How to Use Midjourney: A Beginner's Guide (2026)
Midjourney is one of the best AI tools for generating stunning images from text descriptions. It works inside Discord and has a web interface, making it slightly different from most AI tools. This guide walks you through getting started, writing prompts, and producing images that match what you actually have in mind.
TLDR
Create a Midjourney account, access it through the web interface or Discord, type your image description as a prompt, and use parameters like aspect ratio and style to refine your results.
How to do it
Create a Midjourney account
Go to midjourney.com and sign in with your Discord account or create a new account. Midjourney requires a paid subscription (no permanent free plan as of 2026). Choose a plan based on how many images you want to generate per month.
Access the image generator
You can use Midjourney through the web interface at midjourney.com or through Discord by joining the Midjourney server. The web interface is simpler for beginners. Type your prompt in the image generation field.
Write your first prompt
Start with a description of what you want to see. Be specific: instead of "a dog," try "a golden retriever puppy sitting in autumn leaves, warm golden light, photorealistic." Midjourney interprets your words as a visual scene, so details matter.
Understand the outputs
Midjourney generates four image variations from each prompt. You can upscale any image (U1, U2, U3, U4 buttons) to create a high-resolution version, or create new variations of a specific image (V1, V2, V3, V4 buttons) to explore variations on one result you liked.
Use aspect ratio parameters
Add "--ar 16:9" to your prompt for widescreen, "--ar 9:16" for a vertical phone-style image, or "--ar 1:1" for square. Example: "sunset over mountains, cinematic, dramatic clouds --ar 16:9".
Refine with style parameters
Add "--style raw" for a more photographic look, or "--niji" for anime-style images. Experiment with style version numbers like "--v 6" to use the latest model. These parameters give you more control over the aesthetic.
Example prompt
Creating a lifestyle image for a blog post or social media about morning routines
A cozy coffee shop interior in the morning, warm sunlight through large windows, wooden furniture, plants on shelves, a cup of coffee on the table, soft focus background, lifestyle photography --ar 3:2
When to use it
Social media visuals
Midjourney is excellent for creating unique, high-quality images for Instagram, blog posts, and marketing materials. Specify the aspect ratio to match your platform.
Creative concept exploration
Designers and creative directors use Midjourney to rapidly visualize concepts before committing to a full production shoot or illustration.
Stock photo replacement
Instead of searching through generic stock photos, describe exactly the scene you want. Midjourney can produce images that look like professional photography.
Common mistakes
Being too vague
Prompts like "a beautiful landscape" give Midjourney too much freedom. Add specifics: time of day, weather, color palette, mood, photography style, or artistic medium.
Ignoring negative prompts
Use "--no" to exclude things you do not want. For example, "--no text, watermarks, people" if you want a clean product shot.
Only using one generation
Always generate at least 4 to 8 variations of a concept before deciding. Midjourney is non-deterministic and a small wording change can produce dramatically different results.
Frequently asked questions
Is Midjourney free?+
Midjourney discontinued its free trial. A paid subscription is required, starting around $10 per month for basic usage.
Can I use Midjourney images commercially?+
Paid subscribers can use images commercially under Midjourney's terms of service. Read the current terms at midjourney.com as policies can change.
What is the best Midjourney model version?+
As of 2026, Midjourney v6 is the standard default and produces highly photorealistic results. Specify "--v 6" in your prompt if you want to ensure you are using it.
Does Midjourney work on mobile?+
The Midjourney web interface works on mobile browsers. The Discord method also works on the Discord mobile app.
Bottom line
Midjourney is one of the most powerful creative tools available. Start with specific, detailed descriptions, generate multiple variations, and learn the handful of key parameters (aspect ratio, style, version) to take control of your results.
