Midjourney Prompt Guide: From First Steps to Masterpieces

Diving into Midjourney’s world of AI art feels like exploring a new universe, doesn’t it? I’ve been there, creating, learning, and sometimes stumbling through this fascinating digital artwork. I’ve gathered a trove of tips and tricks along the way that I’m eager to share with you.

It’s about finding that sweet spot where clarity meets creativity, making your ideas come alive on the canvas. From clear beginnings to adding that sprinkle of creativity, we’re here to make your Midjourney prompts not just good, but spellbindingly great.

Basic Principles for Beginners | Prompts Examples | Advanced Commands and Parameters

Basic Principles for Beginners

Understanding Prompt Structure

Start Simple. Begin with a clear, concise description of what you want. Focus on the main subject, setting, and any specific details you envision. This basic structure guides the AI effectively. Here is an example if you are new to Midjourney.

Step 1: Start Simple

Basic Prompt:

A dog

This is your starting point. It’s straightforward and tells Midjourney you want an image of a dog. The AI has complete freedom within the concept of “dog,” so the result could be any dog, in any setting, doing anything.

Step 2: Add a Detail

Enhanced Prompt:

A golden retriever in a park

Now, we’re getting more specific. You’ve identified not just any dog, but a golden retriever, and you’ve placed it in a setting – a park. This gives Midjourney a bit more direction, narrowing down the potential outcomes to match your vision more closely.

Step 3: Add More Details

Detailed Prompt:

A smiling golden retriever with a frisbee in its mouth, running in a sunny park.

At this stage, you’ve painted a much clearer picture. You’ve specified the dog’s breed, activity (carrying a frisbee), emotional state (smiling), and the setting’s atmosphere (a sunny park). Each detail added guides the AI more precisely towards the image you’re envisioning.

Further Detailing

Highly Detailed Prompt:

A joyful, sunlit scene of a fluffy golden retriever, with a bright blue frisbee in its mouth, sprinting across a lush green park, with children playing in the background

Here, you’ve dialed in the emotion (joyful), light (sunlit), dog’s appearance (fluffy), object detail (bright blue frisbee), action (sprinting), environment (lush green park), and even included background activity (children playing). This level of detail significantly influences the AI’s output, aiming for a very specific scene and mood.

What to Remember:

As you add more details, you’re essentially narrowing down the AI’s creative freedom to match your vision more closely. However, it’s a balance – too much specificity might restrict the AI’s creative interpretations, while too little may result in a broad range of outcomes. Experiment with different levels of detail to find what best suits your needs and enjoy the process of discovery!

/describe is your friend

For those just starting their journey with Midjourney, using the /describe command offers a fascinating peek into the AI’s “mind.”

This command essentially allows you to upload an image and receive a description of what the AI sees.

So, don’t hesitate to use /describe to delve deeper into the workings of Midjourney—it’s a simple yet powerful way to sharpen your prompt crafting skills.

Newbies Pitfalls:

Don’t Overemphasis on Details. Overloading prompts with too many details can confuse the model or lead to a loss of focus on the main subject. Prioritize the most critical elements of your vision and use additional details sparingly and purposefully.

Examples and Detailed Guides for Optimizing Your Prompts

1. Experiment with Medium-Specific Prompts

Artistic Influence: Medium Influence: Use prompts that specify artistic mediums or techniques to shape the visual texture and technique of the image. This approach focuses on emulating the physical properties and visual effects of different mediums, from the soft gradients of watercolors to the bold lines of ink sketches.

Examples of Medium-Specific Keywords:

• Oil Painting
• Photo
• Pencil Drawing
• Sketch
• Watercolor illustration
• Cartoon
• Lineart
• Anime
• Poster
• Sticker
• Logo

2. Style/Movement

Artistic Influence: Reference specific art styles, periods, or movements to direct the aesthetic and thematic elements of the image. This strategy taps into the historical and cultural contexts of various art forms, from the emotional expressiveness of Impressionism to the geometric abstraction of Cubism.

Examples of Style/Movement-Specific Keywords:

• Impressionist
• Photorealistic
• Surrealist
• Art Nouveau
• Gothic
• Baroque
• Cubism
• Abstract
• Minimalist
• Futurism
• Rococo

3. Utilize Color and Light

Color Theory: Mention specific colors or light qualities to enhance the visual impact. Describing the light source or dominant colors can change the mood.

Examples of Color and Light Keywords:

• Cinematic lighting
• Professional lighting
• Warm sunlight
• Cool moonlight
• Neon glow
• Pastel hues
• Saturated colors
• Soft shadows
• Harsh contrasts
• Golden hour
• Twilight blues
• Amber streetlights
• Monochromatic

4. Camera Angles, Perspective and Composition

Use Cinematic Angles: Camera angles can dramatically alter the narrative or emotional weight of an image. They can imply power, vulnerability, or dynamism.

Examples of Camera Angle Keywords:

• Selfie
• Bird’s-eye view
• Worm’s-eye view
• Point-of-View (POV)
• Close-up
• Wide-angle
• Side view
• Over-the-shoulder shot
• First-person perspective
• Panoramic view
• Depth of field

5. Camera Brands and Styles

Mention Specific Brands or Camera Types:

Each brand or type of camera brings its own color science, contrast, and texture to photos, which can be hinted at in your prompts for a desired effect.

Examples of Camera Keywords:

• Canon colors – Known for their vibrant and warm color palette.
• Nikon sharpness – Emphasizes clarity and detail.
• Leica contrast – High contrast and a distinct, classic look.
• Sony dynamic range – Captures a wide range of light to dark.
• Fujifilm simulations – Mimics analog film colors and textures.
• Polaroid instant – For that nostalgic, slightly faded effect with border.
• Kodak film – Evokes the classic film look with rich colors.
• GoPro action – Wide-angle and dynamic, perfect for capturing movement.
• DJI drone – Aerial perspectives with crisp, clear imagery.
• Lomography lo-fi – Creates dreamy, soft-focus, and vignette effects.

6. Emphasize Image Quality and Detail

Boost Resolution and Detail: Utilizing keywords related to image quality and detail can instruct Midjourney to produce outputs that are not only visually stunning but also boast an impressive clarity and intricacy. These descriptors signal the AI to prioritize high-definition rendering and lifelike details in the generated images.

Examples of Quality and Detail Keywords:

• 4K – For high-definition clarity that brings out the finest details.
• 8K – Pushes the boundary further, offering ultra-high-definition results.
• HD render – Ensures the image is rendered with high definition, perfect for crisp visuals.
• Ultra-detailed – Commands the AI to focus on the minutiae, making every element of the image pop.
• Ultra-photoreal – Aims for the zenith of photorealism, making the artificial indistinguishable from reality.
• Intricate details – Encourages the rendering of complex patterns and textures with precision.
• Photorealistic – For images that mimic the look and feel of a high-quality photograph.
• Ultra-sharp – Enhances edge definition and detail for an impressively clear image.

7. Experiment with Material and Texture

Specify Textures: Mentioning specific materials or textures can bring a sense of realism or fantastical element to the image.

Examples of Material and Texture Keywords:

• Velvet night sky
• Glass-like lake
• Rusty metal
• Shiny silk
• Rough stone
• Fluffy clouds
• Gleaming ice
• Transparent crystal
• Weathered wood
• Polished marble

8. Play with Scale and Proportion

Alter Scale: Playing with the scale of objects can create surreal or impactful visuals. Mentioning giants, miniatures, or unusual sizes can produce interesting effects.

Examples of Scale Keywords:

• Gigantic moon
• Tiny people
• Oversized flowers
• Miniature city
• Colossal statues
• Microscopic world
• Infinite staircase
• Endless horizon
• Shrinking potion effect
• Magnified raindrops

9. Incorporate Elements of Storytelling

Add Narrative Elements: Suggesting a backstory or a narrative element can add depth and intrigue to the image.

Examples of Storytelling Keywords:

• Abandoned ruins
• Lost treasure
• Ancient ceremony
• Future dystopia
• Mythical creature encounter
• Secret garden
• Time travel portal
• Space exploration
• Medieval festival
• Underwater civilization discovery

10. Emphasize Mood and Atmosphere

Convey Emotion: Use adjectives that evoke the desired mood or atmosphere. This helps the AI understand the emotional tone or setting you aim for.

Examples of Mood Keywords:

• Serene
• Bustling
• Melancholic
• Vibrant
• Dreamy
• Eerie
• Cozy
• Majestic
• Tranquil
• Mysterious

11. Vintage and Analog Qualities

Evoke a Time Period:

Use vintage or analog to suggest a time period or aesthetic, from grainy black-and-white to the saturated colors of the ’70s.

To evoke specific time periods or aesthetics in your Midjourney prompts, you can use keywords that reference distinctive styles, technologies, and cultural markers of those eras.

Examples of Time Keywords:

• Victorian elegance – Captures the sophistication and detailed designs of the late 19th century.
• Roaring ’20s glamour – Evokes the glitzy, vibrant energy and fashion of the 1920s.
• ’50s Americana – Brings to mind the optimistic, bold colors and styles of post-war America.
• Swinging ’60s – References the revolutionary fashion, music, and cultural shifts of the 1960s.
• Psychedelic ’70s – For the bold, saturated colors and groovy patterns of the 1970s.
• ’80s neon glow – Captures the bright neon colors and dynamic energy of the 1980s.
• Grunge-era ’90s – Evokes the gritty, rebellious spirit and fashion of the early to mid-1990s.
• Y2K aesthetic – Reflects the futuristic optimism and digital age aesthetics of the late ’90s to early 2000s.
• Renaissance artistry – Brings the detailed, humanistic art and innovation of the Renaissance period to life.
• Art Deco sophistication – For the geometric elegance and luxury of the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco movement.

12. Cultural and Historical References

Incorporate Cultural Themes: Drawing from diverse cultural backgrounds or historical periods can introduce a rich layer of context and authenticity.

Examples of cultural and historical Keywords:

• Renaissance fair
• Japanese Edo period
• Ancient Egyptian mythology
• Victorian England
• 1920s Art Deco
• Nordic Viking lore
• Afrofuturism
• Ancient Greek architecture
• Medieval Gothic cathedrals
• Traditional Chinese gardens

13. Integration of Technology and Futurism

Futuristic Concepts: Experiment with visions of the future, technology, and sci-fi elements to push the boundaries of imagination.

Examples of Futurism Keywords:

• Cyberpunk
• Futuristic cityscapes
• Robotic
• Advanced AI interactions
• Interstellar travel portals
• Bioluminescent technology
• Post-apocalyptic survival
• Virtual reality landscapes
• Alien ecosystems

Tips for Effective Prompt Writing

Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different prompt structures, styles, and parameters. This trial-and-error process is crucial for learning how Midjourney responds to various inputs.

Inspiration from Examples: Look at examples of prompts and their outputs shared by the community. This can give you ideas for structuring your prompts and understanding how slight changes can impact results.

Iterative Refinement: Start with a basic prompt and iteratively refine it based on the outputs. This approach helps in honing in on the exact style, mood, or detail you’re aiming for.

Synonyms and Variations: If the initial prompt doesn’t yield the desired outcome, try using synonyms or slightly different descriptions to guide the AI towards your intended vision.

Using synonyms can subtly change the prompt’s focus or mood, while variations that add detail can guide the AI towards more specific interpretations. Experimenting with synonyms and adding or altering details can help you refine your vision and explore a broader range of artistic possibilities with Midjourney.

Advanced Techniques for Experienced Users

Utilizing Advanced Parameters and Commands

1. –sref (Style Reference)

This parameter allows you to specify a style reference through a URL, influencing the AI to generate images that mimic the style of the referenced image.

Without Parameter:

futuristic car poster

They look nice but not the style I want. I’d like to create a watercolor illustration like the following image.

So I included it as a style reference using –sref.

With Parameter:

A cozy mountain cabin at sunset --sref https://example.com/style_reference.jpg

Using a style reference guides the AI to incorporate the mood, color scheme, and textural elements of the reference image, potentially altering the aesthetic to match the referenced style more closely. Check out my detailed Midjourney style reference guide here.

2. Image Prompt

Directly influences the style and content of the generated images by incorporating the visual information from an uploaded image. This technique is powerful for guiding the AI towards a specific composition or detail not easily conveyed through text.

I shared a comprehensive guide for using image prompts in Midjourney, check it out.

Adding an image URL at the beginning of the prompt signals the AI to draw inspiration from the image, blending its style, colors, and composition with the conceptual direction provided by the text prompt.

3. –chaos

Adjusts the level of randomness and unpredictability in the generated images. Values range from 0 (least chaotic) to 100 (most chaotic).

Without Parameter:

A serene mountain landscape at sunrise

With Parameter:

A serene mountain landscape at sunrise --chaos 70

The added chaos introduces unexpected elements or variations, potentially adding more dynamic clouds, wildlife, or even fantastical elements.

4. –ar (Aspect Ratio)

Specifies the aspect ratio of the generated image, affecting its width and height. Common values include 16:9, 4:3, or 1:1.

Without Parameter:

Midjourney will use the default 1:1 aspect ratio:

A bustling city street at night

With Parameter:

A bustling city street at night --ar 16:9

The aspect ratio parameter tailors the output to a widescreen view, offering a broader perspective of the city scene.

5. –quality or -q

Controls the rendering quality and detail level of the image. Higher values increase detail at the cost of more processing time. You can play around with values 0.25, 0.5 and 1 to compare the output quality.

Without Parameter –q .25

A detailed close-up of a dragonfly on a leaf --q .25

With Parameter –q 1

A detailed close-up of a dragonfly on a leaf --q 1

Using a higher quality setting enhances the details, making textures and colors more vivid and precise.

6. -no

Excludes specific elements or subjects from the generated image.

Without Parameter:

A lively urban road after dark, aglow with neon signage.

With Parameter:

A lively urban road after dark, aglow with neon signage. --no car

This parameter ensures the scene is devoid of any human figures, focusing solely on the natural landscape. It’s more efficient than using negative words such as ‘without car, no car’ in text prompts. As you can still see cars in the following output.

7. –style

Influences the aesthetic style applied to the image. Can specify styles like “raw” for less processing or artistic influences.

Without Parameter:

children coloring book, cute dog in a gardon, thick lines, simple illustration

With Parameter:

children coloring book, cute dog in a gardon, thick lines, simple illustration --style raw

The ‘raw’ style aims for a more natural look with minimal stylistic interpretation, focusing on realism.

8. –seed

Sets a seed number to control the randomness factor, allowing for reproducible results. If you don’t specify a seed number, Midjourney will automatically generate a random one for each creation.

You can find out the seed number used by reacting with the envelope emoji in the chat.

For a deeper understanding of how this parameter works, take a look at my detailed Midjourney Seed Guide.

The seed ensures that any variations of the prompt with the same seed number will generate similar thematic elements.

9. –tile

Description: Creates images that can be tiled seamlessly, ideal for patterns or backgrounds.

Without Parameter:

happy and funny emoji

With Parameter:

happy and funny emoji --tile

This command is tailored for creating patterns that seamlessly connect at the edges, perfect for wallpapers or fabric designs.

10. –niji

The –niji parameter engages Midjourney’s specialized Niji model, designed for creating anime-style images. When you apply this parameter, you signal Midjourney to produce artwork with the vibrant, expressive qualities characteristic of anime, from the art style to thematic elements.

Without Parameter:

A knight standing in a mystical forest.

This straightforward prompt is interpreted through Midjourney’s default lens, yielding a broad range of artistic styles.

With Parameter:

A knight standing in a mystical forest --niji 6

Adding –niji 6 transforms the prompt to specifically utilize the latest Niji model, ensuring the output is infused with anime-style aesthetics, including character designs and environmental art typical of this genre.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that you’re not limited to using parameters in prompts to switch between models. You can also adjust your settings in Midjourney to default to the Niji model for all your creations, making it easier to consistently produce anime-inspired art. This flexibility allows users to explore a wide range of visual styles seamlessly.

Examples of Combining Elements for Nuanced Outcomes

Here are more examples of complex prompts for experienced users. These examples demonstrate how to use specific parameters, styles, and creative concepts to push the boundaries of what Midjourney can generate:

A close-up of a dragon's scales, shimmering in the sunlight with iridescent colors, captured with macro photography to highlight the intricate textures and patterns --stylize 250 --ar 4:3

The Colosseum under the Milky Way, blending ancient Roman architecture with a starry night sky, wide-angle, dynamic perspective –ar 16:9

An abandoned Victorian mansion at twilight, the fading light casting long shadows, highlighting the eerie, haunted atmosphere, shot on a Canon EOS to capture the intricate details and textures --ar 16:9

These examples showcase how to leverage Midjourney’s capabilities to create visually compelling, detailed images that draw on a wide range of inspirations, styles, and technical specifications.

Keep Learning and Practicing

Midjourney Documentation: Start with the official Midjourney documentation. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers everything from getting started to advanced techniques.

Midjourney Web app, Community Forums and Discord Channels: Midjourney’s official Discord server and web app are invaluable for real-time advice, inspiration, and feedback from a vibrant community of users.

Explore Other Users’ Artwork: Exploring artwork on the Midjourney web app and noting down prompts used by others is an excellent way to learn and stay inspired. Observing how different prompts are constructed and the resulting images can broaden your understanding of how Midjourney interprets input, encouraging experimentation with your prompts.

Practice Regularly: Regular use of Midjourney not only builds your skills but also helps you stay familiar with its interface and functionalities, making it easier to adapt to new updates.

Encouragement of Trial and Error: Not every prompt will yield perfect results, but each attempt provides insights into how Midjourney interprets input.

And there you have it—a compass through the vibrant landscape of Midjourney, where your words are the brush and the vast digital canvas awaits your imagination. This guide was just the beginning, hope it is helpful for you. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and most importantly, enjoy every step of this artistic adventure. Happy creating!