Midjourney

Midjourney Parameter Reference Guide & Cheat Sheet (v1 – v8.2)
Midjourney v1.0 – v8.2 Reference & Setup Guides

Midjourney Parameter Reference Guide & Cheat Sheet

Complete documentation with Font Awesome iconography, interactive tabs, parameter search, and step-by-step setup guides for beginners.

Total Parameters: 0
Category Introduced / Version Parameter Syntax Accepted Values / Range Prompt Example Description & Notes
1. Essential v1 – v8.2 Version --version, --v 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 6, 6.1, 7, 8, 8.1, 8.2 metropolis --v 8.2 Selects the Midjourney generation engine model version. Updated through Model v8.2.
1. Essential v1 – v8.2 Aspect Ratio --ar, --aspect width:height (e.g. 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:3) majestic waterfall --ar 16:9 Adjusts aspect ratio of rendered images. Supports extreme ratios up to 14:1 or 1:14.
1. Essential v1 – v8.2 Seed --seed 0–4294967295 neon city --seed 12345 Sets the random starting noise grid seed for generating deterministic, reproducible results.
2. Style Controls v1 – v8.2 Stylize --stylize, --s 0–1000 (default 100); best 100–400 in v8+ cyberpunk warrior --stylize 250 Controls how strongly Midjourney applies its default artistic aesthetic polish.
2. Style Controls v6+ Style Reference --sref Image URL, SREF Code, or random fantasy castle --sref 3623375 Applies visual style, color palette, and artistic texture from reference images or codes.
2. Style Controls v6+ Style Weight --sw 0–1000 (default 100) cozy cottage --sref URL --sw 250 Sets relative influence strength of the --sref style reference image.
2. Style Controls v6+ Style Version --sv 1, 2, 3, 4 dragon --sref URL --sv 4 Selects the underlying algorithm for Style Reference processing.
2. Style Controls v5.1+ Style Raw --style raw, --raw raw street portrait --raw Strips away default auto-beautification for candid, realistic, or photographic fidelity.
2. Style Controls v6.1+ Personalization --profile, --p User Profile Code, random serene landscape --p Applies custom trained user preferences, moodboard, or personal rating style profile.
2. Style Controls v7+ Experimental --exp Toggle abstract structure --exp Enables experimental creative aesthetic rendering features.
3. Character Controls v7 / v8+ Omni Reference --oref Image URL retriever astronaut --oref URL --v 8.2 Primary reference engine in v7/v8+ replacing legacy --cref for consistent subjects, objects, or faces.
3. Character Controls v6+ Character Reference --cref Image URL photo of a man --cref URL --v 6.1 Legacy character visual reference system for maintaining subject consistency across scenes.
3. Character Controls v6+ Character Weight --cw 0–100 (default 100) photo of woman --cref URL --cw 0 Fidelity weight: 0 matches face only; 100 matches face, hair, and clothing outfit.
3. Character Controls v1 – v8.2 Image Weight --iw 0–3 (default varies) URL sports car --iw 2.0 Sets relative visual weight of input image prompt URL vs text prompt.
4. Variation & Prompt v1 – v8.2 Chaos --chaos, --c 0–100 mystical creature --chaos 50 High chaos values yield highly varied, unexpected, and diverse initial grid options.
4. Variation & Prompt v5.2+ Weird --weird, --w 0–3000 alien architecture --weird 1000 Introduces quirky, bizarre, and unconventional aesthetic concepts into the generation.
4. Variation & Prompt v1 – v8.2 Negative Prompt --no Text string forest --no text, watermark, blur Excludes specified objects, styles, elements, or colors from appearing in the output.
4. Variation & Prompt v1 – v8.2 Tile --tile Toggle floral pattern --tile --v 7 Generates seamless repeating pattern textures suitable for wallpapers and textiles. Cannot be used with draft mode.
4. Variation & Prompt v4+ Repeat --repeat, --r 1–40 (varies by tier) futuristic vehicle --repeat 5 Runs the exact same prompt multiple times in a single batch submission.
5. Resolution & GPU v8.1+ High Definition --hd Toggle portrait --hd --v 8.2 Natively renders full 2K (2048px) resolution outputs directly in v8+ without upscaling.
5. Resolution & GPU v8.1+ Standard Definition --sd Toggle concept art --sd --v 8.1 Generates standard 1024px output for faster generations and reduced GPU time.
5. Resolution & GPU v1 – v8.2 Quality --quality, --q .25, .5, 1, 4 complex scene --q 4 Rendering effort. --q 4 in v8+ delivers enhanced coherence mode for complex multi-subject prompts.
5. Resolution & GPU v7+ Draft Mode --draft Toggle quick mockup --draft Fast preview mode generating quick concept grids at significantly reduced GPU cost (v7/v8+). Incompatible with permutations and --tile.
5. Resolution & GPU v6.1+ / v7+ Preview Render --preview Toggle epic landscape --preview Renders an early low-res draft preview or fast step grid during image/video generation.
5. Resolution & GPU v1 – v8.2 Stop Generation --stop 10–100 abstract portrait --stop 80 Stops generation process early at the specified percentage for softer or artistic incomplete renders.
5. Resolution & GPU v1 – v8.2 Fast Mode --fast Toggle robot warrior --fast Processes job immediately using Fast GPU subscription allowance.
5. Resolution & GPU v1 – v8.2 Relax Mode --relax Toggle mountain lake --relax Processes job in queue without spending Fast GPU time.
5. Resolution & GPU v5.2+ Turbo Mode --turbo Toggle urgent render --turbo Processes job at maximum velocity using high-speed GPU tier.
6. Video & Motion v8+ Motion --motion low, high, 1–10 waterfall flowing --motion high Controls animation strength and kinetic dynamics in Midjourney video renders.
6. Video & Motion v8+ Video --video Toggle floating astronaut --video Generates animated motion clip output or initial creation process video.
6. Video & Motion v8+ Loop --loop Toggle abstract waves --loop Configures animated video output to loop seamlessly from start to end frame.
6. Video & Motion v8+ End Frame --end Image URL / Frame sunset --end URL Specifies target keyframe image URL for morphing transitions in video animations.
6. Video & Motion v8+ Batch Size --bs 1–4 cinematic sequence --bs 4 Sets the batch generation count size for parallel motion and video output renders.
7. Special Models v4 – v7 Niji Engine --niji 4, 5, 6, 7 anime scene --niji 7 Specialized model fine-tuned for anime, manga, dynamic illustrations, and Asian visual styles.
7. Special Models Legacy (v3) Test Models --test, --testp Toggle portrait --testp Legacy artistic and photorealistic test engines used during early Midjourney v3 development.
8. Legacy Options Legacy (v1–v3) Sameseed --sameseed Toggle pattern --sameseed Applies identical initial noise grid across all 4 grid images in legacy engines.
8. Legacy Options Legacy (v1–v5) Upscalers --upbeta, --uplight Toggle retro car --upbeta Legacy upscaler algorithms from early Midjourney releases prior to external super-resolution tools.
8. Legacy Options Legacy (v1–v3) Pixel Dimensions --w, --h Pixels (e.g. 800, 600) room --w 800 --h 600 Explicit pixel width and height input (Replaced entirely by the modern --ar parameter).

Prompt Architecture & Descriptive Vocabulary

[Primary Subject] + [Context & Setting] + [Artistic Medium] + [Visual Modifiers & Atmosphere] + [--parameters]

1. Primary Subject

Define the core focal point with crisp clarity (e.g., an armored mechanical paladin, an overgrown gothic greenhouse).

2. Context & Setting

Establish placement, action, or physical backdrop (e.g., perched atop a rain-slicked ledge, suspended in zero gravity).

3. Artistic Medium

Designate the foundational art form or genre (e.g., minimalist vector graphics, dark surrealism, 1990s anime film screen).

4. Modifiers & Atmosphere

Layer nuance using tailored lighting, optics, or textures (e.g., volumetric haze, bioluminescent reflections).

5. System Parameters

Append execution directives at the end (e.g., --ar 16:9 --stylize 250 --v 8.2).

Illumination & Lighting (A–Z)

Ambient Dusk Glow Anamorphic Lens Flare Chiaroscuro Contrast Dappled Canopy Light Dramatic Edge Highlight Harsh Direct Sun High-Key Studio Flash Luminescent Neon Glow Soft Volumetric Fog Rays Twilight Golden Hour

Color Dynamics & Palettes (A–Z)

Acid Cyberpunk Neon Complementary Contrast Earthy Organic Tones Fluorescent Vivid Hues Iridescent Prism Sheen Monochromatic Grayscale Muted Pastel Palette Saturated Spectrum Blast Warm Vintage Sepia

Optics, Framing & Angles (A–Z)

Canted Dutch Angle Cinematic Anamorphic Flare Deep Macro Detail Expansive Panoramic Vista High-Altitude Drone View Intimate Close-Up Portrait Low-Angle Hero Shot Shallow Bokeh Blur

Surfaces & Material Textures (A–Z)

Bioluminescent Crystal Brushed Anodized Chrome Frosted Translucent Glass Intricate Lace Embroidery Liquid Mercury Flow Raw Weathered Timber Silky Satin Drapery

Environmental Mood & Atmosphere (A–Z)

Dense Oceanic Mist Dreamy Ethereal Haze Epic Mythic Horizon Rain-Slicked Asphalt Serene Morning Stillness Shrouded Eerie Fog Swirling Snow Blizzard

Art Movements & Genres (A–Z)

Art Nouveau Curves Baroque Dramatic Realism Cubist Geometric Forms Impressionist Brushstrokes Neo-Cyberpunk Graphic Retro Pixel Grid Stained Glass Mosaic Surrealist Mindscape

Top 20 Signature Artist Influences (A–Z)

Alphonse Mucha Artgerm (Stanley Lau) Claude Monet Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Greg Rutkowski H.R. Giger Hayao Miyazaki Hokusai James Gurney Jean-Michel Basquiat John Singer Sargent Katsuhiro Otomo M.C. Escher Moebius (Jean Giraud) Pablo Picasso Rembrandt van Rijn Salvador Dalí Syd Mead Vincent van Gogh

Cool Tips & Tricks

Multi-Stylization Permutations
Quickly test different stylization levels at once using array bracket notation to produce multiple variant batches simultaneously. --s {50, 250, 500, 1000} Note: Permutations cannot be used in draft mode.
Multi-Subject Permutations
Generate multiple subject variants in a single prompt submission using curly brace lists: A kid-friendly educational drawing video on a clean white sheet of paper. A black marker slowly draws a beautiful {rose, orchid, sunflower, tulip} flower Note: Permutations cannot be used in draft mode.
Style Discovery with Draft Mode
Use random style reference together with draft mode to rapidly explore different aesthetic directions at minimal GPU cost, then pick the best results: --sref random --draft
Seamless Pattern Fallback
Due to known tiling artifacts and issues with --tile in version 8.2, specify v7 whenever rendering seamless repeating patterns: --tile --v 7 Note: --tile cannot be used in draft mode.

Prompt Engineering Framework & Rules

Rule 1: Body Coherence & Structural Mechanics

To guarantee full-body coherence and prevent missing limbs, cropped heads, or anatomical glitches in Midjourney, ALL prompt outputs must strictly incorporate these structural anchors:

  • Explicit Full-Body Framing: Always start with "A full-length sticker art fashion illustration..." and include "Full body shot" near the end.
  • Defined Limb Placement: Direct the limbs explicitly (e.g., "arms extended" or "arms extended in a dynamic balance pose"). Never leave hand or arm positioning unguided.
  • Solid Background Anchor: Place the subject on a "solid plain background" or "simple [color] background". Never put busy background elements directly behind the character; use them only as color/vibe inspiration.
  • Sticker Outline Guarantee: End the prompt text with "completely surrounded by a thick white border".
Rule 2: Aesthetic & Regional Style

Unless specified otherwise by the user, default to the following aesthetic rules:

  • Style Engine: 1990s editorial magazine aesthetic, minimalist vector style, clean ink lines, flat design, sophisticated color blocking.
  • Regional Theme: San Pedro, CA & Coastal California. Derive color blocking and outfits from maritime, industrial port, ocean-sunset, and retro coastal streetwear vibes (e.g., Cabrillo Beach, Korean Friendship Bell, Point Fermin, Port of LA).
Rule 3: Fixed Technical Parameters

Appended to the end of every single prompt without exception:

  • Aspect Ratio: --ar 77:58 (or user-defined ratio such as 1:1).
  • Stylization Weight: --stylize 100 (prevents wild over-stylization and preserves clean vector geometry).
Standard Template Sample
A full-length sticker art fashion illustration, front view of a stylish local San Pedro woman in a [Pose], arms extended, standing on a [Simplified Background]. Wearing [Local Outfit Description]. [Art Style & Magazine Vibe Keywords], sophisticated color blocking inspired by [San Pedro Location Description]. Full body shot, completely surrounded by a thick white border --ar 1:1 --stylize 100

Beginner Guide: How to Setup Personalize (--p / --profile)

What is Personalization?

Midjourney's Personalize feature trains a custom AI aesthetic profile tailored to your exact visual taste. By rating image pairs on Midjourney.com, the AI learns whether you prefer soft lighting, vibrant neon, gritty photojournalism, or pastel vectors!

1

Rank Images to Train Your Model

To teach Midjourney what you like, navigate to the web app ranking page or click Rank Images in the sidebar. You will see two images side by side. Click on the one you prefer visually.

  • Minimum threshold: Rank at least 100 to 200 pairs to initialize your personal model.
  • Tip: The more images you rank (e.g., 500+), the more nuanced and accurate your personalized profile becomes.
2

Apply Personalization in Your Prompts

Once you've ranked enough images, simply append --p or --profile to any prompt in Discord or the Web Interface:

/imagine prompt: serene coffee shop in Tokyo at night --p

Midjourney will automatically inject your unique artistic DNA into the render!

3

Obtain & Share Your Unique Profile Code

Midjourney assigns an alphanumeric code to your trained profile (e.g., --p 7a2b9x). You can copy your code from your account settings to share with friends or lock in a specific iteration of your aesthetic.

/imagine prompt: Cyberpunk cityscape --p 7a2b9x --v 8.2
4

Adjust Personalization Strength with Stylize (--s)

You can dial up or dial down how strongly your profile influences the output using the Stylize parameter:

  • --s 50 (Subtle): Very light touch of your profile.
  • --s 100 (Default): Balanced mix of prompt + profile.
  • --s 500 – --s 1000 (Heavy): Strong application of your personal aesthetic.
5

Enable Personalization by Default

If you love your personalized look and want it on every render, type /settings in Discord or open settings on the Web App and toggle Personalization ON.

Beginner Guide: How to Setup & Use Moodboards

What are Moodboards in Midjourney?

Moodboards on the Midjourney Web App allow you to group reference pictures, textures, color swatches, and inspirational concepts together into a cohesive visual cluster that guides your image generations effortlessly.

1

Open Moodboards in the Web Interface

Log in to Midjourney.com, go to your Organize or Styles / Moodboards tab in the sidebar navigation, and click the "+ Create New Moodboard" button.

2

Curate & Upload Reference Images

Drag and drop 5 to 15 high-quality images into your new moodboard. Name your board something descriptive like 70s Retro Sci-Fi, Pastel Architecture, or Neon Cyberpunk.

  • Include color swatches for palette guidance.
  • Add lighting or material texture close-ups (e.g. brushed metal, satin drapery).
3

Generate or Copy Your Moodboard Style Reference Code

Once your moodboard is populated, click "Use as Style Reference" or copy the generated --sref URL / code linked to your moodboard collection.

/imagine prompt: luxury hotel lobby --sref <moodboard_url> --sw 200 --ar 16:9
4

Control Moodboard Influence with Style Weight (--sw)

Adjust how aggressively Midjourney adopts your moodboard aesthetics:

  • --sw 50: Subtle color and atmosphere inspiration.
  • --sw 100 (Default): Standard style transfer.
  • --sw 300+: Overwhelming aesthetic takeover matching the moodboard texture.

Beginner Guide: How to Master the Style Creator

What is Style Creator?

Style Creator is a feature on the Midjourney Web Interface that lets you build, combine, test, save, and reuse custom style presets. You can blend multiple --sref codes, fine-tune their relative weights, and assign shortcut names to quickly apply your signature art styles!

1

Launch the Style Creator Workspace

On Midjourney.com, open the Styles Manager or Style Creator section. Click "Create New Style Preset".

2

Blend Multiple References & Set Weights

Select 2 to 4 style reference images or enter existing --sref codes. You can adjust individual strength multipliers for each component image:

  • Image A (Line art): Weight 1.0
  • Image B (Pastel colors): Weight 0.5
  • Style Version: Choose --sv 4 for modern high-fidelity rendering.
3

Test Your Preset in the Sandbox

Use the built-in Sandbox Test Prompt field (e.g., a cat sitting on a bench or a sports car on a highway) to preview how your blended style looks across diverse subjects before saving.

4

Save & Export Your Custom Style Code

Give your style preset a memorable title (e.g., Muted Editorial Vector). Click Save to generate your custom reusable --sref code or alias:

/imagine prompt: futuristic astronaut standing on Mars --sref 3623375 --v 8.2

Midjourney Parameter Reference Guide • Version 1.0 – 8.2

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