LibreOffice has chosen a different approach to integrating artificial intelligence within its productivity suite by allowing users to enhance their experience through custom extensions. One of the exciting tools available is the latest Stable Diffusion extension, which facilitates the direct inclusion of AI-generated images into your documents.
Prerequisites for Generating AI Images in LibreOffice
Getting started with the Stable Diffusion extension requires several steps beyond simply installing the tool. Here’s what you need:
- The latest version of LibreOffice installed on your system
- A free AI Horde account along with an API key
- The Stable Diffusion extension itself
Begin by ensuring your copy of LibreOffice is up-to-date. You can do this by navigating to Help -> Check for Updates. If an update is available, simply click Download to proceed with the installation, ensuring that all your documents are saved and closed beforehand.
All image generation requests made through the extension are processed by AI Horde online, which means your device is not involved in the data processing. Therefore, it is vital to refrain from sending any sensitive information within your requests.
The AI Horde platform operates on a volunteer basis, providing its services free of charge. Setting up an account and obtaining your API key is straightforward and costs nothing. For those interested in testing the extension without creating an account, you can use the generic API key 0000000000. However, keep in mind that this method places you at the lowest priority for image processing, which may result in longer waiting times during peak usage hours.
For a better experience, you can create a free account, which allows you to log in using various platforms such as Google, Discord, and GitHub. After signing up, you can also enhance your account’s priority by earning Kudos. Upon registration, you’ll receive a unique API key, which is crucial for using the extension. Make sure to store this key securely, as AI Horde cannot recover lost keys. If using third-party login options, your API key will be saved to your account for easy access.
For added security, consider saving your API key in a text document or a password manager.
How to Install the Stable Diffusion Extension
To kick off the installation process, download the Stable Diffusion extension directly from the official source. Avoid third-party downloads to ensure you receive an authentic version of the extension.
The file that downloads should be named loshd.oxt. Remember the location where you save this file, as you will need it to complete the installation in LibreOffice.
This extension is designed to work with several LibreOffice applications including Writer, Impress, Calc, Draw, and Presentation; however, this guide will focus on its usage in Writer.
Launch LibreOffice Writer and head to Tools -> Extensions. Click on Add and select the saved file. Accept the terms to proceed with the installation.
The installation should complete in a matter of seconds. Once finished, you’ll see the extension listed among your installed tools. Close the Extensions window and select Restart Now to finalize the installation process.
How to Create an AI Image in LibreOffice
After installation, you can start generating AI images. Type your desired prompt into the document. If you attempt this action in Calc, a new Writer document will automatically open for the image generation.
Highlight the text that you want to transform into an image and navigate to Insert -> Image from Text. Alternatively, you can click the corresponding button in the toolbar.
Enter the dimensions for your image and any additional options. By default, potentially sensitive images are censored. Don’t forget to input your API key before hitting Process to begin generating your image.
Processing times can vary significantly; during testing, I observed times ranging from five minutes to over an hour. It is advisable to set the Max Wait option as high as possible to prevent errors related to timeouts during your requests.
Additionally, some antivirus programs may block the Stable Diffusion extension from functioning correctly. If you encounter issues, consider creating an exception in your antivirus settings or disabling it temporarily while you generate images. Remember to reactivate your antivirus protection after you finish.
I was quite impressed with the output after my initial image generation attempt. However, if you’ve previously used AI image generation tools, you’ll know that results can often be unpredictable. This extension is no exception; it may take several tries to achieve your desired outcome.
Enhancing Results: Tips for Optimal Performance
As the Stable Diffusion extension is a relatively new and evolving tool, you may encounter occasional bugs or issues.
If you experience trouble generating images outside of Writer or Impress, create your image in a Writer document first and then copy it to the desired LibreOffice application.
Currently, the extension performs best with English language prompts. A translation feature is in development to convert non-English text into English prior to submission to AI Horde.
For quicker results, consider becoming a part of the AI Horde worker community, where tasks range from rating images to hosting servers. Increased participation can earn you Kudos, which enhance your processing priority. You can also share Kudos with other community members.
When crafting your prompt, specificity is key. General prompts are less likely to generate detailed images that meet your expectations.
Furthermore, keep LibreOffice open while waiting for your image to be processed. Closing the application or losing your Internet connection will cancel your request. If you require offline image solutions, consider utilizing Google AI Edge Gallery on Android.
If the extension functions effectively for you, explore generating AI images in MS Paint or even producing AI videos with Bing Video Creator, which you can then incorporate into your LibreOffice documents.
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