How to use Midjourney to create AI art

1. Subscribe and open Create

Midjourney’s current getting-started guide begins with a paid plan and the Create page on the website. Discord remains available for some workflows, but a beginner can generate directly on the web.

2. Write a clear image prompt

Describe the subject, action or pose, setting, composition, lighting, medium and visual treatment that should appear. Start with the most important elements and remove details that do not change the visible result.

3. Set the current model and aspect ratio

The Create-on-Web guide documents settings for aspect ratio, model, Raw, stylization, variety, GPU speed and privacy where the plan supports it. Midjourney’s version page lists V8.2 as the current default and explains compatibility differences among versions.

Use the version shown in your account and record it with the output. A prompt result from V6, V7 or Niji cannot be assumed to reproduce in V8.2.

4. Add only the controls you need

Midjourney’s current parameter list includes aspect ratio, Raw, Stylize, variety, seed, Style Reference, image weight and other controls. Parameters go at the end of the prompt. Compatibility varies by version.

• Aspect ratio: set the shape required by the final placement.

• Raw: reduce the model’s default styling when you need closer prompt control.

• Stylize: change how strongly Midjourney applies its aesthetic treatment.

• Style Reference: guide the look with a permitted reference image.

• Seed: support controlled testing; it is not a guarantee of identity or exact reproduction.

5. Use references deliberately

An image prompt can guide content, composition, style and color. A Style Reference targets visual treatment. In V8.2, the Edit Model replaces Omni Reference, Character Reference and Retexture in the default workflow. Use the control supported by the selected version and describe what the reference should guide. For repeatable seamless artwork rather than one standalone composition, compare AI pattern generators by tile controls, vector export and print workflow.

6. Review and vary

Inspect composition, anatomy, hands, faces, product geometry, exact text and unintended objects. Create a variation only after identifying what should remain and what should change; otherwise a new grid adds output without adding information.

7. Edit the selected image

The current Midjourney Editor guide documents inpainting, outpainting, Pan, Zoom Out, canvas resizing and masked regeneration. Keep the original and check regions outside the mask because a local edit can affect more than the target detail.

A repeatable first-project workflow

• Define the deliverable. Record size, subject, layout, protected details and rights constraints.

• Generate a baseline. Use one prompt and record version and settings.

• Choose by acceptance criteria. Reject attractive outputs that break required text, identity or product details.

• Revise one variable. Change prompt, reference, parameter or edit region, but keep the other inputs fixed.

• Export and inspect. Check the downloaded file at the final display size and retain the prompt and settings.

Pricing and commercial use

Plans, GPU allowances, privacy and commercial conditions change. Check Midjourney’s current subscription and terms pages for the account and intended use. A plan purchase does not replace a rights review for uploaded references, trademarks, likenesses or client assets.

When to compare another image generator

Compare another workflow when you need a different model, API, editing behavior, free starting path or connected video tools. Magic Hour’s AI Image Generator provides a browser route to current image models and connected image-to-video workflows. Use the same brief and acceptance checks. Our Midjourney alternatives guide compares ten current routes by the job they solve.