A prompt is your creative starting point—learn how to turn words into unique and exciting images!
What is a Prompt?
Creating an image with Midjourney starts with a "prompt." A prompt is simply the text or phrase you use to tell Midjourney what kind of image you want.
Your prompt could be just one word or a complete phrase. The more thought you put into your prompt, the more unique and interesting your image can be. So, take a moment to think about what you want to see, and use your words to guide Midjourney's creative process.
Prompting Tips & Tricks
Short and simple prompts typically generate the best images with Midjourney. Use phrases that clearly describe what you want to see. Think of it like giving a quick snapshot of your idea. Avoid making long lists or detailed instructions; these can confuse the process.
Show me a picture of lots of blooming California poppies, make them bright, vibrant orange, and draw them in an illustrated style with colored pencils
Colored pencil illustration of bright orange California poppies
Choose the Right Words
The words you pick matter! Try using specific synonyms. For example, instead of "big," consider "huge," "gigantic," or "enormous." Being precise can help get better results.
Be Specific with Numbers
Plural words like "cats" can be vague. Instead, use specific numbers like "three cats." Or go for collective nouns like "flock of birds" instead of just "birds."
Focus on What You Want
Describe what you do want instead of what you don’t. If you mention a party with “no cake,” a cake might still appear. For excluding items, read about the no parameter.
Prompt Length and Details
Your prompts can be simple—even a single word or emoji works. Short prompts let Midjourney's default style fill in the gaps. But if specific elements are important to you, be sure to include them. Fewer details mean more variety, but you get less control over the outcome.
Be clear about details that matter to you. Here are some areas to consider:
- Subject: Who or what? (person, animal, character, location, object)
- Medium: In what form? (photo, painting, illustration, sculpture, doodle, tapestry)
- Environment: Where? (indoors, outdoors, on the moon, underwater, in the city)
- Lighting: What kind? (soft, ambient, overcast, neon, studio lights)
- Color: In what shades? (vibrant, muted, bright, monochromatic, colorful, black and white, pastel)
- Mood: Feelings to evoke? (playful, calm, gloomy, energetic)
- Composition: How is it framed? (portrait, headshot, closeup, birds-eye view)
Advanced Prompts
Once you're comfortable with basic prompts, start exploring more advanced options! Add one or more Image Prompts, use multiple text phrases, and apply tools called parameters. These give you the ability to create more complex or specific images. Experiment by mixing different elements to boost your creativity!
The text description of what you want to see. Keep reading for prompting tips and tricks. Well-written prompts help generate amazing images!
Adding images to your prompt influences the style and content of your new creations. You can do this through Image Prompts, Style References, and Character References.
Parameters are tools that let you customize how an image is generated. They can adjust things like aspect ratios to tailor your image to your liking. Parameters get added to the end of your prompt.
More Prompt Help
Midjourney has a vibrant community that loves problem-solving and helping others! If you need more help or tips, make sure to visit our Prompt Craft channel on Discord or the Prompt Craft Room on web.