How to Use Midjourney to Create AI Art in 2024 (Detailed Tutorial)

Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by 9 Comments

How to Use Midjourney to Create AI Art in 2024 (Detailed Tutorial)
Blog / Design / How to Use Midjourney to Create AI Art in 2024 (Detailed Tutorial)
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm. With countless text-to-image generators hitting the market, there are plenty of options to try. However, if you want to create the most realistic images using AI art generators, MidJourney is among the best. In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps you’ll need to take to get started, along with some tips and tricks to get the most out of it. Let’s get started.

What is MidJourney?

Midjourney

Midjourney is an excellent example of generative AI that creates images based on text prompts. It has become one of the most popular tools for creating AI art, along with Dall-E and Stable Diffusion. Unlike its competitors, Midjourney is self-funded and closed-source, so knowing exactly what’s under the hood is cloudy. We know that it relies heavily on machine learning technologies such as large language and diffusion models. The results are sometimes startling, always impressive, and can possess very realistic qualities.

Unlike other AI art generators, it doesn’t have a free trial. It’s become so popular that signing up for a subscription is necessary before using it. That said, their lowest-tiered plan is reasonable at $10 monthly. In our experience, it’s well worth it, considering the level of detail, realism, and creativity it provides. It’s also relatively easy to get started. Within a few minutes, we were able to generate a highly detailed, realistic series of photos of a dog having the time of his life in the bed of a truck just from a simple text prompt.

Midjourney pups

Getting Started With MidJourney


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As previously mentioned, Midjourney no longer offers a free trial. You’ll need to subscribe to generate AI art to get the most out of it. We’ll walk you through the steps to set up your Discord account and show you how to subscribe to Midjourney.

Step 1: Setting up Discord

Before you can create amazing AI art with Midjourney, you’ll need to sign up or sign in to your Discord account. If you already have one, you can skip to the next step. Start by navigating to the Midjourney landing page.

Click on Join the Beta.

Join Discord

This will bring you to a new screen where you can create a Discord account. Once you’ve filled out the required fields, click the continue button. Alternatively, if you already have Discord, click Already have an account.

Discord account creation

Next, click the + button near the top left of the Discord toolbar. This allows you to add the Midjourney server to your Discord account.

add discord server

A popup will appear with several options. Click join a server for this tutorial.

join a server

Next, click don’t have an invite. This allows you to browse servers you’d like to join.

Midjourney sign up

Locate Midjourney under the featured communities, then click on it.

join Midjourney

Once logged in, you’ll be redirected to the Midjourney Discord server. As a free member, you won’t have the option to create images, but you can poke around the interface to see what all the fuss is about. You can browse other users’ artwork by visiting different rooms, such as newbies-4, to get a feel for how Midjourney works.

newcomer rooms

Step 2: Signing up for a Midjourney Subscription

To create artwork, you must sign up for a Midjourney subscription. We’ll walk you through the easiest way to do it. Near the bottom of the screen, you’ll discover a text prompt. Click within it and start typing /subscribe. This will bring up the subscription prompt, allowing you to sign up for one of Midjourney’s paid plans. Click subscribe to Midjourney, then click enter on your keyboard.

subscribe

The bot will redirect you to the subscription page to choose a plan tier that meets your needs. There are three tiers: Basic, which costs $10 per month, comes with 200 generations a month, and gives you a private chat room to generate images. The next plan, the Standard, gives you 15 hours of image generation, unlimited relaxed (slow) generations, and a private chat room for $30 monthly. Finally, there’s the Pro plan, which costs $60 per month, and provides 30 hours of fast image generation, a free chatroom, and unlimited relaxed image generation at $60 per month.

Midjourney paid plans

The basic plan is your best option if you’re starting out. It allows you to explore the platform, generate images, and familiarize yourself with the interface and how text prompting works. If you like what you see, you can always upgrade to a higher tier simply by inputting the /subscribe prompt to bring you to your account, where you can easily upgrade.

Understanding MidJourney’s Tools and Features

When first starting out, Midjourney can be hectic. While it is a good idea to check out one of the newcomer rooms to get a feel for how things work, it can be challenging to keep up. Thousands of people are in the newbie rooms at any given time, making it difficult to see your generated images. It’s best to download and install the Discord app, where you can access private messaging with Midjourney, making viewing and altering your images much more straightforward. To download the app, click on the floating green bar at the top of your screen. Discord will sense your operating system and automatically suggest the correct app version.

Download Discord

Once installed, you can click the Discord icon at the top left of the app to access your private chat room.

Midjourney private messages

Using private messaging provides a much less hectic interface, where you can generate images and easily see them in a private chat without the distraction of viewing other users’ photos. However, participating in group rooms is a great way to get inspiration and watch what prompts others use to generate gorgeous images.

Creating AI Art with Midjourney

Before beginning your quest to create unique AI art, there are a few basic commands to be aware of. First and foremost, any prompt must start with /. For example, when wanting to create a new image, you’d input something along these lines: /imagine a hyperrealistic image of a dog in the bed of a truck. In less than a minute, your first set of images will appear.

general imagine prompt

When your first set of images appears, you’ll notice a series of buttons underneath them. The top row of buttons is for upscaling one or more of the generated images. They are numbered U1 – U4, which are used to identify the images in the sequence. So, for instance, if you want to upscale the second image, click the U2 button in the top row.

upscaling buttons

On the right side of the first row is the regenerate button. This is an excellent tool if you aren’t satisfied with the first set of images Midjourney created for you. Click the regenerate button to ask Midjourney to try another concept based on the original prompt.

regenerate button

Finally, the second row of buttons is used for variations. Numbering V1 – V4, you can choose the button corresponding to the image you wish to create variations for. Once clicked, Midjourney will take that image and create variations of it.

variation buttons

In addition to the imagine prompt, there are a few other commands to be aware of. Here’s a list of all the basic commands within Midjourney.

Imagine Commands

If you want to control the output of your imagine prompts, you can input additional parameters behind /imagine. You can choose things like aspect ratio, level of styling, and more. For example, we input this prompt to generate an image that has an image quality of 3 and an image prompt weight of .25: /imagine cats and dogs –q3 –iw 0.25. We instructed Midjourney to create an image of cats and dogs, give it an image quality of 3, and set the image weight to .25. Image weight lets Midjourney know how closely you want your image to relate to the text prompt. A higher weight will result in images closely related to your prompt. In contrast, a lower one gives the bot more freedom to create the images.

cats and dogs

There is also the aspect ratio command, which is useful for changing the width and height of your images. By default, Midjourney creates square images with an output resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels. If you want to create an image that isn’t square, you’ll need to specify an aspect ratio. For example, we used this prompt to generate a photo with a 16:9 aspect ratio: a beautiful, hyperrealistic landscape with mountains in the background. A frozen lake is in the foreground, with children ice skating –ar 16:9:

Midjourney aspect ratio

Since the release of version 5, some commands no longer work. For example, you can no longer use the width (–w) or height (–h) parameters. Here’s a full list of all parameters you can use with /imagine.

Advanced Prompts

With image prompts, you can upload one of your images to use within Midjourney. You can combine them with image weight (–iw) to adjust the image’s importance in relation to the text portion of your prompt. You can also use Remix, which allows you to change your prompts, parameters, model versions, or aspect ratios. You can use remixing to change the lighting, evolve a focal point, or create cool compositions. To enable remix mode, type in /prefer remix. For example, we’ll take an upscaled image of a frozen lake with children skating and change it to penguins skating.

Midjourney remix mode

There are also multi prompts, which gives you the ability to define more than one concept during image generation using a double colon (::) within your prompt. For example, typing /imagine cat tails will have a very different result than /imagine cat::tails would:

Midjourney multi prompts

Finally, permutation prompts allow you to generate variations of a single /imagine command. It works by inputting a list of options separated by a comma within curly brackets. For example, if you want to create variations of different colored flowers, you’d use something like this: /imagine a {red, orange, yellow, blue} bouquet of flowers:

multi-prompt

Tips for Using Midjourney

Knowing a few tips is important to successfully use any AI generative software. Although a relatively new concept, AI art generators like Midjourney are becoming mainstream. Because of this, learning how to get the most out of it is important. Here are a few tips and tricks to start you on your quest for digital art creation.

Be Concise

While that might sound counterproductive, generating AI art follows the same concept as writing a good blog post. It’s always better to be descriptive but concise when constructing prompts in Midjourney. Giving it too much to go on can either overwhelm it or, at the very least, result in undesirable images.
For example, check out the differences in these prompts. The first one /imagine a photorealistic cat will produce a set of cat images, but a more specific prompt, such as /imagine a photorealistic cat with long white fur and blue eyes, will produce a more detailed output.

Midjourney concise prompts

Use Styles and Mediums

One of the best aspects of Midjourney is its ease of use. Literally, anyone can create a prompt that produces beautiful artwork. If you want to improve your game, use styles and mediums in your prompts. For example, we uploaded images of ourselves to turn us into Victorian queens simply by telling Midjourney to imagine this woman as a 1700’s era Victorian queen. Using the descriptors Victorian and queen, Midjourney understood what we wanted. The results were interesting.

Midjourney era art

You can also have Midjourney create images based on different artistic styles. In this example, we asked it to /imagine a photo of a Goldendoodle created in the style of Leonardo da Vinci, with the following result:

Leonardo da Vinci goldendoodle

Additionally, you can use mediums such as line art, sketch, oil painting, or similar to create images that have a unique artistic appearance. For example, /imagine a black-and-white line drawing of a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro:

Midjourney Chevy Camaro

Combine Concepts

Another thing to try is combining concepts to create interesting pieces. Rather than prompting Midjourney to create a superhero, add another theme to get more targeted results. For example, we used /imagine a Canadian superhero, which resulted in a series of images of a superhero clad in the colors of the Canadian flag:

Combining concepts

Use Lighting for More Dynamic Output

One of the most important aspects of artistic expression is using lighting effectively. By default, Midjourney will add some lighting to the output. However, if you want to see improvement, one of the best places is to start by adding a bit of lighting to your prompt. For example, we used the following prompt to incorporate beautiful lighting effects: /imagine an image of the Eiffel Tower at midday, complete with cinematic lighting.

cinematic lighting

Examples of Midjourney AI Art With Prompts

One of the best ways to learn Midjourney is to play with it as much as possible. Use it to generate images with different styles, learn better ways to enter prompts, and gain inspiration from other AI artists. To show you the massive capabilities of Midjourney, here are a few examples of what can be achieved after a few hours of image generation.

Using Your Images

If you want to turn yourself into a member of the Royal family or just a cool superhero, try using one of your photos with Midjourney. To do this, click the plus next to the text prompt box at the bottom of your screen.

upload a file

Once uploaded, click the image, then select open in browser. In the next step, you’ll need to copy the image URL to use alongside /imagine.

open in browser

Next, type /imagine into the text field, then paste the URL of your uploaded image. Follow up with the image you’d like to create. In our case, we want an image of a superhero with cinematic lighting.

image prompt

Midjourney will do its best to create your desired image, but remember to be specific. If you want the photos to be female, specify that. Just because you upload an image of a woman doesn’t mean you’ll receive female superheroes. For example, we used the prompt /imagine a hyperrealistic image of a female superhero. Omitting the word female might cause Midjourney to create male photos, which may or may not work for you.

female superheroes

Using Blending Effects

Try using the /blend command to create stunning effects.

blend command

It works much like the /imagine command, except you can upload anywhere from 2-5 images, then ask Midjourney to blend them with a text prompt. That said, ensure that both images have the same dimensions for the best results. You can even specify the aspect ratio you’d like. For example, we used the /blend command to combine a photo of a cat and dog, resulting in the image of the dog taking on the same feel as the photo of the cat.

blended images

Final Thoughts on MidJourney

No matter what type of AI art you create, Midjourney can do it. One of the best things about generating AI art is not having to be able to draw or paint to be creative. Using pre-defined tools such as blend or custom parameters for aspect ratio, styling, or image weight, you can create one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork that will blow you away.

AI art collage

Are you looking for more AI tutorials? Check out our post using Midjourney and Divi to design a website: How to Use AI to Create Amazing Web Design with Divi (Using ChatGPT & MidJourney).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before we wrap up, let’s answer some of your most common questions regarding Midjourney. Did we miss one? Leave a question below and we will respond!

What is Midjourney?
Midjourney is a prominent generative AI tool for crafting images from text inputs. Alongside Dall-E and Stable Diffusion, it's a leading AI art creator. Self-funded and closed-source, it employs language and diffusion models for remarkable and sometimes startlingly lifelike outcomes.
Is Midjourney free?
No, Midjourney is not free to use. A monthly subscription ranges from $10 for the basic plan to $60 for the pro plan. This was not always the case, until April 2023, Midjourney allowed anyone to generate 25 images for free after signing up, but they have put a hold on this free trial program.
How can I use Midjourney?
Starting with Midjourney can be overwhelming due to busy newcomer rooms. Download Discord for a smoother experience—click the top bar to install the app. In Discord, access private messaging with Midjourney for easier image viewing and manipulation. Private chats offer a calmer interface compared to crowded group rooms. Both methods, however, provide inspiration and insight into generating stunning images.
How do I add Midjourney to my discord server?
To use Midjourney, you'll first have to navigate to their website and click on the "Sign in" button. This will allow you to join the Midjourney Discord server. You need to have a verified Discord account to do this. After that, you'll be able to purchase a subscription. Once you do, you can add a new server using the following invite link.
How does Midjourney work?
First, sign up or sign in to Discord. Visit the Midjourney landing page, click "Join the Beta," and create or log in to your Discord account. Add the Midjourney server by clicking the "+" button on Discord's toolbar and joining the Midjourney server. As a free member, explore the interface to understand its features. To generate AI art, subscribe to Midjourney. In the text prompt field, type "/subscribe" and choose a subscription tier: Basic ($10/month for 200 generations), Standard ($30/month for 15 hours of generation), or Pro ($60/month for 30 hours of fast generation). Start with Basic to explore and upgrade as needed.
How long does Midjourney take to generate images?
Midjourney typically takes around one minute of GPU time to generate images. Upscaling, nonstandard aspect ratios, or older models might extend the time, while variations or lower quality values speed it up.
Who owns Midjourney?
Midjourney is owned by Midjourney, Inc., founded in San Francisco by David Holz, co-founder of Leap Motion. It entered open beta on July 12, 2022.
How can I use Midjourney to create AI art?
To create AI art with Midjourney, start by using specific commands. Begin each prompt with "/", like "/imagine a hyperrealistic image of a dog in a truck." Generated images appear swiftly. Manipulate them using buttons beneath, numbered U1-U4 for upscaling and a "regenerate" button to refine the concept. Variations are created using buttons V1-V4. Adjust output with parameters like aspect ratio, image quality, and image weight. For instance, "/imagine cats and dogs –q3 –iw 0.25" sets quality and weight. Some commands, like width and height, no longer function in version 5. Remix mode enhances creative freedom by altering prompts and aspects. Multi prompts combine concepts, while permutation prompts create varied outputs, as in "/imagine a {red, orange, yellow, blue} bouquet of flowers."
What is the best AI art generator, Midjourney or Stable Diffusion?
Choosing between Midjourney and Stable Diffusion depends on your preferences and needs. Midjourney, accessible only via Discord, uses a proprietary model and costs $10+/month for limited generations. In contrast, Stable Diffusion offers free use on personal hardware, with advanced features and customization options. It supports various apps and thousands of models, allowing focused image modification. While Midjourney appears user-friendly, Stable Diffusion's versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a compelling choice for AI art generation.
What are the best Midjourney alternatives?
Looking for Midjourney alternatives? Consider DALL-E 2 by OpenAI, providing intuitive AI art generation with text prompts. It grants ownership of generated images and integrates with Microsoft platforms, emphasizing content suitability and regular updates. Another option is Stable Diffusion by Stability AI. It stands out for its compatibility with consumer-level hardware, needing a GPU with 8 GB VRAM. Offering quick, secure, and customizable image generation, it's an accessible alternative with a diverse prompt library and image-to-image capabilities.
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9 Comments

  1. Doesn’t work because the URLs created by Midjourney end in .webp. This is using the Discord app.

    • .webp Images are easily able to be converted to other supported formats.

  2. Hi,

    Is it possible to create a seed image, one that I can continue to use in a multitude of different scenarios. In other words, I don’t want to generate a new character every time I use the same parameters, I want to create one character and change his/her environment/clothing, etc for the purpose of producing thousands of images of the same character. Is this possible with Midjourney?

    Thanks

  3. The video is much too fast People with impaired hearing, like myself will find it impossible to watch and gain information form this video purely because of the speed.

  4. This article provides a fresh perspective on the topic. I appreciate the depth of research and the clear explanations. It’s always a pleasure to read well-informed content like this.

  5. Any copy right issue if we use the image generated by mid journey?

    • The copyright status of images generated by Midjourney is still being debated. Some people argue that the images are not copyrightable because they are created by an algorithm and not by a human. Others argue that the images are copyrightable because they are the product of creative expression. The Midjourney Terms of Service state that you own all assets you create with the service, but this only applies if you have a paid account. If you are using a free or trial account, you are only allowed to use the images for personal use and must give credit to Midjourney. You are not allowed to sell the images or make money off them.

  6. After receiving the desired outputs in midjourney, Can we give any corrections on generated images to better the quality or make some changes?

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