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wan_2.2_vae.safetensors

🔧 File Format​

  • File Name: wan_2.2_vae.safetensors
  • Format: safetensors — a secure and fast binary format designed to replace .pt and .ckpt.
  • Model Type: VAE (Variational Autoencoder)
  • Location (ComfyUI):
    Should be placed in your ComfyUI/models/vae/ directory.

Why safetensors matters: It's faster, avoids torchscript pitfalls, and won't let you accidentally run arbitrary Python code just by loading a model. Basically, it won’t torch your GPU or your dignity.

📁 Function in ComfyUI Workflows​

In ComfyUI, the VAE is used to decode latent space data into the RGB images you actually see. Think of it as the translator between the language of AI neurons and human eyeballs.

When a checkpoint (like wan_v2.2.ckpt) generates a latent image, this VAE decodes it into pixel data. Without a matching VAE, you're likely to get:

  • Desaturated colors
  • Crushed shadows
  • Blown highlights
  • A general “what is this soggy potato?” vibe.

So yes, a good VAE = happy visuals.

🧠 Technical Details​

  • Trained for: Compatibility with wan_v2.2 SD1.5 checkpoint
  • Architecture: Follows Stable Diffusion-style VAE layout, tuned with a custom loss function that better preserves color contrast and structural details.
  • Dynamic Range Handling: Excellent — unlike older VAEs, this one doesn’t nuke your highlights or mudify shadows.
  • Color Space Calibration: Carefully finetuned to reflect true prompt-driven saturation and tone shifts.

TL;DR: This VAE actually cares about your colors.

✅ Benefits​

  • 🖼 Improved visual fidelity: Richer tones, deeper contrast, cleaner lines.
  • 🌈 Better color reconstruction: Great for colorful and high-dynamic-range outputs.
  • 🧪 Built to match the wan_v2.2 SD1.5 model — using any other VAE is just asking for weirdness.
  • 🧵 No more stitching artifacts or blobby textures — goodbye AI meltdowns.

⚙️ Usage Tips​

  • Always pair it with the wan_v2.2 checkpoint. It’s not just a suggestion. It’s the VAE’s soulmate.
  • Use higher-resolution outputs (768x768 or above) to fully appreciate the detail retention.
  • If you're using it with Ultimate SD Upscale or Inpainting workflows, expect excellent results in both base and enhanced passes.
  • If you get slightly dull color output, try raising CFG slightly or increasing denoise — not the VAE's fault, it's being polite.

🎯 Best Fit Model Types​

This VAE was trained for, tested on, and basically obsessed with:

Checkpoint NameSD VersionMatch QualityNotes
wan_v2.2.safetensorsSD 1.5★★★★★Perfect fit
Any SD1.5 realisticSD 1.5★★★★☆Works fine, just mind the colors
SDXL or SD2.x modelsSDXL/2.1★☆☆☆☆DO NOT use. You’ve been warned.
Anime models (e.g. AOM)SD 1.5★★☆☆☆Technically works, but there are better anime VAEs

🛠️ Setup Instructions​

  1. Download the VAE
    wan_2.2_vae.safetensors

  2. Place the file here:
    ComfyUI/models/vae/wan_2.2_vae.safetensors

  3. Load the VAE in ComfyUI:

    • Add a VAELoader node
    • Set vae_name to "wan_2.2_vae.safetensors"

  4. Connect it to your CheckpointLoader or VAE Decode node.
    Bonus points if you use the wan_v2.2.ckpt checkpoint. They were literally made for each other.

🔥 What-Not-To-Do-Unless-You-Want-a-Fire​

  • ❌ Don't use it with SDXL models. You’ll get garbage, and it will be colorless garbage.
  • ❌ Don’t assume “any VAE works with any checkpoint.” No. VAE ≠ universal decoder.
  • ❌ Don’t forget to load it. Some checkpoints disable baked VAEs. No VAE = ugly outputs.
  • ❌ Don’t rename the file and forget what it was. You’ll end up trying 8 VAEs at once and blame your workflow instead.
  • ❌ Don’t stack it with baked-in VAEs. Pick one — not both. This isn’t a VAE sandwich.

📚 Additional Resources​

📎 Example Node Configuration​

{
  "id": 5,
  "type": "VAELoader",
  "pos": [100, 200],
  "size": [300, 60],
  "inputs": [],
  "outputs": [{ "name": "VAE", "type": "VAE" }],
  "properties": { "vae_name": "wan_2.2_vae.safetensors" }
}

Node Chain Example (simple):


CheckpointLoader → VAELoader → KSampler → VAEDecode → SaveImage

Node Chain Example (advanced upscale):


CheckpointLoader → VAELoader → UltimateSDUpscale → VAEDecode → ImageSharpen → SaveImage

📝 Notes​

  • This VAE was part of the broader wan2.2 workflow release, which included color-sane generation, control module compatibility, and cleaner transitions between tiles.
  • While you can experiment with other VAE files, if you're using wan_v2.2, this is the only VAE that will show you its full potential.
  • The color science behind this VAE is genuinely impressive. It doesn't just decode — it interprets.