Version

Explore and switch between Midjourney versions using the version parameter: --version or --v 

What are Versions? 

Think of versions like software updates. When software is updated, it might have better graphics or new features. Similarly, Midjourney versions refer to the different models released over time—each with unique features.

Each version might handle prompts differently, have unique artistic styles, or offer improved image quality.

The current default Midjourney version is V8.1.

Setting a Version

• Add --v # to the end of your prompt in the Imagine bar.
  
  You can choose a default version for all your images in the settings panel. To do this, click the settings button in the Imagine bar. Once you set it, this will apply to all your future prompts. 
• Add --v # to the end of your prompt in Discord.
  
  
  
  You can also set the default Version for all images using the settings command and selecting one from the version dropdown menu.

V8.1

V8.1 released on midjourney.com on April 30, 2026, and became the default version on June 10, 2026. V8.1 is our fastest model so far, with standard jobs rendering about 4–5 times faster than earlier versions. It also does a better job reading your prompt and holding on to small details. For even more prompt adherence, you can turn on Raw to remove default styling.

You may need to unlock your Global V7/V8 Personalization Profile to use V8.1.

V8.1 features HD images, allowing you to generate higher resolution 2K images, without upscaling. You can turn on HD images in the Version section of the settings panel on web, or by using the --sd and --hd parameters. Using the web "Run as HD" button on SD V8.1 images will rerun the seedlocked prompt in HD, effectively allowing you to "upscale" with minor variations. HD costs 1.3 minutes of GPU time, compared to SD which costs 0.8 minutes of GPU time.

For more information and tips, see our V8.1 Alpha post. 

The V8.0 Alpha, launched on March 17, 2026 on alpha.midjourney.com, is still available for a limited time. When using it, please be aware of the following:
• V8.0 Alpha is only compatible with Fast mode.
• Using --sv 6 with Style References and Moodboards costs 4x more GPU time, and does not work with --hd or --q 4.
• --hd and --q 4 each cost 4x more GPU time. 
• Using --hd with --q 4 together costs 16x more GPU time. 

Feature Compatibility & Comparison Chart

	V6	V7	V8.1
Max. Aspect Ratio	14:1	14:1	14:1 (4:1 for HD)
Variations
Upscalers	Subtle & Creative	Using V6.1 Upscalers
HD Images (2048px)			(1.33 min GPU cost)
Pan		Using V6.1	Using Editor (V6.1)
Zoom Out		Using V6.1	Using Editor (V6.1)
Remix
Personalization
Moodboards
Editor		Using V6.1	Using V6.1
Character Reference
Character Weight
Omni Reference
Omni Reference Weight
Style Reference
Style Reference Codes
Style Weight
Image Prompts
Image Weight
Multi-Prompting
No Parameter
Quality Parameter	(0.5, 1, 2)	(1, 2, 4)
Seed Parameter			(99% identical)
Chaos Parameter
Raw
Stylize Parameter
Tile Parameter
Weird Parameter
--exp Parameter
Niji Version	--niji 6	--niji 7
Draft Mode
Conversational Mode
Relax Mode
Fast Mode
Turbo Mode

V7

V7 was released on April 3, 2025, and became the default version on June 17, 2025. 

In V7, text and image prompts are handled with stunning precision, while image quality shines with richer textures and more coherent details—especially in bodies, hands, and objects.

V7 also introduced Draft Mode and Omni Reference.

V6.1

V6.1 was released on July 30, 2024, and was the default until June 16, 2025. It produces more coherent images with more precise details and textures, and generates images approximately 25% faster than V6.

V6

V6 was released on December 20, 2023, and was the default from February 14 to July 30, 2024. V6 has enhanced prompt accuracy for longer inputs, improved coherence and knowledge, and advanced image prompting and remixing capabilities.

Niji 7

Niji models are a special series within Midjourney, developed in collaboration with Spellbrush, to focus on Eastern and anime aesthetics and illustrative styles. Niji models have their own dedicated website and Discord server, providing a tailored experience for anime enthusiasts.

Niji 7, launched on January 9, 2026, brings a major boost in coherency. Fine details like eyes, reflections, and small background elements are now much clearer. It also follows prompts more closely, which helps with specific designs or repeatable characters. This version is more literal, so broad or “vibey” prompts may not behave the same as before. Niji 7 also introduces a cleaner, flatter look designed to highlight its improved line work. For more details check out the Niji blog.

For information about older versions, please see our Legacy Features article.