Complete Guide to Midjourney Parameters for Stunning AI Art (2026)

ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Midjourney parameters are settings appended to the end of a prompt to control composition, style, variation, references, rendering effort, speed, privacy, and repeatability. A typical prompt looks like this:

editorial portrait of a botanist in a glasshouse --ar 4:5 --s 250 --raw --c 10

Use the descriptive text to say what should appear; use parameters to control how Midjourney interprets and renders it. This matters especially now that V8.1 became Midjourney’s default model on June 10, 2026. Many older tutorials were written for V5, V6, or V7 and may contain unsupported syntax or misleading advice.

How Midjourney parameters work

Parameters go after the prompt description, separated by a space. Do not put ordinary prompt text after them, and do not add punctuation inside parameter expressions.

/imagine prompt: cinematic lighthouse on black volcanic cliffs --ar 16:9 --s 300 --raw

On the website, many parameters appear as controls rather than typed commands. The available controls and compatibility can vary by model. The official Parameter List is the best reference when a setting behaves unexpectedly.

• Prompt text: subject, action, setting, materials, lighting, composition, and medium.
• Aspect ratio: canvas shape.
• Stylize: strength of Midjourney’s aesthetic interpretation.
• Chaos/Variety: difference between images in a batch.
• Weird: experimental or unconventional divergence.
• Raw: reduced automatic styling.
• References: visual style, image content, or identity influence.
• Quality and speed: GPU allocation and queue behavior.
• Seed: controlled testing, not a reliable identity lock.

Quick parameter cheat sheet

Goal	Long form	Short form	Example
Aspect ratio	--aspect	--ar	--ar 16:9
Variety	--chaos	--c	--c 40
Negative prompt	--no	—	--no text logo
Quality	--quality	--q	--q 2
Repeat	--repeat	--r	--r 3
Seed	--seed	—	--seed 12345
Raw mode	--raw	—	--raw
Stylize	--stylize	--s	--s 500
Style Reference	--sref	—	--sref IMAGE_URL
Style weight	--sw	—	--sw 200
Tile	--tile	—	--tile
Version	--version	--v	--v 8.1
Weirdness	--weird	--w	--w 300
Omni Reference	--oref	—	--oref IMAGE_URL
Omni weight	--ow	—	--ow 150

Ranges and compatibility are model-dependent. Treat the following values as practical starting points, not universal guarantees.

The six parameters most users need

--ar or --aspect: control the canvas shape

Aspect ratio determines the width-to-height proportion. The default is square, 1:1.

--ar 1:1    --ar 4:3    --ar 2:3    --ar 16:9    --ar 9:16

• 1:1: avatars, thumbnails, and general experiments.
• 4:3: editorial illustrations and presentations.
• 2:3: posters and portrait-oriented print compositions.
• 16:9: video frames, banners, and cinematic scenes.
• 9:16: mobile stories and vertical advertising.

Decimals are not accepted. Convert a ratio such as 1.39:1 to an equivalent integer ratio such as 139:100. Aspect ratio is not final pixel resolution, and extremely wide or tall formats can be unpredictable. Pan, Zoom Out, and the Editor can alter the shape after generation. See the official aspect-ratio documentation.

--s or --stylize: control artistic interpretation

Stylize controls how strongly Midjourney’s aesthetic preferences influence the result. The official default is 100, and current versions allow values from 0 to 1000.

--s 0–50       more literal and controlled
--s 100        default
--s 250–500    balanced artistic enhancement
--s 750–1000   highly interpretive

Lower values generally follow the wording more literally. Higher values can produce more polished or expressive images, but may drift from required details. These ranges are useful starting points rather than official semantic categories.

To compare stylization, change only this value:

editorial portrait of a botanist in a glasshouse --seed 1234 --s 0
editorial portrait of a botanist in a glasshouse --seed 1234 --s 500
editorial portrait of a botanist in a glasshouse --seed 1234 --s 1000

The same seed makes comparison easier; it does not guarantee identical images.

--c or --chaos: control batch variety

Chaos, labelled Variety on the website, controls how different the images in one batch are. The default is 0; the range is 0–100.

--c 0       similar concepts
--c 20–40   moderate variation
--c 70–100  aggressive ideation

Chaos is not the same as stylize. Chaos changes the relationship between images in a batch; stylize changes the aesthetic interpretation of the prompt. Use low chaos for art-direction work and high chaos for brainstorming.

--raw: reduce automatic styling

Raw mode reduces Midjourney’s default creative styling and is compatible with versions 5.1 and later. It can help when you need direct control over lighting, lens behavior, materials, architecture, or product design.

studio product photograph of a matte black ceramic bottle, seamless gray background, softbox lighting --raw --ar 4:3

Raw does not automatically make an image realistic. Add photographic or material details to the prompt, and remember that Raw may produce a flatter result when an embellished artistic look would be preferable.

--no: reduce unwanted elements

Use negative prompting to identify elements you do not want:

minimalist coffee package mockup, cream background --no text logo watermark

Negative prompts are not absolute guarantees. “No text” may reduce text-like marks without producing a perfectly blank image, and an exclusion can conflict with the main prompt if the excluded item is central to the concept.

--v or --version: choose a model

As of June 10, 2026, V8.1 is the default according to Midjourney’s current Version documentation. V8.1 was released on the website on April 30, 2026; V8.0 Alpha remains available for a limited time and is Fast-mode-only. V7 remains relevant for features such as Draft Mode and Omni Reference, while compatibility varies across models.

--v 8.1

Use an explicit version when a workflow depends on model-specific behavior. Do not copy an old prompt beginning with --v 5, --v 6, or --v 7 without checking whether the model is still available and whether its parameters are supported. Midjourney’s legacy-features page contains older language that still describes V7 as the default; use the current Version page for model status.

Advanced generation controls

--q or --quality: allocate GPU time

Quality controls processing effort where supported; it is not a universal image-quality guarantee and will not repair poor composition, anatomy, or typography.

For V7, the documented default is 1. Values 2 and 4 use two or four times as much GPU time. --q 3 is not valid in V7 and is automatically changed to --q 4. In V7, Quality affects the initial four-image grid, not later variations, inpainting, outpainting, or upscales. V7 --q 4 is incompatible with Omni Reference. V8.1 has different quality support, so check the active model before using a high value.

A sensible workflow is to explore at the default, select a promising composition, and spend extra GPU time only when the model supports it and the result justifies the cost.

--seed: compare controlled experiments

Seeds are numerical starting inputs. The accepted range is 0–4,294,967,295. They help compare one prompt or parameter change against another, but they do not reliably preserve a character, style, or exact composition.

portrait of an astronaut in a red desert --seed 8675309 --s 100
portrait of an astronaut in a red desert --seed 8675309 --s 500

Prompt wording, model version, settings, references, time, and generation mode can affect the result. Midjourney specifically advises against relying on seeds for style or character consistency, and Turbo mode makes seed locking unreliable. A seed is a testing aid, not a permanent image identity.

--stop: stop before a full render

--stop accepts 10–100, with 100 as the default. A lower value can produce a softer, less detailed, or more abstract image:

misty mountain landscape at dawn --stop 50

The official legacy documentation describes Stop as compatible with V6 and earlier. Because it may not apply to the current default model, verify compatibility before using it. It is an experimental aesthetic control, not a guaranteed way to reduce cost.

--w or --weird: introduce unconventional results

Weird defaults to 0 and can reach 3000. It is compatible with versions 5 and later, is experimental, and is not fully compatible with seeds.

--w 50–200      subtle novelty
--w 300–800     obvious experimentation
--w 1000+       extreme divergence

Use it for creatures, surreal editorials, silhouettes, and unusual compositions. Weird is a divergence control, not a quality enhancer.

--tile: generate a seamless pattern tile

--tile creates one image whose edges are designed to connect when repeated:

hand-painted citrus and leaves, vintage textile pattern --tile --ar 1:1

It does not create a full wallpaper sheet. Preview the image in a 2×2 or 3×3 repeat, inspect all four seams, and do not upscale before checking. Midjourney warns that upscaling can break the seamless result.

1. Generate several tile candidates.
2. Preview each in a repeated grid.
3. Check every edge for gaps, abrupt objects, and color changes.
4. Export or enlarge externally only after the repeat is clean.

--r or --repeat: sample a prompt repeatedly

Repeat runs the same prompt multiple times:

editorial book cover, moonlit forest --r 3

Current documented limits are plan-dependent: Basic allows 2–4 repeats, Standard 2–10, and Pro and Mega 2–40. Repeat works in Fast and Turbo, not Relax, and consumes Fast GPU time. It is removed from finished-image metadata, so add it again when rerunning.

Use Repeat after a prompt is worth sampling, not while every idea is still changing. It can consume GPU time quickly.

--draft, Fast, Relax, and Turbo

Draft Mode is a V7 feature and generates draft images at half the GPU cost according to the current parameter documentation. It is useful for testing composition and prompt structure before making final-quality generations.

• Fast: uses your monthly Fast GPU allocation.
• Relax: available for image generation on Standard, Pro, and Mega; it is unlimited but queued and slower.
• Turbo: is faster but uses Fast time at twice the rate per image.
• V8.1 caveat: Turbo is not currently supported in V8.1.

Repeat and permutation prompts are not available in Relax. “Faster” and “cheaper” are different: Turbo reduces waiting time while consuming more Fast allocation, whereas Relax avoids Fast-time charges for supported workflows but may wait longer.

References: style, content, identity, and personalization

Image Prompts and image weight

An Image Prompt gives Midjourney broader visual influence from an image. Image weight controls how strongly that image prompt affects the result. Do not confuse it with --sw, which controls Style Reference strength, or --ow, which controls Omni Reference strength.

The current value range and compatibility depend on the active model and should be checked in Midjourney’s current Image Prompts documentation rather than copied from an older table.

--sref, --sw, and --sv: control visual language

Style Reference transfers visual characteristics such as palette, lighting, texture, medium, and atmosphere. It does not directly copy the people or objects in the reference.

detailed portrait of a fox in snow --sref STYLE_IMAGE_URL
detailed portrait of a fox in snow --sref STYLE_IMAGE_URL --sw 250

--sw accepts 0–1000, with a default of 100. Style Reference is compatible with V6 and later. V7 uses Style Reference version --sv 6 by default; older V7 style behavior can be accessed with --sv 4.

Multiple Discord references can receive separate weights:

--sref URL1::2 URL2::1

--sref random generates a style code, but its behavior differs with permutations, Repeat, and V8.1 Draft Mode. Describe the subject and action in the text prompt instead of writing “copy this style.”

--oref and --ow: Omni Reference

Omni Reference is the V7 replacement for Character Reference. It can influence a person, object, vehicle, or non-human creature from one reference image:

futuristic explorer walking through a red canyon --oref IMAGE_URL --ow 150

--ow accepts 1–1000 and defaults to 100. Midjourney generally recommends keeping it below 400 unless you are deliberately experimenting.

Omni Reference is V7-compatible, costs twice the GPU time of regular V7 images, and is incompatible with Fast Mode, Draft Mode, Conversational Mode, and --q 4. It is also not currently compatible with V6.1-based inpainting or outpainting tools.

• Image Prompt: broad image influence, including content and composition.
• Style Reference: visual treatment and atmosphere.
• Omni Reference: identity or object characteristics.
• Personalization: your account’s aesthetic preference layer.

Omni Reference can improve consistency, but it does not guarantee pixel-identical identity. Upload only images you have the right to use, and do not use the feature for abusive or sexualized deepfakes.

Personalization and Moodboards

The current parameter list includes Personalization through --profile or --p. Profiles and moodboards are account- and feature-dependent website controls; some must be unlocked or trained before use.

Personalization is useful when you want Midjourney to reflect a recurring personal taste across prompts. It is not a precise character, object, or layout lock. Use a Style Reference when a particular visual language matters, and Omni Reference when the identity of a subject matters.

Practical parameter recipes

Controlled realism

editorial portrait of a marine biologist on a research vessel,
natural overcast light, 85mm lens, documentary photography
--ar 4:5 --raw --s 75 --c 10

Raw, low-to-moderate stylization, and low chaos are a useful starting combination—not a guarantee of photographic accuracy.

High-variation concept exploration

ancient desert observatory built into a cliff,
surreal architecture, dramatic sunset
--ar 16:9 --c 75 --w 500 --s 700

This combination favors originality and divergence over predictable prompt adherence.

Consistent character or object development

young astronaut repairing a rover on Europa,
cinematic concept art
--oref IMAGE_URL --ow 180 --ar 16:9 --s 300

Use Omni Reference rather than a seed when identity matters, while keeping expectations realistic.

Style-controlled illustration series

botanical field guide illustration of a blue orchid,
clean labeled composition
--sref STYLE_IMAGE_URL --sw 250 --ar 4:3

Style Reference controls visual language, not factual layout or exact subject identity.

Seamless textile pattern

repeating hand-painted lemons, leaves, and small blossoms,
warm Mediterranean palette, textile design --tile --ar 1:1

Batch ideation

cinematic editorial book cover, moonlit forest --c 70 --r 3

Use this only when you have enough Fast GPU time and want several independent candidates.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

A reliable testing method

1. Choose a simple prompt with a clearly visible subject.
2. Fix the model version.
3. Use one seed for a short comparison.
4. Change only one parameter.
5. Compare composition, prompt adherence, style, detail, variation, and cost.
6. Record the complete prompt, model, settings, references, seed, and date.
7. Do not compare generations weeks apart without noting possible model or system changes.

Question	Values to test	Keep fixed
Literal or artistic?	--s 0, --s 500, --s 1000	Prompt, model, seed, ratio
Similar or varied batch?	--c 0, --c 50, --c 100	Prompt and model
Standard or Raw?	No Raw versus --raw	Prompt, model, ratio
Normal or unusual?	--w 0, --w 300, --w 1000	Prompt and model
Speed or cost?	Draft, default, and supported quality options	Prompt and composition goal

Website and Discord workflows

Website

1. Open Midjourney’s Create or Imagine interface.
2. Enter the descriptive prompt.
3. Add parameters at the end, or use the available controls.
4. Select the aspect ratio and active model.
5. Choose SD/HD and Raw, stylization, weirdness, variety, or GPU speed where available.
6. Add image, Style, or Omni References through the appropriate image panel.
7. Generate the first batch.
8. Inspect the attached prompt and parameter metadata.
9. Use variations, Editor, Pan, or Zoom Out to refine the chosen direction.
10. Copy the prompt, job ID, seed, image, image URL, and other metadata before starting a new experiment.

The Creating on Web documentation explains the current interface and metadata controls.

Discord

Use /imagine and append parameters:

/imagine prompt: cinematic lighthouse on black volcanic cliffs --ar 16:9 --s 300 --raw

For an Omni Reference:

/imagine prompt: explorer in an alien jungle --oref IMAGE_URL --ow 150

A local image generally needs to be hosted first to obtain a usable URL. Repeat may require confirmation after submission. Also remember that public Discord channels can expose creations even when Stealth Mode is enabled.

Troubleshooting

“The parameter does nothing.”

Check whether it is supported by the selected model, spelled correctly, placed after the prompt, separated by a space, and free of punctuation inside the expression. Website settings can also override or duplicate a typed control, and some features have been deprecated.

1. Reduce the prompt to a subject plus one parameter.
2. Verify the active model.
3. Check the current official Parameter List.
4. Move every parameter to the end.
5. Remove punctuation from parameter expressions.
6. Test long and short syntax separately.

“The output is too random.”

Reduce --c, --w, and --s. Remove unnecessary references, simplify the wording, and make the subject and action explicit.

“The result ignores my subject.”

Lower stylization, add --raw, simplify the prompt, put the essential subject earlier, and reduce conflicting Style Reference influence. Use Omni Reference when the problem is identity rather than visual style.

“The same seed did not recreate the image.”

This is expected. Compare the model, prompt, parameters, references, settings, generation mode, and date. Seeds help with controlled comparisons; they are not guaranteed reconstruction keys.

“The character looks different.”

A seed is insufficient. In V7, use Omni Reference where appropriate, keep the text prompt consistent, and accept that reference tools improve consistency without guaranteeing exact continuity.

“The tile has seams.”

Inspect the original tile in a repeated preview before upscaling. Avoid asymmetrical edge objects unless they are intentionally designed to connect, and generate multiple candidates for comparison.

“The image is private, but someone can still see it.”

Stealth controls website visibility but does not hide creations posted in public Discord channels. For confidential work, use the web Create page, Discord direct messages, or a private Discord server in addition to Stealth. Stealth is available only on Pro and Mega plans.

“An old tutorial’s parameter no longer works.”

Common obsolete examples include --width, --height, old --style code workflows, --tune, and model-specific upscalers. The legacy-features documentation lists deprecated features and notes that /tune no longer creates new Style Tuners.

Plans, privacy, and commercial use

Plan choice affects experimentation and production more than it affects artistic quality:

Plan	Monthly	Annual billing	Best fit
Basic	$10	$96/year	Occasional experimentation and learning
Standard	$30	$288/year	Frequent creation with unlimited Relax image generation
Pro	$60	$576/year	Stealth, larger Fast allocation, and private projects
Mega	$120	$1,152/year	High-volume production needing the highest Fast allocation

Midjourney states that annual billing provides a 20% discount. Standard, Pro, and Mega include unlimited image generations in Relax Mode; Stealth is limited to Pro and Mega. Choose Pro for privacy or eligible larger commercial businesses, not simply because it is “higher quality.”

Midjourney’s commercial-use documentation says users own images and videos they create, including after cancellation, subject to the Terms. A business grossing more than $1 million annually must use a Pro or Mega plan for commercial company use. If you upscale another member’s creation, the original creator owns that image.

The Terms of Service grant Midjourney a broad, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license concerning content submitted to and produced through the service. Publicly posted content may also be viewable and remixable. Obtain permission for uploaded references, review likeness and copyright issues, and seek legal advice for sensitive client work or jurisdiction-specific questions.

For comparison, Adobe Firefly may suit Creative Cloud users, Canva AI marketers working inside layouts and brand kits, Leonardo.Ai users wanting dedicated asset workflows, and Ideogram projects where readable text in posters or graphic compositions is the priority. These are workflow alternatives, not direct price comparisons.

The simplest workflow that works

1. Start with the correct --ar for the destination.
2. Adjust --s to balance literal control and artistic interpretation.
3. Add --raw when Midjourney’s default styling overwhelms the brief.
4. Use low chaos for iteration and high chaos or Weird for exploration.
5. Use Style Reference for visual language and Omni Reference for identity or objects.
6. Use Seed only to compare controlled changes.
7. Spend Quality or Repeat after choosing a promising direction.
8. Record the model, settings, references, seed, and date so the result can be tested again.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.