How Midjourney prompts work
- Structure: a clear image description first, then style references, then parameters at the end.
- Key parameters: --ar 16:9 (aspect ratio), --stylize 250 (artistic strength), --chaos 20 (variety), --no thing (exclude), --v 6 (model version).
- Weight phrases with double colons: forest::2 fog::1 makes the forest twice as important as the fog.
- Image references go at the very start as URLs; style references use --sref.
Example Midjourney prompt
a weathered fisherman mending nets on a misty harbour at dawn, soft rim light, muted teal palette, photojournalistic, 35mm --ar 3:2 --stylize 300 --v 6
Build Midjourney prompts faster with Prompt Builder
- Save parameter presets (--ar 16:9 --v 6 --style raw) as one-click snippets.
- Keep a library of style, lighting and palette phrases to mix in.
- Compose the description visually, then append your go-to parameters.
- Share full Midjourney recipes with the community.
Frequently asked questions
What does --stylize do in Midjourney?▾
It controls how strongly Midjourney applies its house aesthetic. Low (50–100) stays literal to your prompt; high (500+) is more artistic and stylised.
How do I set the aspect ratio?▾
Append --ar W:H, for example --ar 16:9 for widescreen or --ar 2:3 for portrait.
How do I weight parts of a Midjourney prompt?▾
Use :: with a number, e.g. castle::2 fog::1 makes the castle twice as important as the fog.
Keep exploring
- Prompt weighting & LoRA syntax guide
- Prompt glossary
- Other models: SDXL · Flux · Pony Diffusion