How to get started with Midjourney? This Midjourney tutorial is a concrete step-by-step guide for people who want to generate their first images quickly. I'll cover the basics, parameters and 10 ready-to-use prompts — Midjourney for beginners, no fluff.

Table of Contents

What is Midjourney (in two sentences)

Midjourney is an AI tool that creates images from text and/or image references. You type a description (prompt), receive a set of proposals, pick one, refine it, upscale it — done.

How to get started with Midjourney — quick start (5 steps)

  1. Create an account (Discord or the web version).
  2. Choose a plan with generation access.
  3. Use the command: /imagine prompt: golden retriever surfing at sunset, cinematic, soft light --ar 3:2
  4. Choose a result — upscale (enlarge), variations (create variants).
  5. Export — save the image and give the file a meaningful, SEO-friendly name.

On the Midjourney website, paste the description and parameters directly. The /imagine command is for Discord.

The prompt field on the Midjourney website.
The prompt field on the Midjourney website. Source: Midjourney.

Tip: terms and commercial rights may change — always check the current rules for your plan before starting a project.

Midjourney tutorial: prompting fundamentals

Simple prompt skeleton: [Subject] + [Style/medium] + [Light/Color] + [Framing/Composition] + [Details/Mood] + [Parameters]

futuristic reading room in brutalist library, 35mm photography, soft ambient light, muted colors, symmetrical composition, serene mood --ar 4:5 --stylize 150
  • Be clear and direct. Nouns + adjectives, fewer adverbs.
  • Specifics over generalities. "morning soft light" beats "nice light".
  • One inspiration at a time. Add more later.
  • Order matters. Put the most important things first.
  • Learn from variations. Change only 1–2 elements at a time.

Parameters worth knowing

Version note: Multi-prompts using :: apply to older models such as V6; V7 and V8 do not support them. Midjourney version comparison.

  • --ar <width>:<height> — aspect ratio (e.g. --ar 1:1, --ar 3:2, --ar 9:16).
  • --stylize <value> — strength of aesthetic style (lower = more literal; higher = more "artistic").
  • --chaos 0–100 — randomness/boldness of composition (higher = more surprising results).
  • --seed <number> — reproducibility (same seed + prompt ≈ similar results).
  • --no <element> — negative prompt (e.g. --no text, watermark).
  • :: — prompt part weighting (e.g. hero product shot::2 fog::-1).
  • Image prompting — add a URL or upload an image to force a style/layout.
Generation settings. V8.1 is selected in this screenshot.
Generation settings. V8.1 is selected in this screenshot. Source: Midjourney.

In practice, mastering --ar, --stylize, --chaos, --seed and --no is enough. Everything else is a bonus.

Simple workflow for beginners

  1. Moodboard: 3–5 references (colors, medium, framing).
  2. First shots: 3–4 short prompts, different approaches.
  3. Pick a direction: 1 best result → variations + small tweaks.
  4. Stabilize: set --seed, refine light/framing.
  5. File hygiene: readable names, alt texts, folders per project.
  6. Export: size and crop adapted to social media/web.

Most common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Prompts that are too long. Midjourney likes brevity.
  • Mixing styles. Stick to 1–2 directions at a time.
  • No framing control. Use --ar and specify "close-up / wide shot".
  • Chaos without reason. Use --chaos for exploration, not for finals.
  • Missing negations. --no text, --no watermark, --no logo — often saves the shot.

Midjourney for beginners — 10 ready-to-use prompts

1) Product (clean, e-commerce)

minimalist product photo of matte black wireless earbuds on soft gradient background, studio lighting, reflections controlled, high detail --ar 3:2 --stylize 120 --no text, watermark

2) Portrait (cinematic)

cinematic portrait of an elderly violinist, rim light, shallow depth of field, kodak portra feel, subtle grain --ar 4:5 --stylize 150

3) Architecture (brutalism)

brutalist concrete pavilion by the sea, overcast sky, wide angle, clean lines, human scale --ar 16:9 --stylize 100

4) Editorial illustration

editorial illustration about focus and deep work, limited color palette, bold shapes, vector aesthetic --ar 4:3 --stylize 200

5) Food (dark & moody)

artisan sourdough bread on rustic wooden board, side light, crumbs visible, dark moody backdrop --ar 3:2 --stylize 120

6) Fashion lookbook

fashion model in monochrome outfit, urban backdrop, overcast soft light, candid pose, magazine look --ar 2:3 --stylize 180

7) Concept art (sci-fi)

explorer walking through neon desert with floating monoliths, wide shot, haze, volumetric light --ar 21:9 --stylize 250 --chaos 15

8) UI mock (clean)

clean mobile app dashboard screen, minimalist ui, generous whitespace, balanced typography, subtle shadows --ar 9:16 --stylize 90 --no hands, people

9) Brand still life

still life of brand essentials: notebook, pen, phone, business card, top-down, soft daylight, color harmony --ar 4:3 --stylize 110

10) Playlist cover

dreamy berlin techno cover art, abstract waves, soft gradients, subtle grain, balanced composition --ar 1:1 --stylize 200 --no text

FAQ — quick answers

Do I need Discord?

Midjourney works through Discord and also has a web version. In practice, most people start on Discord — choose whatever is more convenient for you.

How do I use my own photo as a reference?

On the Midjourney website, click the image icon in the prompt bar, upload your photo and add it to Image Prompts. Then enter your description and parameters. In Discord, paste the image URL at the start of the prompt.

Image Prompts: a photo used as a reference for a new image.
Image Prompts: a photo used as a reference for a new image. Source: Midjourney.

Can I use the images commercially?

It depends on your plan and the current terms of service. Always check the licensing terms for your plan before any commercial use.