Step-by-Step Tutorial: Creating an Image in Midjourney
This guide will walk you through the basics of generating AI-driven art
using Midjourney. From signing up on Discord to refining
your final image, follow these steps to create stunning visuals.
1. Set Up Discord
- Create a Discord AccountGo to discord.com
and sign up if you don’t already have an account. Verify your email
address, then log in. - Install or Open DiscordYou can use Discord in a web browser or via the desktop/mobile app.
Make sure you are logged in with the correct account.
2. Join the Midjourney Server
- Get Midjourney Invite LinkVisit the
Midjourney website
and click “Join the Beta,” or use a direct invite link (if provided).
A Discord invitation window will open. - Accept the InvitationClick “Accept Invite” or “Join Midjourney.” You will then see
the Midjourney server appear in your Discord server list on the
left-hand side.
3. Navigate to a Bot Channel
- Select a “Newbies” or Trial ChannelIn the Midjourney Discord server, look for channels named
#newbie-...or#general-....
These channels let you interact directly with the Midjourney Bot. - Read Channel GuidelinesCheck any pinned messages or channel rules. Familiarize yourself
with them to avoid confusion while generating images.
4. Generate Your First Image
- Use the
/imagineCommandIn the message box, type/imagineand press
space or click the prompt field that appears.
After/imagine prompt:, type in a short description
of what you want the AI to create. For example:/imagine prompt: A serene forest at sunrise, pastel colors, fantasy style - Press EnterThe Midjourney Bot will indicate it’s generating your image.
In about a minute (sometimes less), it returns four image variations.
5. Interpret the Results
Midjourney displays a 2×2 grid of images labeled U1, U2, U3, U4, and
V1, V2, V3, V4 below them:
- U = Upscale:
ClickU1to upscale the first image in the grid, making
it larger and more detailed. - V = Variation:
ClickV1to create four new images based on the style
and composition of image #1.
Use these buttons to refine your prompt’s results and zoom in on the best image.
6. Upscale & Variations
- Upscale the Best OptionIdentify your favorite image. If it’s the top-left image (#1),
clickU1. The bot generates a larger, more detailed
version, which appears as a separate message. - Try VariationsClick
V1(or V2, V3, V4) to explore variations of
an image you like. This helps when you want the same style but
with slight differences. - Save or DownloadRight-click (or long-press on mobile) on the upscaled image
and select “Save image” to download it.
7. Refine Your Prompt
- Add More DetailsSpecify style or color palette in your prompt. For example:
/imagine prompt: A serene forest at sunrise, pastel colors, fantasy style, hyper-detailed, trending on artstation - Use Keywords & ParametersMidjourney supports parameters like
--arfor aspect
ratio or--seedfor reproducible results, for example:/imagine prompt: A serene forest at sunrise, pastel colors, fantasy style --ar 16:9 --seed 1234Consult Midjourney’s documentation or type
/help
to discover more parameters. - Experiment FreelyCombine different descriptive words and styles. Trial and error
is part of the creative process!
8. Manage Your Subscription (If Applicable)
- Free Trial vs. Paid PlansMidjourney offers a limited free trial. If you reach the limit,
subscribe for more credits or unlimited usage. Visit
Midjourney.com/account
to manage or upgrade your plan. - Check Your UsageIn some versions of the Midjourney bot, you can type
/infoto see how many image generations
(or “jobs”) you have remaining.
Tips for Better Results
- Be Clear and Specific: The more detailed your prompt, the more refined the output.
- Start Simple: Use a short prompt, then gradually add more detail.
- Explore Styles: Try keywords like “watercolor,” “photo-realistic,” “cyberpunk,” or “cartoon.”
- Use Reference Images (Advanced): Upload an image to Discord, copy its URL, and add it to your prompt.
Example Prompt Walk-Through
- Initial Prompt
/imagine prompt: A mysterious castle on a cliff during a stormThis yields four variations.
- Pick Your FavoriteSuppose you like image #2. Click
U2to upscale it. - Request VariationsIf you want a different angle or style, click
V2. - Refine the PromptAdd more details:
/imagine prompt: A mysterious castle on a cliff during a storm, gothic architecture, detailed clouds, lightning in the sky, dark fantasy style
By experimenting with prompt details and refining repeatedly, you’ll
learn how to quickly produce stunning AI-generated art with Midjourney.