CivArchive

    About CivArchive

    CivArchive is a cross-platform search engine for AI models. We don't host files ourselves — instead, we crawl various sources and index the models we find, using the file's SHA256 hash as its unique, permanent ID.

    CivArchive was created in direct response to models being suddenly removed from CivitAI. Our core mission is to be a resilient, community-driven archive that preserves access to these valuable resources, ensuring the community's work remains accessible.

    Why CivArchive Exists

    CivitAI removed models to comply with stricter policies enforced by their payment processors and to address growing regulatory scrutiny over AI-generated content. While necessary for their platform's survival, this has led to significant content removal.

    This highlighted a major vulnerability: centralized platforms can be forced to remove content, even if previously acceptable. Even HuggingFace, once considered stable for archival, has started deleting models and disabling repositories.

    What CivArchive Is (And Isn't)

    What It IS:

    A metadata aggregator and search engine. We provide a single place to find information about a model, see all its known online locations, and get direct links to download it from the source.

    What It IS NOT:

    A file host. We don't store the models. Our job is to be the universal catalog.

    Who It's For

    • AI Artists: To find specific models and all their download links, especially if one link is broken.
    • Developers/Researchers: To track specific model files (by hash) across the web and verify their existence.
    • The Community: To have a resilient, decentralized index of models less vulnerable to any single host's policy changes or deletions.

    Core Functionality

    Cross-Platform Search

    Search by model name, keywords, tags, or specific SHA256 hash. The SHA256 hash is the foundation of our entire system, allowing us to:

    • Verify Authenticity: Confirm a file is the same, regardless of where it's hosted or what it's named
    • Track Across Sources: Group all known locations (mirrors) of a single file under one canonical record
    • Provide Drop-in URLs: Offer stable CivArchive.com/sha256/XXX links that won't break even if underlying file locations change

    Unified Model Pages

    A single page for each unique file hash, listing all known sources (CivitAI links, HuggingFace links, torrents) and indicating if links are currently active.

    Direct Source Linking

    Download buttons automatically redirect to available model download links. We track availability and clearly show if a model is still accessible at each source.

    Currently Available Features

    • SHA256-based file matching to identify and connect models across platforms
    • Full-text search with advanced filtering by model type, base model, tags, and creators
    • Multiple mirror support including HuggingFace repos, CivitasBay, and torrents
    • Direct path compatibility with original CivitAI URLs for preserved models
    • Mirror health tracking showing availability status across different sources

    Under Development

    User Accounts & Collections

    • Save searches and track favorite models
    • Create and share model collections
    • Personalized recommendations based on usage

    Enhanced Community Contributions

    • Metadata recovery system for preserving crucial model information
    • Verification system for confirming file and metadata accuracy
    • Community-driven tagging and categorization

    How to Contribute

    We provide a contribution guide (available at /upload) that instructs users on how to upload their models to public repositories and get them indexed by our site.

    Two methods are currently supported:

    1. Manual upload to HuggingFace repositories (though we're exploring alternatives due to HF's recent instability)
    2. Automated backup from CivitAI using our HuggingFace Space

    Note: Since HuggingFace has started deleting models, we're actively exploring more resilient hosting solutions for community contributions.

    Open Questions & Future Considerations

    • The "Lost Model" Problem: How should we handle models that disappear from all known sources? Should entries be removed or marked as "Lost"? Preserving metadata might still be valuable.
    • Post-HuggingFace Strategy: With HuggingFace no longer being a stable host, what should be our new recommended platform for users to host models for archival?
    • Metadata & Verification: The specific requirements and user workflow for community-driven metadata recovery and verification systems need to be defined.

    Contact & Updates

    For questions about our development progress or to follow updates, please check our Discord channel. We're actively working to expand features and improve the platform based on community feedback.

    CivArchive.com is not affiliated with CivitAI. We are an independent community initiative created to ensure continued access to community-created AI resources.