October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
ThatPainter
AI art

Midjourney V7 Has Arrived—What Changed, How to Use It, and Whether It Still Matters in 2026

Midjourney V7 remains a selectable earlier model, but V8.2 became the default in July 2026. Learn what V7 introduced and how its Draft Mode and Omni Reference workflows compare with V8.x’s Edit Model.

By ThatPainter Team 6 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

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

Midjourney V7 launched on April 3, 2025, and was the default from June 17, 2025, until June 9, 2026. It remains a selectable earlier version, but Midjourney’s version history identifies V8.2 as the default from July 24, 2026. V7 may still suit workflows that specifically need its features, including Omni Reference; the official documentation does not establish a universal best model for every project.

This guide explains what Midjourney says changed in V7, how to select it, and how to use Draft Mode, Omni Reference, and aesthetic controls. It also explains how the reference workflow differs in V8.x.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What is Midjourney V7?

Midjourney V7 is a model version, not a separate app or subscription. You can select a model in settings or specify one in a prompt. Midjourney says the default applies unless a prompt selects another version, and website and Discord settings are synchronized. See the official version documentation and creation settings documentation for current details.

The timeline is important because V7 is no longer the default:

#1 Best Overall
Wacom Intuos Small, Wired Graphic Drawing Tablet with Pen + Software
  • Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
  • Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
  • What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
  • Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
  • Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
  • April 3, 2025: V7 released.
  • June 17, 2025–June 9, 2026: V7 was the default model.
  • July 24, 2026: V8.2 became the default, according to Midjourney’s version history.

These dates come from Midjourney’s version history. Choose V7 deliberately if you need it; do not assume a new prompt uses it automatically.

What changed from earlier versions?

Midjourney describes V7 as more precise in handling text and image prompts, with richer textures and more coherent details, especially in bodies, hands, and objects. It also introduced Draft Mode and Omni Reference.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

These are Midjourney’s descriptions, not findings from an independent, controlled comparison. The reviewed sources do not establish that V7 is better for every subject or project.

Read Midjourney’s V7 launch announcement and current version history for its model descriptions.

Rank #2
Sale
XPPen Deco 01 V3 10x6 Drawing Tablet, 16K Battery-Free Stylus, 8 Keys
  • Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
  • Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
  • Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
  • Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
  • Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey

How to select V7

On the Midjourney website

  1. Open the Create page.
  2. Open the settings control beside the Imagine bar.
  3. Select V7 in the version menu, if it is available.
  4. Alternatively, specify V7 in the prompt using the version setting or parameter shown in Midjourney’s current documentation.

In Discord

Select the model in settings or specify it in the prompt. Midjourney says website and Discord settings are synchronized. Check the current version and settings documentation for the supported prompt syntax and available options.

If Midjourney appears to use the wrong model

  1. Check the model selected in the settings panel.
  2. Check whether the prompt specifies a different version.
  3. Confirm the website and Discord settings; Midjourney says they are synchronized.
  4. Consult the current version documentation for model availability and compatibility.

Draft Mode: faster exploration, not final quality

V7 Draft Mode is designed for rapid ideation. Midjourney documents that one draft prompt generates four images at half the GPU cost of a standard V7 prompt. The trade-off is lower image quality.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Activate Draft Mode on the Create page or add --draft to a prompt. When an image looks promising, use Enhance to generate a higher-quality set at standard cost, or upscale the draft itself. See Midjourney’s Draft and Conversational Mode documentation.

A practical Draft Mode workflow

  1. Explore composition, subject, lighting, and color with Draft Mode.
  2. Choose a promising concept rather than judging only surface polish.
  3. Use Enhance for a higher-quality set at standard cost, or upscale the draft itself.
  4. Check feature compatibility before combining Draft Mode with other tools.

Omni Reference in V7

V7 Omni Reference lets you use one reference image to bring a person, object, vehicle, or creature into a new creation. The written prompt still describes the scene you want. Midjourney documents that Omni Reference uses twice the GPU time of a regular V7 image.

Rank #3
Sale
HUION Inspiroy H640P 6x4 inch Drawing Tablet 8192 Pen Pressure
  • Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
  • Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
  • Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
  • Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
  • Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.

Using Omni Reference on the website

  1. Open the Imagine bar.
  2. Add an uploaded image in the Omni Reference area.
  3. Write descriptive text for the new creation.
  4. Adjust the reference influence if needed, then generate.

Using Omni Reference in Discord

Use the --oref parameter with an image URL and include descriptive prompt text. The --ow parameter controls reference influence. Midjourney documents a range of 1 to 1,000, with 100 as the default, and says results may be unpredictable above 400 unless stylize is very high. Consult the current Omni Reference documentation for syntax and compatibility.

What to expect from Omni Reference

Omni Reference is a reference aid, not a guarantee of identical identity or geometry. The official documentation describes its use with one image and notes compatibility limits. Check the current documentation before combining it with other generation or editing modes.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Reference and style controls compared

Control What it is for
Image prompt Influences content, composition, or general visual direction.
V7 Omni Reference Uses one reference image to bring a person, object, vehicle, or creature into a new creation.
Style Reference (--sref) Guides visual style rather than serving as the same reference workflow as Omni Reference.
Personalization (--p) Applies a user’s learned aesthetic preferences.

Personalization profiles and Style References are separate aesthetic controls. Midjourney says profiles are built by selecting images and can be switched on or applied with --p. Style Reference has its own V7 parameters: Midjourney documents --sv 6 as the default and --sv 4 as the older V7 Style Reference model. These controls can guide aesthetics; they do not guarantee subject consistency. See the official Personalization documentation and Style Reference documentation.

V7 and V8.x reference workflows

Aspect V7 V8.x
Default status Selectable earlier version; no longer the default. V8.2 became the default on July 24, 2026, according to Midjourney’s version history.
Reference workflow Omni Reference uses one image. Midjourney directs users to the Edit Model, which supports up to four reference images and replaces Omni Reference/Character Reference functions.
Draft iteration Four images at half the GPU cost of standard V7 prompts. Check current documentation for the version-specific workflow.
Choosing a version May suit users who specifically need V7 features or compatibility. May suit users whose workflow fits the current default and Edit Model.

The official documentation establishes feature and workflow differences, but does not declare a universal winner for output quality. Compare the reference and editing tools, compatibility, and GPU cost against your own project. See Midjourney’s Edit Model documentation.

Rank #4
Sale
XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro V2 Drawing Tablet with Screen, 16K, Full-Laminated
  • PLEASE NOTE:XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
  • Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
  • Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%,sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
  • Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
  • Universal Compatibility & Software Support:supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Does V7 still matter in 2026?

Yes, for users who need a selectable earlier version or specifically want V7-compatible behavior, including Omni Reference. It is not the current default: Midjourney identifies V8.2 as the default from July 24, 2026. In V8.x, Midjourney directs users to the Edit Model for reference-based creation and editing.

There is no evidence in the reviewed official sources establishing which version produces the best result for a particular project. Choose based on the workflow you need, feature compatibility, and your own results rather than a universal quality ranking.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Midjourney V7 still available?

Midjourney’s version history identifies V7 as an earlier version, and the supplied documentation describes it as selectable. Check the current version page for availability and compatibility.

When did V7 stop being the default?

Midjourney says V7 was the default from June 17, 2025, to June 9, 2026. Its version history identifies V8.2 as the default from July 24, 2026.

Best Value
Sale
Drawing Tablet XPPen StarG640 Digital Graphic Tablet 6x4 Inch Art Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus Pen Tablet for Mac, Windows and Chromebook (Drawing/E-Learning/Remote-Working)
  • Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
  • Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
  • Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
  • Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
  • Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse

What is the difference between V7 Omni Reference and the V8.x reference workflow?

V7 Omni Reference uses one reference image. Midjourney directs V8.x users to the Edit Model, which supports up to four reference images and replaces Omni Reference and Character Reference functions.

How much does V7 Draft Mode cost compared with a standard V7 prompt?

Midjourney documents four images at half the GPU cost of a standard V7 prompt. This is a product specification, not an independent speed or quality benchmark.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Can Omni Reference guarantee an identical character?

No. It is a reference workflow, not a guarantee of identical results. Use it as guidance and evaluate the outputs for your project.

The Bottom Line

V7 still matters when you specifically need its features or compatibility, especially its one-image Omni Reference workflow. It is no longer the default; Midjourney identifies V8.2 as the default from July 24, 2026, and directs V8.x users to the Edit Model for reference-based creation. Compare the workflows and test the version that fits your project rather than assuming one is best for every task.

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.

More from the Paint Desk

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.