Correction, 2026-10-01: the first version of this page built its advice on a "strength" setting. Neither Flux Edit nor Kontext Max has a strength control on 8frame: each takes an image, a text instruction and an optional aspect ratio. It also called Kontext Max the stronger editor and the best of three at editing text, which we have not measured; gave Flux Edit a flat 7 (it is priced by image size, about 7 for a 1-megapixel image, up to 87); described Smart Edit as a multi-step editor (it takes one text instruction, no mask, returns a 1024 x 1024 square, and runs through the 8frame MCP connector rather than as a canvas node); referred to a masked inpaint the canvas does not offer; and added the edit chain to 53 credits instead of 46. Fixed below.
Kontext Max is 13 credits per edit, flat. The Flux Edit tool opens on FLUX.2 [pro] edit, which is priced by image size: about 7 credits for a 1-megapixel image, more for larger ones, up to 87. Kontext Max is the other model in the same tool. Smart Edit, at 33, is a separate instruction-based editor you reach through the 8frame MCP connector.
Which model handles your edit better is something to test on your own image; the prices are what we can tell you.
TL;DR
- Kontext Max: 13 credits per edit, flat. Flux Edit (FLUX.2 [pro], the default): about 7 for a 1-megapixel image, up to 87. Smart Edit: 33, through the MCP connector
- There is no strength slider. The instruction sets how much changes, so say what must stay
- Text in an existing image: try it, then read every word back; for words that matter, set type in your editor
- Regenerating from scratch is 6 credits on Seedream 5 Lite, which is sometimes the better answer
- On faces, change as little as you can, and compare identity against the original
The edit ladder
Canon 8frame prices, a credit is $0.01 at pack rate:
| Tool | Credits | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flux Edit, FLUX.2 [pro] (default) | about 7 for a 1 MP image, up to 87 | Instruction edit, priced by image size |
| Kontext Max | 13 | Instruction edit, flat price |
| Smart Edit (MCP connector) | 33 | Instruction edit, no mask, 1024 x 1024 square output |
| Background removal | 12 | Isolating a subject |
| Generate new instead | Seedream 5 Lite, 6 | When you are not keeping much anyway |
Note the last line. Generating a fresh image at 6 credits is cheaper than editing at 13. The reason to edit is that you keep what was already right, which saves the attempts you would otherwise spend getting back to it. If you are changing most of the image, regenerate.
On a large image the order can flip: FLUX.2 [pro] edit counts the input image's megapixels, so a big photo can cost more than Kontext Max's flat 13. Check the credit estimate on the node before you run it.
How much changes: the instruction decides
There is no strength or denoise slider on either model here. Each takes your image, a text instruction and an optional aspect ratio, so the size of the change is set by what you write.
- Name one change at a time. "Warm the colour temperature" is one edit; "warm it, swap the background and remove the cup" is three chances for something to go wrong.
- Say what must stay. "Keep the composition, the product and the lighting unchanged" protects what you started the edit for.
- Describe the result, not the process. "The mug is matte black" rather than "make it darker".
Start with the smallest change that gets you there, check it, and edit again on the result if you need more.
Picking between them
Flux Edit (FLUX.2 [pro]): the default, and the cheaper choice on images around one megapixel. Colour casts, light, removing a distracting object, unifying a grade across a set.
Kontext Max at 13: the flat-priced alternative in the same tool. Worth a run when the default didn't land your edit, and on large images, where the flat price can be lower.
Smart Edit at 33: a single instruction edit through the MCP connector, for when you are working from an AI assistant rather than the canvas. Its output is a 1024 x 1024 square whatever the input shape.
The iteration pattern that converges
Edit the result, not the original. Each pass compounds toward what you want, whereas re-prompting samples the space randomly.
- Base image, 6 credits on Seedream 5 Lite.
- Fix one thing on Flux Edit, about 7 credits for a 1-megapixel image.
- Fix the next thing on that result, about 7 credits.
- One more change on Kontext Max if the default didn't land it, 13 credits.
- Upscale once at the end: Clarity is 13 for a fixed 2x; the upscale tool opens on Topaz, 11 per started 24-megapixel block of output.
Four passes and a Clarity upscale is about 46 credits, forty-six cents, at 1 megapixel. Larger images raise the Flux Edit passes.
Where edits fail
Faces. Check identity against the original after every pass. For a real person, change as little as possible or leave the face alone.
Precise geometry. Check a product's shape against the real item after every edit.
Adding something in an exact position. None of these editors takes a mask on 8frame, so position comes only from the words. Describe the spot precisely, or composite the element in your editor.
Text. Read every word back. For words that matter, plate plus type is the route that works.
FAQ
How much does Kontext Max cost? 13 credits per edit, flat. Flux Edit on FLUX.2 [pro] is about 7 for a 1-megapixel image, up to 87; Smart Edit is 33.
Is there a strength setting? No. Neither Flux Edit nor Kontext Max has one on 8frame. Control the change with the instruction, and say what must stay.
Can I edit text in an image? You can try; read every word back. For words that matter, generate a clean plate and set type in your editor.
Should I edit or regenerate? Edit when you are keeping most of the image. Regenerate at 6 credits on Seedream 5 Lite when you are not.
Sources
- Flux Edit and Kontext Max prices, default model and inputs (image, instruction, optional aspect ratio): 8frame tool registry cost functions and front tool registry, origin/main, read 2026-10-01
- Smart Edit (33 credits, text instruction, 1024 x 1024 output, MCP connector): 8frame MCP connector tool definitions, read 2026-10-01
- Seedream and upscale prices: 8frame tool registry, origin/main, read 2026-10-01
Say what changes and what stays, and edit the result, not the original.
Try it without signing up: the 8frame canvas opens on a real board. The canvas is free and unlimited; generation is paid from $19/month.