What You Will Learn

• Sign up and navigate the Midjourney website
• Write and refine effective text prompts
• Control outputs with --stylize, --chaos, and --seed
• Perform image edits: variations, upscales, remix, in/out-painting
• Create and apply mood boards and personalized profiles

Study Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the "Video Course: ULTIMATE Beginners Guide to Midjourney". This course is designed to take you from zero to hero in using Midjourney, an innovative AI-driven image generation tool. Whether you're a designer, an artist, or someone simply curious about AI, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create captivating images using Midjourney. You'll learn everything from getting started with the platform to mastering advanced image manipulation techniques. Let's dive in and unlock the potential of your creativity with Midjourney.

Getting Started with Midjourney

To begin your journey with Midjourney, you'll need to sign up on their website. In 2025, you can easily register using your Google account or continue with a Discord account. For beginners, signing up with Google is recommended due to its simplicity. Once signed up, you'll land on the "Explore" page, which showcases public creations from the Midjourney community. To start creating your own images, navigate to the prompt box at the top of the page. This is where you type in your text prompts describing the image you want Midjourney to generate.

Prompting Strategies

Start Small and Elaborate: Begin with a simple prompt and gradually add details. For example:
- "koala"
- "koala dressed like a gentleman"
- "koala dressed like a gentleman, the koala is standing outside of a bar"
Starting small allows you to see what Midjourney generates and then refine your vision by adding more details.

Use Call-backs: Reiterate the subject in longer prompts to avoid confusion. For example:
- "a koala dressed like a gentleman, the koala is standing outside of a bar"
By specifically referring to the koala again, you ensure clarity in your prompt.

Subject vs. Setting Order: The first element mentioned in the prompt often receives the most emphasis. For example:
- "a guitarist strumming under a dimly lit Street at night" (emphasizes guitarist)
- "a dimly lit Street at night a guitarist is strumming" (emphasizes setting)
Understanding this can help you control the focus of your image.

Key Parameters

--stylize or --s: Controls the trade-off between beauty and accuracy (0-1000, default 100). Higher values prioritize aesthetics over strict adherence to the prompt, while lower values prioritize accuracy. For instance:
- At 1000, you might get a more artistically styled image.
- At 0, the image will closely adhere to your prompt.

--chaos or --c: Determines the variety within the grid of four generated images (0-100, default 0). Higher values produce more unusual and unexpected results. For best practices, stay within a range of 2-6 to maintain some level of predictability while allowing for creative variations.

--style raw: Makes Midjourney interpret prompts more literally, often beneficial for realistic images. Activate it in settings or by adding --style raw to the prompt. This is particularly useful when you want something photo-realistic.

--seed: Sets a starting blueprint for the generation, ensuring similar results for the same prompt and seed number. This is useful for testing individual words using curly brackets {} for permutations. For example, using the same seed for different prompts can help you compare the impact of specific words.

Image Manipulation

Variations: "V subtle" creates minor changes, while "V strong" generates more significant alterations of a selected image. "V strong" is recommended for more noticeable results and potentially correcting issues like distorted hands.

Upscaling: Creates higher-resolution versions of an image. "Subtle" upscaling aims to preserve the original image closely, while "Creative" upscaling might introduce minor changes. For example, if you want a larger version of an image for printing, use "Subtle" upscaling.

Remix: Accessed via "remix strong," allows users to change elements (like subject or color) in a prompt while retaining the style of a selected image. It's advised to remove chaos parameters when using remix. For instance, if you love the style of an image but want to change the subject, use the remix feature.

Midjourney Editor: Accessed under "More Options," allows for in-painting (erasing and regenerating parts of an image) and out-painting (extending the canvas). Rewriting the prompt to describe the new desired scene is crucial for effective editing. Pre-made frame extensions are available, and erasing the edges of the original image before extending is recommended for smoother integration.

Website Navigation

The Midjourney website offers a user-friendly interface with dark and light mode options. The "Organize" page displays your entire image gallery with various view options (thumbnail size, layout) and filters (likes, hidden, upscales, image size, version, published/unpublished). Hiding images serves as a form of deletion. You can create folders (standard and smart, based on keywords in prompts) to organize your images. The search bar on the "Organize" page searches your gallery, while the search on the "Explore" page searches the entire community's public images.

The "Chat" section provides public and private creation spaces with other users. The "Tasks" page features opportunities to earn fast hours through surveys and community contributions (rating ideas, curating the explore page).

Image Prompting and Referencing

Images can be dragged into the prompt box to be used as image prompts. The --iw (image weight, 0-3, default 1) controls the influence of the image prompt. Lower values blend the image prompt with the text prompt more.

Images can be used as style references by clicking the middle button when an image is added to the prompt. This applies the style and color palette of the reference image to the generated output. The --sw (style weight, 0-1000, default 100) controls the influence of the style reference.

Images can be used as character references (using the right button when an image is added). This aims to reproduce the character's features in new prompts. The --cw (character weight, 0-100, default 100) controls how much of the original character is retained (including clothing). Setting --cw to 0 is recommended for focusing on facial features. Multiple image prompts and references (image, style, character) can be combined for more complex outputs.

Personalization

Mood Boards: Collections of images used to guide Midjourney's style. Users can create mood boards from their gallery, uploaded images, or image links. The --profile parameter followed by the mood board code activates it. The --stylize value controls the influence of the mood board when a profile is active (higher values give more influence to the mood board).

Standard Profiles: Created by ranking pairs of images. Midjourney learns the user's preferences and generates a personalized profile code. Mood boards are presented as a potentially more effective personalization method.

Experimental Features

Patchwork: An experimental storytelling feature allowing users to build worlds, characters, and plots on an infinite canvas, integrated with large language models. This tool is still in development and offers a unique way to explore storytelling through visual narratives.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've reached the end of the "Video Course: ULTIMATE Beginners Guide to Midjourney". By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the Midjourney platform, create and manipulate images, and personalize your experience to suit your creative needs. Remember, the key to mastering Midjourney is experimentation and iteration. Use the tools and techniques you've learned to push the boundaries of your creativity. As you continue to explore and create, keep in mind the importance of thoughtful application of these skills. Happy creating!

Podcast

There'll soon be a podcast available for this course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Welcome to the FAQ section of the 'ULTIMATE Beginners Guide to Midjourney'. This resource is designed to answer all your questions about using Midjourney, from signing up to mastering advanced features. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your skills, this FAQ aims to provide clear and practical answers to help you navigate and leverage Midjourney effectively.

How do I sign up for Midjourney?

You can sign up for Midjourney by visiting their website, Midjourney.com. You'll find a "Sign Up" option there. In 2025, Midjourney offers two signup methods: continuing with your Discord account or signing up directly with your Google account, which is an easier and cleaner process. For beginners using the website interface, signing up with a Google account is recommended. The video guide focuses exclusively on using the Midjourney website, not Discord.

Where do I start creating images on the Midjourney website?

Once you've signed up and logged in to the Midjourney website, you'll typically land on the "Explore" page, showcasing public creations from the community. To start generating your own images, navigate to the prompt box located at the top of the page. This is where you type in your text prompts describing the image you want Midjourney to create.

What is the best approach to writing prompts for Midjourney?

A recommended philosophy for prompting is to start small and then elaborate. Begin with a simple, core idea for your image. Midjourney will then generate four initial options. If these aren't exactly what you envisioned, you can iteratively add more detail to your prompt based on the initial results. This step-by-step approach allows you to refine your vision and avoid overwhelming Midjourney with a long, complex prompt from the outset. Using "call backs" by re-referencing subjects in your prompt by name can also improve clarity as your prompt lengthens.

How can I control the style and variation of the images Midjourney generates?

Midjourney offers several parameters that can be added to your prompts to influence the output. The --stylize or --s parameter (with values from 0 to 1000) controls the balance between beauty and accuracy to your prompt; higher values prioritize aesthetic appeal, while lower values emphasize strict adherence to your description. The --chaos or --c parameter (with values from 0 to 100) determines the amount of variety within the four images generated from a single prompt; higher values produce more unusual and less predictable results, while lower values yield more consistent outputs. Additionally, --style raw can be used to instruct Midjourney to take your prompts more literally, often resulting in more realistic images.

What are the "seed" and "variation" features used for?

Every Midjourney prompt uses a random "seed" as a starting blueprint for image generation. By using the --seed parameter followed by a specific number, you can ensure that running the same prompt with the same seed will generally produce very similar results. This is useful for testing the impact of individual words in your prompts using "permutations" (enclosing words in curly brackets with a comma). After an initial generation, you can use the "Vary (strong)" option beneath an image to generate four new versions that are significantly similar but with noticeable differences in details, which can be helpful for refining aspects like poses or fixing issues like distorted hands. "Vary (subtle)" produces less significant changes and is generally not recommended for substantial modifications.

How can I make specific edits or extend the boundaries of an image generated by Midjourney?

Midjourney provides an "Editor" feature on the website, accessible under "More options" for individual images. This editor allows for "in-painting," where you can erase a part of an image and prompt Midjourney to generate a new element within that area (remembering to rewrite the prompt to describe the desired new scene). It also enables "out-painting," where you can extend the canvas of an image beyond its original frame and have Midjourney fill in the new space. Pre-made frame extensions (like 16:9) are available, and it's recommended to erase the edges of the original image when out-painting for a smoother blend.

How can I organise my generated images and explore the creations of others on the Midjourney website?

The "Organize" page displays your entire gallery of generated images. You can adjust thumbnail sizes and the layout (square or full aspect ratio). Filters allow you to sort by liked images, hidden images (which serves as the delete function), upscales, image size, and Midjourney version. You can also create folders to organise your images, including "smart folders" that automatically populate with images based on specified keywords in the prompts. The "Explore" page showcases public images from the entire Midjourney community, sortable by randomness, popularity ("Hot"), and top images from the day, week, or month. You can also search for images using keywords and even perform reverse image searches to find similar creations.

What is "personalization" in Midjourney, and how can I use it to influence image generation?

The "Personalize" feature allows you to train Midjourney to better understand your aesthetic preferences. You can create "mood boards" by assembling collections of images (from your gallery, uploads, or web links) that represent a particular style. When prompting, you can then reference a mood board using the --profile parameter followed by the mood board's unique code. Midjourney will generate images that align with the average style of the images in your mood board. The --stylize parameter, when used with a profile, controls the strength of the mood board's influence. You can also create a "standard profile" by ranking pairs of images, although mood boards are presented as a more direct and effective method for personalization.

What are the benefits of using the Google signup method?

Using the Google signup method for Midjourney simplifies the registration process, making it more accessible for beginners. It provides a seamless login experience without needing to manage multiple accounts. Additionally, it integrates well with other Google services, enhancing user convenience. This method is recommended for those who prefer a straightforward, hassle-free setup.

How can I improve my prompting skills in Midjourney?

Improving your prompting skills involves practice and experimentation. Start with simple prompts and gradually add complexity. Pay attention to the results and adjust your prompts based on feedback. Use "call backs" for clarity, and explore different parameters like --stylize and --chaos to see how they affect outcomes. Regularly review successful prompts from the community for inspiration and learning.

What is the role of community in Midjourney?

The community in Midjourney plays a vital role in fostering creativity and learning. By exploring the "Explore" page, users can see diverse creations, gain inspiration, and understand different prompting techniques. Engaging with the community through comments and feedback helps users refine their skills and stay updated with new trends and features. It's a collaborative space that encourages sharing and growth.

How can I use image prompts effectively in Midjourney?

Image prompts can be used to guide the composition, colors, or subject matter of your generation. To use them effectively, combine them with text prompts for more detailed control. Adjust the --image weight parameter to determine how much influence the image has on the final result. Experiment with different images to see how they impact the outcome, and use them to create unique and consistent results.

What are mood boards, and how do they work in Midjourney?

Mood boards in Midjourney are collections of images that represent a specific aesthetic or style. They are used to train the AI to understand your preferences. Once a mood board is created, you can reference it in your prompts using the --profile parameter. This allows Midjourney to generate images that align with the style of your mood board, providing a personalized creative experience. It's a powerful tool for achieving consistent artistic results.

How do parameters like "stylize" and "chaos" affect image generation?

The --stylize parameter influences the balance between artistic beauty and prompt accuracy. Higher values prioritize aesthetics, while lower values focus on adherence to the prompt. The --chaos parameter controls the variety within the generated images. Higher values lead to more diverse and unexpected results, while lower values produce more consistent outputs. Understanding these parameters helps refine your artistic vision.

What is the "remix" feature, and how is it used in Midjourney?

The "remix" feature in Midjourney allows users to modify the prompt of an existing generated image to create new images in a similar style but with different content. When using remix, it's recommended to remove any chaos values from the prompt and focus on changing the desired elements. This feature is ideal for exploring variations and refining specific aspects of your creations without starting from scratch.

How can I use permutations to test prompts in Midjourney?

Permutations in Midjourney allow you to test different words or phrases within a prompt. By using curly brackets {} and commas, you can generate multiple variations of a prompt at once. This technique is useful for exploring how different terms affect the outcome and finding the most effective wording. It's a valuable tool for refining prompts and achieving desired results.

What are the challenges of using Midjourney, and how can they be addressed?

Common challenges in using Midjourney include creating clear prompts, managing variability in outputs, and understanding parameters. These can be addressed by practicing prompt writing, experimenting with different settings, and learning from community examples. Utilizing features like "call backs" and mood boards can also enhance clarity and consistency. Continuous exploration and adaptation are key to overcoming these challenges.

How does Midjourney balance community engagement and user privacy?

Midjourney balances community engagement and user privacy by allowing users to explore public creations while providing options for private image generation. Users can choose to keep their creations private or share them with the community. This flexibility ensures a supportive environment for creativity and learning while respecting individual preferences for privacy and control over personal content.

What is the impact of Midjourney's personalization features on creative output?

Midjourney's personalization features, such as mood boards and standard profiles, significantly enhance the user's ability to influence the AI's creative output. Mood boards allow for targeted style training, resulting in images that align with specific aesthetic preferences. Standard profiles provide a broader understanding of user tastes. These tools empower users to achieve more consistent and personalized results, though they require effort and experimentation to master fully.

How can I use Midjourney's editing tools effectively?

Midjourney's editing tools, including variations, upscaling, remix, and in-painting/out-painting, provide powerful options for refining and enhancing your AI-generated artwork. Variations allow you to explore different versions of an image, while upscaling improves resolution. Remix lets you modify existing images creatively, and in-painting/out-painting offers precise control over specific areas. Mastering these tools involves practice and experimentation to fully leverage their potential.

How can I ensure consistency in my Midjourney creations?

To ensure consistency in your Midjourney creations, use mood boards and standard profiles to guide style and aesthetic preferences. Adjust parameters like --stylize and --chaos to maintain a consistent artistic vision. Utilize the --seed parameter for repeated results and experiment with permutations to refine prompts. Regularly review and learn from successful prompts to develop a consistent approach.

How can I leverage Midjourney for business applications?

Midjourney can be leveraged for various business applications, such as creating marketing visuals, product mockups, and branding materials. By using personalized features like mood boards, businesses can ensure that generated images align with their brand identity. The ability to quickly generate high-quality visuals can enhance marketing campaigns and streamline content creation, providing a competitive edge in visual communication.