hairstyles with natural look
- **Object Removal**: `fal-ai/image-editing/object-removal` - Remove unwanted objects seamlessly
- **Text Removal**: `fal-ai/image-editing/text-removal` - Remove text while preserving backgrounds

## Enterprise Solutions

### Private Model Hosting

fal.ai offers dedicated model hosting for enterprise customers requiring enhanced security, performance, and customization.

**Private Hosting Features**:
- Dedicated GPU clusters with guaranteed availability
- Custom model versions and modifications
- Enhanced security with VPC deployment
- SLA guarantees for uptime and response times

### SOC2 Compliance

fal.ai maintains SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring enterprise-grade security and compliance.

**Compliance Features**:
- Data encryption in transit and at rest
- Regular security audits and assessments
- Access controls and audit logging
- Incident response procedures

### Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration

Enterprise customers can integrate their existing identity providers with fal.ai supporting SAML 2.0, OpenID Connect (OIDC), and major providers like Okta, Auth0, and Azure AD.

## Platform Features

### Model Gallery

The fal.ai model gallery provides a comprehensive catalog of available AI models with interactive testing capabilities, advanced search and filtering, performance benchmarks, and user ratings.

### Dashboard and Analytics

The user dashboard provides comprehensive usage analytics including real-time monitoring, cost tracking, performance metrics, and API usage patterns.

### Team Management

Enterprise and team accounts include role-based access control, shared API keys, centralized billing, and activity logging.

## Developer Resources

### Quick Start Guide

Getting started with fal.ai takes just a few minutes:

1. **Sign Up**: Create a free account at fal.ai
2. **Get API Key**: Generate your API key from the dashboard
3. **Install SDK**: Choose your preferred language SDK
4. **Make First Request**: Generate your first image or video
5. **Explore Models**: Browse the gallery and experiment

### Best Practices

**Performance Optimization**:
1. Use appropriate model size for your use case
2. Implement request caching where possible
3. Consider using streaming endpoints for real-time applications
4. Monitor usage patterns and optimize requests

**Security Best Practices**:
1. Store API keys securely (environment variables)
2. Implement proper access controls
3. Monitor API usage for anomalies
4. Use HTTPS for all requests

## Community and Support

### Discord Community

Join the fal.ai Discord server for real-time discussions, announcements, technical support, and project showcases.

### GitHub Resources

**Official Repositories**:
- JavaScript/TypeScript SDK
- Python SDK
- Swift SDK
- Sample implementations and tutorials

### Technical Support

**Support Channels**:
- Documentation and guides (primary resource)
- Discord community support
- Email support for paid plans
- Dedicated support for enterprise customers

**Enterprise Support**:
- 24/7 technical assistance
- Dedicated customer success manager
- Priority issue escalation
- Custom integration support

## Legal and Compliance

### Terms of Service

Key terms governing platform usage including acceptable use policies, content ownership and licensing, service availability, and billing terms.

### Privacy Policy

Data handling practices including information collection, data storage and security measures, third-party integrations, and user rights.

### Security Measures

**Platform Security**:
- End-to-end encryption for all data
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
- SOC2 Type II compliance certification
- GDPR and CCPA compliance

**Data Protection**:
- No training on customer data
- Secure data storage and transmission
- Regular backup and disaster recovery
- Access controls and audit logging

## Contact Information

**Sales and Partnerships**:
- Email: sales@fal.ai
- Enterprise inquiries: enterprise@fal.ai

**Technical Support**:
- Documentation: docs.fal.ai
- Community: Discord server
- Enterprise support: support@fal.ai

**General Inquiries**:
- General questions: hello@fal.ai
- Press and media: press@fal.ai