To use Midjourney well, write prompts that describe the subject, style, lighting, and composition, use a few key parameters such as aspect ratio and stylization, and use image and style references to keep a consistent look. Midjourney now works in its own web app, so you no longer need Discord to get started.
Part of AI Tutorials. Last updated September 2026. See our Midjourney review for plans and pricing.
Step 1: Choose a Plan and Sign In
- Go to midjourney.com and sign in.
- Choose a plan. There is no free plan; Basic starts at $10 a month, and Standard at $30 includes unlimited Relax mode.
- For confidential client work, choose Pro or Mega, which include Stealth mode so images do not appear in the public gallery.
Step 2: Write a Good Prompt
A reliable structure is subject + setting + style + lighting + composition. For example: “A small coffee shop counter at sunrise, warm natural light, minimalist Scandinavian interior, soft focus background, wide shot.”
Step 3: Learn the Key Parameters
| Parameter | What It Does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| –ar | Sets the aspect ratio | –ar 16:9 for banners, –ar 4:5 for social |
| –s (stylize) | How strongly Midjourney’s aesthetic is applied | –s 50 for literal, higher for artistic |
| –chaos | How varied the results are | –chaos 20 for more variety |
| –no | Excludes elements | –no text |
| –sref | Matches the style of a reference image | Keep a consistent brand look |
Step 4: Refine
- Create variations of the best image.
- Use the editor to extend, reframe, or change parts of an image.
- Upscale your final choice.
- Use image and style references to keep characters and styles consistent across a series.
Good Practice
- Do not use living artists’ names or brands in prompts.
- Check commercial terms before using images for clients.
- Add text and layout in a design tool such as Canva.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Discord to use Midjourney?
No. You can create images in Midjourney’s web app.
Is there a free Midjourney trial?
No. The cheapest option is the Basic plan.
How do I keep a consistent style?
Use style references (–sref) and image references, and reuse the prompt structure that worked.