Midjourney: The Ultimate AI Art Generator - Features, Tutorials, and How to Use

You've probably seen AI-generated images popping up on Twitter and elsewhere and thought, "I'd love to try that!" But maybe you're not sure where to start.

This guide is for you! We'll cover everything you need to know about the Midjourney AI image generator, from getting started to tips and tricks, and even pricing.

Note: As of August 31, 2023, the free trial is currently suspended. Before April 2023, users could generate up to 25 images per month for free.

What is Midjourney?

"Generative AI" refers to technology that uses data learned by computers to output new data and information. It can generate a wide range of content, including music, images, videos, program code, and text. Image-generating AI specifically focuses on creating images. Midjourney is a cutting-edge service that leverages this technology.

Midjourney is expected to be a valuable tool for supporting human tasks and work. For example, it can assist with creating social media content and profile icons for businesses, or it can be used as a tool for design and website creation.

Getting Started with Midjourney

To create images with Midjourney, you'll need to take these steps:

Prepare a Discord Account

The first step is to create an account on Discord, a chat service. Midjourney operates within Discord, so registration is required.

If you already have a Discord account, simply log in from the "Sign In" button on the Midjourney homepage.

If not, follow these steps to register:

Invitation

Go to the Midjourney homepage and click the "Join the Beta" button.

Click on the "Join Midjourney" button and enter the required information to receive an invitation email.

You will be asked for your date of birth, but this information is kept private within Discord.

Log In to Midjourney

Click the link in the invitation email you received and complete the login process. You'll know you're successful when you see the following screen.

Midjourney for Beginners: How to Use It

Enter a "newbies-○○" Beginner Room

After logging in, click on one of the [newbies-〇〇] channels on the left-hand menu. (The numbers don't matter.)

These channels are where beginners can create and share their images.

It's important to switch to one of these channels, as you can't give image instructions on the initial login screen.

Enter Keywords for the Image You Want to Generate

In the text box at the bottom right that says "Message newbies-○○," enter the following command:

First, type /imagine.

Then, as shown in the image below, /imagine prompt will appear. Enter your keywords in English after "prompt."

If you're using multiple words, separate them with commas.

In this example, we've entered "Blue Sky."

After entering your keywords, press Enter to start generating the image!

The image will be generated in a few seconds to a minute. You'll hear a "ping" sound, and the progress display will reach 100% when it's finished!

Currently, the free trial version is suspended. If you try to enter a command while on the trial, you'll see an error message like this:

It's Not Always Easy to Generate the Image You Want

You might think, "With AI image generation, I can easily create any illustration I want!"

However, it takes some practice to create an image that matches the one in your head.

The image below was generated using the direct translation of "beautiful Japanese farmer boy": "Beautiful young Japanese farmer." The AI mistook [Beautiful] to be a woman.

So, we added [boy] to specify the gender and created "beautiful japanese farmer boy." Here's the result:

Getting a little closer to the image in your head? The definition and standards of [beautiful] can vary by country, so it's important to be careful when using these kinds of conceptual words.

Tips for Generating Images You Envision

Prompt Examples for High-Quality Generations

Keeping the above example in mind, here are some tips for creating images that match your vision!

Use Full Sentences

As a general rule, the more specific your instructions, the easier it is for the AI to understand. Creating a sentence rather than just stringing words together will result in higher accuracy.

Add the Following Keywords to Improve Image Quality

• "Realistic, photorealistic"

• "8k, 4k (in 8k or 4k resolution)"

• "Unreal Engine"

Reflect Artwork Styles

Specifying the art style is especially helpful when trying to get closer to the image you envision!

As shown below, the same rabbit can be transformed into completely different images simply by specifying art styles such as Ghibli, Van Gogh, or Ukiyo-e.

[Reference Keywords]

• in Studio Ghibli style
  
  

  

• by Vincent van Gogh
  
  

  

• in ukiyo-e style
  
  

  

Match Colors and Tones

Matching colors and tones can create a sense of unity in your images!

Add the Following Keywords to Specify the Type of Painting or Image

• painting

• oil painting

• watercolor painting

• photograph

• pencil sketch

• sculpture

Add the Following Keywords to Specify the Tone of the Image

• ancient

• futuristic

• realistic

• pop art

• manga, comic

Midjourney Pricing Plans

As of August 31, 2023, Midjourney offers four plans: Basic, Standard, Pro, and Mega.

Here's a breakdown of each plan's features:

Common features in all paid plans:

• Generate images with the Midjourney bot via DMs

• Commercial use (The free version has a Creative Commons by-nc 4.0 license.)

• Access to the member gallery

Basic Plan

$10/month (or $8/month, $96/year with annual billing)

Allows for up to 200 generations and up to 3 concurrent jobs.

If you run out of your 200 credits, you can purchase additional credits.

Standard Plan

$30/month (or $24/month, $288/year with annual billing)

Comes with 15 hours of fast generation time.

If you use Relax mode, you can generate images without limits, although at a slower speed.

Same as the Basic Plan, allows for up to 3 concurrent jobs. If you run out of your 200 credits, you can purchase additional credits.

Pro Plan

$60/month (or $48/month, $576/year with annual billing)

The standout feature is Stealth image generation, which allows you to keep your prompts private on Midjourney.

Comes with twice the fast mode time as the Standard Plan (30 hours). Allows for up to 12 concurrent jobs. You can also purchase additional credits.

Mega Plan

$120/month (or $96/month, $1152/year with annual billing)

In addition to all the features of the Pro Plan, this plan comes with twice the fast mode time as the Standard Plan (60 hours). Recommended for those who need more generation time than the Pro Plan offers.

About the Latest Version, "V5"

Midjourney is currently updated to the latest version, V5.

Here are the changes from V4 to V5:

• All images are generated in high resolution.

• Accuracy has been improved, addressing issues with too many fingers or teeth that were common in V4.

• Supports extreme aspect ratios (Previously "2:1" and "1:2," now likely "14:1" and "1:14.")

• You can now generate images simply by entering emojis in your prompts.

Furthermore, Version 6 is scheduled to be released soon, with the following updates:

• Higher image resolution

• Smarter natural language processing

• More control over variations

• 3D models

• Improved hand generation

• Video generation

With the addition of video generation, we're excited for the arrival of the new Version 6!

In Conclusion

Midjourney offers a wide range of customization options and ease of use, making it an attractive option.

With plans available for both individuals and businesses, it's easy to get started.

While it's important to be aware of the potential issues surrounding the use of AI-generated art, such as the controversy surrounding a Midjourney-created piece winning an award at a U.S. art competition, you can harness its power while adhering to guidelines to accelerate your creative projects!