---
title: Ep 5: KSampler settings
slug: ep-5-ksampler-settings
createdAt: 2026-06-12T06:02:22.956Z
---



::embed[]{url="https://youtu.be/v88YOP3DdTw?si=2pZnQLNW5VzAm0LP"}



## How the KSampler works

The KSampler takes a blank canvas filled with random noise (think TV static) and refines it step by step into a finished image. Each pass makes the image clearer: shapes form, edges sharpen, colors develop, textures appear.

Every setting on the KSampler controls some part of this process.

## Seed

The seed is a number that determines the starting noise pattern. Same seed + same settings + same prompt = same image. Every time.

- **Fixed:** Keeps the same seed. Useful when you're tweaking other settings and want to see what each change does in isolation
- **Randomize:** New seed each run. What you want when exploring
- **Increment/Decrement:** Moves up or down by one each run

## Steps

How many refinement passes the KSampler makes. More steps = more detail, but diminishing returns. Going too high can overcook the image.

The right number depends on your model. Some turbo models work in 4-8 steps. Others need 20-30. Check your model's documentation.

## CFG (Classifier-Free Guidance)

How closely the AI follows your prompt.

- **Low values:** more creative freedom. Results may drift from your description but can feel more natural
- **High values:** sticks tight to your prompt, but push too high and you get blown-out colors and artifacts
- **CFG at 1:** your negative prompt is effectively off

****

:::hint{type="success"}
Set CFG to whatever the model creator recommends and leave it. This isn't the setting to experiment with first.
:::



## Sampler and scheduler

These work together. The sampler is the algorithm (Euler, DPM++, etc.). The scheduler controls the pace of noise removal at each step. Euler is the most common default. Use the model's recommended settings.

## Denoise

Controls how much the AI is allowed to change the starting image. This matters most in image-to-image workflows (covered in Episode 8).

| Value   | What happens                                          |
| ------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| 1.0     | Ignores input entirely, generates from scratch        |
| 0.5-0.7 | Keeps the general structure, takes creative liberties |
| 0.2-0.4 | Gentle changes, preserves colors and composition      |
| 0.0     | Changes nothing                                       |

For text-to-image with an Empty Latent Image, leave denoise at 1.



## FAQ

### What seed should I use?

There's no "good" or "bad" seed. It just determines the starting noise. If you find an image you like, note the seed so you can reproduce it.



### How many steps do I actually need?

Depends on the model. Start with the model's recommended value. Going way beyond that wastes time without improving quality.



### What does CFG 1 mean?

Maximum creative freedom, minimum prompt adherence. Your negative prompt stops working at CFG 1.