How to Get Started with Midjourney?

An Ultimate Guide for Beginners.

Midjourney is one of the most popular AI-powered tools for generating images. With it, you can create stunning graphics based on simple text descriptions.

In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to start using Midjourney, from setting up an account to generating your first images.

Subscription and First Steps

Before we start generating images, we need to create an account and choose the right subscription plan. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Registration and Choosing a Plan

1. Go to Midjourney.com,
2. Click “Sign In” – choose one of two options:
   • Continue with Discord – to use Discord for creating images,
   • Continue with Google – to log in using a Google account,
3. Choose a subscription plan:
   • Free Trial – currently, Midjourney does not offer a free trial period,
   • Basic, Standard, Pro, Mega – various subscription plans are available depending on usage frequency and additional features,
   • Standard, Pro, Mega plans offer unlimited time in Relax mode,
   • Stealth Mode (private images) is available only in Pro and Mega plans,
4. Complete the payment and confirm the subscription.

To start using Midjourney on the server version, after activating your account, go to Discord and connect it with Midjourney. Follow the steps below:

Logging in and Connecting with Discord

1. Open Discord and log into your account,
2. Join the official Midjourney server:
   • Click this link: Midjourney Discord,
   • Click “Join Server“,
3. Connect your Midjourney account with Discord:
   • Make sure you have an active subscription,
   • Your account will automatically be linked to Discord if you logged in via Midjourney.com.

Once you have successfully logged in and connected your Midjourney account with Discord, you will gain access to various channels and bots that allow interaction with Midjourney. Let’s see how to use them:

Accessing Channels and Bots

1. On the Midjourney server, you will find different thematic channels:
   • #newbies – for new users,
   • #general – general discussions and questions,
   • #showcase – for sharing users’ work,
2. To start generating images:
   • Go to the #newbies channel,
   • Enter the command: /imagine prompt: image description,
3. The Midjourney Bot will generate an image for you and display it in the chat.

Midjourney is not limited to the official Discord server. You can also add the Midjourney Bot to your own server, giving you more control over the image generation process and allowing you to maintain privacy. Let’s see how to do this:

Adding the Midjourney Bot to Your Own Server

1. Create your own Discord server:
   • Open Discord and click the “+” icon in the server bar,
   • Select “Create My Own“,
   • Name your server and click “Create“,
2. Add the Midjourney Bot to the server:
   • Go to the Midjourney Server page,
   • Find and click Midjourney Bot on the members list,
   • Click “Add App“,
   • Click “Add to Server“,
   • Select your server from the list,
   • Grant the necessary permissions to the bot and click “Authorize“,
3. Start using Midjourney on your server:
   • Create a dedicated channel for generated images,
   • Enter the command: /imagine prompt: image description and start generating your own graphics.

By adding the bot to your own server, you can use Midjourney on selected channels, which allows you greater privacy and control over the image generation process.

Creating and Configuring Images

Midjourney offers a variety of commands that allow users to generate and modify images. Let’s take a closer look at the most important ones:

Basic Commands on Discord

• /imagine prompt: image description – generates a new image,
• /info – displays information about your subscription and available resources,
• /settings – opens the settings panel,
• /help – provides help and a list of available features.

Commands are essential, but the true magic of Midjourney lies in prompts. The description you provide determines the image that the AI generates. Below are some prompt examples to help you get started:

Prompt Example: Simple prompt

Basic:

beautiful sunset over the ocean, vibrant colors, photorealistic

With Params:

beautiful sunset over the ocean, vibrant colors, photorealistic --ar 16:9 --v 6

Prompt Example: Stylized image

Basic:

cyberpunk city at night, neon lights, futuristic, concept art, ultra-detailed

With Params:

cyberpunk city at night, neon lights, futuristic, concept art, ultra-detailed --ar 16:9 --s 500 --q 2 --v 6

Prompt Example: Classic-style portrait

Basic:

a renaissance-style portrait of a young woman, oil painting, soft lighting, baroque era

With Params:

a renaissance-style portrait of a young woman, oil painting, soft lighting, baroque era --ar 4:5 --v 6 --style raw

Apart from the prompt itself, Midjourney allows for advanced configuration of generated images. You can adjust the style, quality, model version, and many other parameters.

Configuring Image Generation on Discord

Midjourney enables users to adjust image generation settings through a configuration panel. To open the settings, type /settings in the Discord chat. Some of the key options below:

• Model version – choosing which version of the Midjourney algorithm to use,
• Styling – adjusting the artistic style of generated images,
• Quality – controlling the level of detail in images,
• Fast or Relaxed Mode – choosing between quick generation or economical resource usage.

Check the examples of settings and their impact on generated images below:

Example 1: Changing the style of the generated image

Stylize:

mystical forest with glowing mushrooms, fantasy, high detail --s 750

Style Raw:

mystical forest with glowing mushrooms, fantasy, high detail --style raw

Example 2: Setting high quality

Low Quality:

futuristic space station interior, cinematic lighting, hyper-realistic --q 0.5

High Quality:

futuristic space station interior, cinematic lighting, hyper-realistic --q 2

Example 3: Using a different model version

Version 6:

medieval castle on a mountain, dramatic lighting --v 6

Version 4:

medieval castle on a mountain, dramatic lighting --v 4

Adjusting the settings and parameters can help achieve results that best match your needs.

Editing and Modifying Images

After generating an image, Midjourney provides several tools for editing and modifying it. You can create variations, increase resolution, expand the background, and much more. Let’s take a look at the available options:

Image Enhancement Options

Once an image is generated, Midjourney offers several tools for editing:

• Variations – creates new versions based on the selected image,
• Upscale – increases resolution and detail,
• Zoom Out – expands the image’s background and adds new elements,
• Pan – extends the image in a chosen direction.

See examples of how you can use the editing tools in action:

Creating Variations Based on an Existing Image

If you generate an image but want to see alternative versions of the same theme, you can use the Variations option:

• After generating the image, select Image Variation (V1 V2 V3 V4) for the chosen version to see alternative compositions.

Upscaling and Adding Detail

If you want a more detailed image, use the Upscale option:

• After generating the image, select Upscale (U1, U2, U3, U4) for different versions to increase its level of detail.
• Upscaling is useful for creating high-resolution graphics for printing or wallpapers.

Expanding the Image Using Zoom Out

If you want to add more context to your image, the Zoom Out option allows you to extend its background:

• Example effect: A close-up portrait can be expanded into a full scene.
• After generating the image, select Zoom Out (1.5x, 2x, Custom) to add more elements to the composition.

Changing the Frame Using Pan

The Pan option allows you to shift the image in a chosen direction (left, right, up, down, or make square).

• Example use case: If you generated a portrait, you can use “Pan Right” to add more background and context to the image.

Midjourney provides extensive customization options, so experimenting with different settings is key to achieving the best results.

Organizing and Downloading Images

Midjourney offers different ways to organize and store generated images. You can manage them both on Discord and through the Midjourney.com platform. Below are the available methods:

Organizing Images on Discord

On Discord, users can organize their images in several ways:

1. Creating Your Own Server
   • If you want better control over your images, you can create your own Discord server and add the Midjourney Bot.
   • You can create separate channels, such as #fantasy-art, #sci-fi-concepts, #portraits, to better categorize your work.
2. Stealth Mode (for paid subscribers)
   • The Stealth Mode option allows you to generate images privately, without displaying them publicly on Midjourney servers.
   • This ensures that your images are visible only to you and do not appear in Midjourney’s public history.
3. Thematic Channels on the Official Midjourney Server
   • The official Midjourney server includes dedicated channels for different artistic styles and themes, such as:
     • anime-art
     • abstract-design
     • game-assets
   • You can share your work there and get inspired by other users’ creations.
4. Saving Images in Private Messages
   • If you don’t want to lose your generated images, you can send them to yourself via private messages on Discord.
   • Alternatively, you can download images and store them on your computer.

Discord is a great place for generating images, but Midjourney also offers its own online platform with additional management features. Let’s see what Midjourney.com has to offer:

Managing Images on Midjourney.com

On the Midjourney.com website, users have access to an advanced image management panel:

1. Organize Images
   • “Organize” tab allows you to filter, and group images into folders.
   • You can mark your favorite images or arrange them thematically.
2. History of Generated Images
   • In the main section of “Organize” tab, you can find all your previously generated images.
   • You can use Timeline Bar nxt to the toolbar to revisit old prompts and generate new versions of past images.
3. Downloading High-Resolution Images
   • Paid subscribers can download images in full resolution.
   • This is useful if you plan to print your work or use it in professional projects.
4. Editing Prompts and Regenerating Images
   • In the “Edit” tab you can go back to old prompts and edit them to generate a new version of an image without retyping everything from scratch.
5. Sharing Work with the Midjourney Community
   • Midjourney has a built-in community where you can share your images and prompt ideas.
   • In the “Explore” tab you can comment on and like other users’ work and draw inspiration from their styles and ideas.
   • “Chat” tab allows you to talk with others about prompt tips, or help for getting your questions answered

Conclusion

Midjourney is a powerful tool for generating digital art, allowing users to create stunning images in seconds. With its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options, anyone can become a digital artist.

To make the most of Midjourney:

• Experiment with different prompts and settings to find your unique style.
• Use editing tools like Variations, Upscale, Zoom Out, and Pan to enhance your images.
• Organize your work using Discord channels and the Midjourney.com platform.
• Engage with the Midjourney community to share your work and get inspired by others.