A Comprehensive Guide to Midjourney Parameters: Mastering AI Image Generation
January 10th, 2025 - Updated for v7
Midjourney continues to push the boundaries of AI-generated art, enabling creators to transform simple text prompts into vivid, imaginative visuals. If you truly want to unlock the potential of Midjourney, you need to understand its parameters—powerful tools that shape the final output. In this updated guide, we'll cover the newest features and best practices for Midjourney v7.
Understanding Midjourney Parameters
Parameters are additional instructions appended to your prompt to guide how the image is generated. From aspect ratios to advanced styles, parameters let you fine-tune the creation process. You can use multiple parameters at the end of a single prompt.
/imagine prompt: A serene lake at sunset --ar 16:9 --q 2 --v 7
Here, we're using three parameters: --aspectCopy
, --qualityCopy
, and --versionCopy
. Each has a distinct impact on how the image is produced.
Basic Parameters
1. Aspect Ratio (--arCopy
or --aspectCopy
)
Defines the width-to-height ratio of the generated image. Version 7 supports wider aspect ratios than ever before, including up to 21:9 for ultra-wide landscapes.
/imagine prompt: Cyberpunk cityscape --ar 21:9
2. Chaos (--chaosCopy
)
Controls the level of randomness and variety in the output. Higher values lead to more unusual, creative results. In version 7, the range now goes from 0 to 200.
/imagine prompt: Abstract emotion --chaos 120
3. Quality (--qCopy
or --qualityCopy
)
Sets the rendering quality and time. In v7, --qCopy
can be 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, or 3, with higher values potentially increasing generation time and texture detail—at the possible cost of coherence.
/imagine prompt: Detailed mountain landscape --q 3
4. Seed (--seedCopy
)
Seeds ensure reproducibility. Entering the same seed with the same prompt and parameters will yield similar results. Valid values: 0Copy
to 4294967295Copy
.
/imagine prompt: Futuristic space station --seed 1234
5. Stop (--stopCopy
)
Finishes the job partway through the generation process, producing simpler, less-detailed images. Version 7 still uses 1Copy
to 100Copy
.
/imagine prompt: Misty forest --stop 50
Advanced Parameters
6. Style (--styleCopy
)
Switches between distinctive model styles or specialized modes. In v7, new style options such as --style rawCopy
, --style expressiveCopy
, or --style scenicCopy
can be used.
/imagine prompt: Anime character --style raw --niji 7
7. Stylize (--sCopy
or --stylizeCopy
)
Adjusts the intensity of Midjourney’s artistic flair. The default is 100Copy
, and v7 supports values from 0Copy
to 4000Copy
. Higher values lead to more interpretive, artistic renders.
/imagine prompt: Portrait of a wise old man --s 2000
8. Tile (--tileCopy
)
Produces seamless, repeatable patterns. Ideal for backgrounds or texture creation. As of v7, you can optionally use --tile seamlessCopy
for additional refinements.
/imagine prompt: Art deco pattern --tile seamless
9. Weird (--weirdCopy
or --wCopy
)
Pushes your prompts into more experimental territory. In version 7, --weirdCopy
can go up to 5000Copy
for especially surreal results.
/imagine prompt: Surreal dreamscape --w 3000
10. Version (--vCopy
or --versionCopy
)
Specifies which Midjourney model version to use. Use --v 7Copy
to access the latest features and improvements.
/imagine prompt: Futuristic cityscape --v 7
11. Uplight (--uplightCopy
)
Applies a lighter upscaling algorithm, cutting down on processing time but potentially sacrificing some detail.
/imagine prompt: Elegant ballroom --uplight --v 7
12. No (--noCopy
)
Excludes certain elements or styles from your image.
/imagine prompt: Fantasy dragon --no fire
13. Video (--videoCopy
)
Provides a timelapse-like video of your image’s evolution. Keep in mind it may slightly extend generation time.
/imagine prompt: Cute puppy playing --niji 7 --video
14. Coherent (--coherentCopy
)
New in v7, --coherentCopy
aims to maintain a stronger alignment with your prompt details, reducing random artifacts and tangential visuals. Try this for more literal interpretations.
/imagine prompt: Vintage car showroom --coherent
Model Version Compatibility
Different Midjourney versions support different parameters. Below is an updated summary for key parameters:
Parameter | Version 7 | Version 6.1 | Version 6 | Version 5.2 | Niji 7 / 6 / 5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chaos | 0-200 | 0-100 | 0-100 | 0-100 | 0-100 (Niji 6/5) |
Quality | .25, .5, 1, 2, 3 | .25, .5, 1, 2 | .25, .5, 1 | .25, .5, 1 | .25, .5, 1, 2 (Niji 7) |
Stylize | 0-4000 (default 100) | 0-1000 (default 100) | 0-1000 (default 100) | 0-1000 (default 100) | 0-4000 (Niji 7) |
Weird | 0-5000 (default 0) | 0-3000 (default 0) | 0-3000 (default 0) | 0-1000 (default 0) | 0-3000 (Niji 6/5) |
Uplight | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (Niji 5/6) |
No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (Niji 5/6) |
Realtime | Experimental | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Upload | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Coherent | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Note: Parameter availability can differ across special versions like Niji or test modes.
Tips for Effective Parameter Use
-
Test Combinations
Don’t hesitate to mix and match parameters (e.g.,--tileCopy
,--weirdCopy
,--chaosCopy
). Each combination can lead to a totally different look. -
Iterate with Seeds
Use--seedCopy
to refine or replicate a prompt. Seeds help you isolate what’s changing and build on concepts you like. -
Balance Speed and Detail
--q 2Copy
or--q 3Copy
can drastically increase detail but slow down generation. For quick concept tests, try--q 0.5Copy
or--q 1Copy
. -
Control Midjourney’s Style
--stylizeCopy
can dramatically transform or refine your images. Higher values yield more interpretive renders, while lower values adhere to your prompt more strictly. -
Try
--coherentCopy
for Literal Prompts
If you need exact representation of your text, use--coherentCopy
to reduce any unintentional or overly artistic deviations.
Expanded Example Section
/imagine prompt: Mystical forest at dawn --ar 21:9 --chaos 150 --q 3 --v 7
/imagine prompt: Elegant ballroom --tile --style scenic --uplight --v 7
/imagine prompt: Abstract cityscape --no buildings --s 2000 --weird 4000 --v 7
/imagine prompt: Cute puppy playing --niji 7 --video --chaos 80
/imagine prompt: Alien landscape --seed 9876 --stop 60 --upload alien_texture.jpg --coherent
/imagine prompt: Vintage film camera on a wooden table --coherent --style raw --q 2 --v 7
Conclusion: Unleash Your Creativity
Midjourney v7 introduces new parameters, extended ranges, and refinements that make it more powerful and flexible than ever. Whether you’re designing seamless textures, crafting surreal dreamscapes, or fine-tuning your visuals to match specific styles, understanding and experimenting with these parameters is the key to mastering AI-generated art.
As Midjourney continues to evolve, stay curious and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Your next creative breakthrough could be just a prompt—and a parameter—away!
Happy creating!
Additional Resources
Did you find this guide helpful? Feel free to share it with fellow AI artists and creators! Have questions or want to share your Midjourney creations? Connect with me on Twitter or LinkedIn.