Midjourney is one of the most powerful AI image generators available today. It can produce breathtaking artwork, concept designs, marketing visuals, and illustrations from simple text prompts. This tutorial walks you through your first creation, from setup to final download.
Step 1: Join Discord
Midjourney currently operates through Discord. Create an account, join the Midjourney server, and find a newcomer room to start generating images. The interface may feel unusual if you are not familiar with Discord, but you will get used to it quickly.
Step 2: Write your first prompt
Use the /imagine command followed by a descriptive prompt. Be specific about the subject, environment, lighting, and art style. For example: “a futuristic city at sunset, neon lights reflecting on wet streets, cyberpunk style, highly detailed, cinematic composition.”
Step 3: Choose and refine
Midjourney returns four image variations. You can upscale your favorite, create variations, or rerun the prompt with adjustments. Iteration is key. Most great images come from refining prompts rather than getting lucky on the first try.
Step 4: Use parameters for control
- –ar 16:9 sets a widescreen aspect ratio
- –v 6 selects the latest model version
- –style raw produces more literal interpretations
- –stylize adjusts artistic flair
- –no removes unwanted elements
Step 5: Download and use your image
Once satisfied, open the image in full view and download it. Check Midjourney’s current licensing terms for commercial use, as terms can change.
Tips for better results
Use reference artists and mediums in your prompts. Study prompts shared by the community. Do not expect perfect results immediately; prompt engineering improves with practice. The more specific you are, the closer the result will match your vision.
Example prompts to try
- “A cozy cabin in a snowy forest at golden hour, oil painting style, warm light from windows”
- “Minimalist logo for a coffee brand, earth tones, clean lines, white background”
- “Futuristic robot reading a book in a library, soft neon lighting, cinematic”
- “Aerial view of a tropical beach with crystal clear water, travel photography style”
Common beginner mistakes
New users often write prompts that are too vague or too complex. Start simple, then add details. Avoid cluttered scenes with too many subjects. Focus on one clear idea and refine from there.
Joining the Midjourney community
The Midjourney community on Discord is a great place to learn. Browse other users’ prompts and results to understand what works. Do not be afraid to ask questions; the community is generally helpful to newcomers.
Next steps
After mastering basics, explore advanced techniques like image prompts, style references, character consistency, and inpainting. For free alternatives, see our list of best free AI image generators.