Midjourney V7 Cheatsheet
Everything you need to know about AI image generation (October 2025)
Getting Started with Midjourney
Important: Midjourney has no free trial as of October 2025. You'll need a paid subscription to generate images or videos.
Your First Week Strategy
If your company makes over $1M/year in gross revenue, you're required to use Pro ($60) or Mega ($120) plans per Terms of Service. This isn't just a suggestion—it's a requirement.
Common Enterprise Use Cases
Marketing & Advertising
The Challenge: Need unique visuals for campaigns, social media, and ads but stock photography feels generic.
The Midjourney Solution: Generate on-brand visuals in minutes. Use personalization to match your aesthetic. Create dozens of variations for A/B testing.
ROI: A single stock photo shoot = $2,000-5,000. Midjourney Standard = $30/month for unlimited images (Relax Mode).
Product Visualization & Mockups
The Challenge: Show products in lifestyle contexts before physical samples exist.
The Midjourney Solution: Generate products in various environments, seasons, and scenarios. Test market reactions before manufacturing.
Time Saved: Concept to visualization in hours instead of weeks.
Editorial & Publishing
The Challenge: Need custom illustrations for articles, reports, and presentations.
The Midjourney Solution: Create unique, article-specific imagery. No licensing headaches, no overused stock photos.
Benefit: Every article can have custom, contextual visuals that enhance engagement.
Concept Design & R&D
The Challenge: Need to visualize product concepts, environments, or characters quickly.
The Midjourney Solution: Rapid iteration on design concepts. Generate 50 variations in the time it takes a designer to sketch 3.
Team Benefit: Designers spend time refining winners instead of creating initial concepts.
Interface Options
Discord (Original Method)
- Use bot commands in Discord channels or DMs
- Command:
/imagine prompt: [your description] - Active community for learning and inspiration
- All generations visible to community (unless using Stealth Mode)
Web Interface (Recommended for Beginners)
- More intuitive visual interface at midjourney.com
- Built-in editor with pan, zoom, vary region tools
- Easier organization of your generations
- Syncs with Discord for cross-platform access
Most successful users start with Standard Plan ($30/month), not Basic. Why? Unlimited Relax Mode means you can explore without watching credit counters. Use Fast Mode for client work, Relax Mode for experimentation. This combination gives you both speed when needed and freedom to learn.
Understanding V7 vs V6.1
V7 became the default model on June 17, 2025. Here's what changed:
- Better Prompt Understanding: More accurately interprets complex descriptions
- Improved Photorealism: Especially hands, faces, and human figures
- Draft Mode: 10x faster generation at half cost (V7 exclusive)
- Enhanced Personalization: Learns your aesthetic preferences better
- Default Personalization: Enabled automatically after 200 image ratings
When to still use V6.1: Some features temporarily fall back to V6.1:
- Image upscaling
- Certain editor/inpainting operations
- If you need features not yet in V7 (Remix, Character Reference, etc.)
Force a specific version: Add --v 7 or --v 6.1 to your prompt.
Key Features of Midjourney V7
- Dramatically better hands and fingers
- Improved facial details and expressions
- Superior lighting and material rendering
- More accurate complex object representation
- 10x faster than standard generation
- Half the GPU cost
- Perfect for rapid prototyping
- One-click "Enhance" to full quality
- Use:
--draftparameter
- Rate 200 images to unlock default personalization
- AI learns your aesthetic preferences
- Results automatically tailored to your style
- Disable with
--p 0if needed
- Turbo: Fastest, highest quality (2x GPU cost)
- Fast: Priority processing
- Relax: Unlimited (Standard+ plans)
- Draft: Rapid iteration (0.5x cost)
- Upload images as style guides
- Maintain consistency across generations
- Combine multiple style references
- 2,500+ SREF codes for precise styles
- Range: 0-100
- Controls artistic interpretation
- Higher = more dramatic lighting/color
- Use:
--stylize 75or--s 75
Use Draft Mode (--draft) to generate 10-20 concept variations quickly. Review with your team or client. Pick the best 2-3, then click "Enhance" to render at full quality. This approach saves 80% of your GPU time while still delivering high-quality finals.
Advanced Features
Web Editor Tools (Web Interface Only)
- Pan & Extend: Expand the canvas beyond original boundaries
- Zoom Out: See more of the scene around your image
- Vary (Region): Select and regenerate specific areas
- Inpainting: Edit specific parts while preserving the rest
- Upload & Edit: Bring your own images for modification
Fully Supported in V7:
- Variations, Pan, Personalization, Style References
- Image Prompts, Relax Mode, Turbo Mode, Draft Mode
- Full Web Editor, Stylize Parameter
Uses V6.1 (temporarily):
- Upscalers, Zoom Out, some Inpainting operations
Not Yet Available in V7:
- Remix Mode, Character Reference (--cref)
- Multi-Prompting (::), Quality Parameter (--q)
- Tile Parameter (--tile), Weird Parameter (--weird)
Video Generation with Midjourney
Major Update (June 18, 2025): Midjourney launched its V1 Video Model, enabling image-to-video generation!
How Video Generation Works
Image-to-Video Process
1. Generate or upload an image in Midjourney
2. Click the "Animate" button
3. Choose animation style:
- Automatic: Midjourney creates motion automatically
- Manual: Describe how you want things to move
4. Select motion intensity:
- Low Motion: Subtle, ambient movement (may sometimes not move at all)
- High Motion: Dynamic action with camera and subject movement
5. Each job generates four 5-second videos
6. Extend videos up to 21 seconds total
Video generation costs 8x more GPU time than images. A 5-second video = ~8 image generations. Use this strategically:
- Perfect your still image first (cheap)
- Generate video only when image is approved
- Use Low Motion for subtle effects (more cost-effective)
- Reserve High Motion for dramatic hero content
Video Plan Requirements
Unlimited Video (Relax Mode) is only available on Pro and Mega plans.
- Basic & Standard: Video uses Fast GPU time only
- Pro & Mega: Unlimited video generation in Relax Mode
If you're creating videos regularly, Pro ($60/month) is the minimum recommended plan.
Video Use Cases
Social Media Content
Application: Animated posts for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn
Strategy: Generate eye-catching still, animate with subtle motion for feed stopping power
Motion Type: Low Motion (keeps focus on subject, professional feel)
Product Demonstrations
Application: Show products in lifestyle contexts with movement
Strategy: Still product shot → animate environment around it (steam rising from coffee, wind in leaves)
Motion Type: Low Motion (product stays stable, environment adds life)
Concept Animations
Application: Pitch decks, presentations, creative concepting
Strategy: Generate dramatic concept art, animate for presentation wow-factor
Motion Type: High Motion (cinematic camera moves, dynamic action)
Explainer Content
Application: Tutorial backgrounds, educational content, process visualization
Strategy: Create ambient video loops as backgrounds for text overlays
Motion Type: Low Motion (consistent, non-distracting movement)
Video Generation Tips
For Best Video Results:
- Start Image Quality: Higher quality still image = better video output
- Subject Clarity: Clear, well-defined subjects animate more reliably
- Motion Prompts: Be specific about what should move: "camera slowly pans right" vs "things move around"
- Composition: Leave room for movement - tight crops limit animation options
- External Images: You can upload your own images and animate them
Videos are currently generated without sound. Plan for this: create videos optimized for silent viewing (text overlays work well), or plan to add music/voiceover in post-production. Most successful Midjourney videos work great as silent looping content.
If video generation is core to your business, Mega Plan ($120/month) provides 60 Fast GPU hours + unlimited Relax video. At 8x cost per video vs images, those 60 hours = ~450 Fast video generations + unlimited Relax generations. For agencies creating client videos, this math makes Mega the only sustainable option.
Practical Workflows for Real Projects
Workflow 1: Marketing Campaign Assets
GPU Time Used: ~5-7 hours Fast + unlimited Relax exploration = Perfect for Standard Plan
Workflow 2: Product Visualization Pipeline
Timeline: 3-4 hours from concept to finals vs 2-3 weeks with traditional photography
Workflow 3: Social Media Content Factory
Output: 60-80 images + 5-10 videos per week. Perfect for Pro Plan with Relax Mode.
Workflow 4: Editorial Illustration Process
Result: Custom article imagery in 1-2 hours instead of commissioning illustrator for days/weeks
While generating images, rate images in your downtime. Set a goal: Rate 10 images per day = 200 images in 20 days = Personalization unlocked. Don't wait until you "have time" - rate while waiting for generations, during coffee breaks, before bed. Make it a habit.
Mode Selection Decision Tree
Choose your mode based on the situation:
- Use Draft Mode when: Initial exploration, testing concepts, showing rough ideas to stakeholders
- Use Relax Mode when: Not time-sensitive, building image libraries, personal projects, high-volume generation
- Use Fast Mode when: Client deadlines, need results in minutes, final deliverables, live presentations
- Use Turbo Mode when: Urgent deadline, willing to pay 2x for speed, high-stakes presentation preparation
Organize generated images into categories: Brand Assets, Product Shots, Backgrounds, Characters, Style Tests. Tag everything with keywords. Future projects benefit from past explorations. A well-organized library means new projects start 50% faster because you're building on previous work, not starting from scratch.
Pricing Plans (October 2025)
Midjourney offers four subscription tiers with annual discounts:
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | Fast GPU Hours | Image Relax | Video Relax | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $10/mo | $96/year ($8/mo) |
3.3 hours (~200 images) |
❌ No | ❌ No | Testing, occasional use, hobbyists |
| Standard | $30/mo | $288/year ($24/mo) |
15 hours (~900 images) |
✅ Unlimited | ❌ No | Regular creators, most freelancers, small business |
| Pro | $60/mo | $576/year ($48/mo) |
30 hours (~1,800 images) |
✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | Professionals, video creators, companies $1M+ revenue |
| Mega | $120/mo | $1,152/year ($96/mo) |
60 hours (~3,600 images) |
✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited | Agencies, studios, heavy video users, teams |
- Additional Fast GPU: $4/hour (expires after 60 days)
- Companies $1M+ revenue: MUST use Pro or Mega (Terms of Service requirement)
- Turbo Mode Cost: 2x normal GPU time
- Draft Mode Cost: 0.5x normal GPU time (50% savings)
- Video Cost: 8x normal GPU time (~8 images = 1 video job)
- Annual Savings: 20% discount when paying yearly
Additional Plan Features
| Feature | Basic | Standard | Pro | Mega |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concurrent Jobs | 1 | 3 | 12 | 12 |
| Stealth Mode | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Commercial Use | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Plan Selection Guide
Choose Basic If:
- You're just testing Midjourney
- Need <200 images per month
- Okay waiting for Relax Mode unavailable
- Personal hobby use only
Limitation: Once you hit 3.3 hours, you're done until next month. No Relax Mode fallback.
Choose Standard If:
- You're a regular content creator
- Need unlimited image generation (Relax)
- Create 200-1,000 images monthly
- Video is not primary use case
Sweet Spot: 15 Fast hours for priority work + unlimited Relax for exploration = Perfect for most freelancers and small businesses.
Choose Pro If:
- You create videos regularly
- Need Stealth Mode for client work
- Your company makes $1M+ revenue (required)
- Want 12 concurrent jobs for team efficiency
Key Difference: Unlimited video in Relax Mode. This alone justifies the upgrade if video is part of your workflow.
Choose Mega If:
- You're an agency or studio
- Multiple team members use the account
- Heavy video production (100+ videos/month)
- Need maximum Fast hours for client deadlines
Math Check: 60 Fast hours = 3,600 Fast images OR 450 Fast videos. Worth it for heavy production teams.
Cost Per Image/Video Breakdown
Based on Standard Plan ($30/month):
Fast Mode Only:
- 900 images from 15 Fast hours = $0.033 per image
- 112 videos (5 sec) from 15 Fast hours = $0.267 per video
With Relax Mode:
- 900 Fast images + unlimited Relax images
- Relax images = essentially free (just slower)
- No video Relax on Standard
Based on Pro Plan ($60/month):
Fast Mode Only:
- 1,800 images OR 225 videos = $0.033 per image OR $0.267 per video
With Relax Mode:
- 1,800 Fast images + unlimited Relax images
- 225 Fast videos + unlimited Relax videos
- Relax = unlimited content at your own pace
Don't think in hours, think in outputs: Standard Plan = 900 Fast images + infinite Relax images + 15 urgent-deadline jobs. For most creators, Relax Mode is plenty fast (0-10 minute wait). Save Fast hours for "client needs it in 5 minutes" emergencies.
Earning Free GPU Time
Rate images to earn 1 free Fast GPU hour per day. You need to be in the top 2,000 raters. How much rating? Typically ~100 image ratings gets you in top 2,000. That's 5-10 minutes of rating = 1 hour of Fast time ($4 value). If you rate daily, that's 30 extra hours per month (~$120 value).
Don't give everyone the same plan. Strategic allocation:
- Lead Creative Directors: Pro or Mega (need Fast hours for client revisions)
- Junior Designers: Standard (Relax is fine for exploration)
- Occasional Users: Shared Standard account (coordinator role)
A team of 5 on optimized plans = $200-300/month. Same team all on Pro = $300. All on Mega = $600. Smart allocation saves $200-300/month.
Prompting Best Practices
The Anatomy of a Great Prompt
Basic Structure:
[SUBJECT] + [STYLE] + [SETTING] + [LIGHTING] + [MOOD/EMOTION] + [COMPOSITION]
Example:
professional woman in navy business suit, corporate photography style, modern glass office, natural window lighting, confident and composed, medium shot at eye level --ar 16:9 --v 7
What Actually Matters in Prompts
High Impact (Always Include):
- Subject: Clear main focus ("golden retriever", "modern chair", "mountain landscape")
- Style: Artistic direction ("photorealistic", "watercolor painting", "3D render")
- Lighting: Dramatically affects mood ("golden hour", "studio lighting", "dramatic shadows")
Medium Impact (Include for Better Results):
- Setting/Context: Where the subject is
- Colors: Palette or dominant colors
- Composition: Framing and perspective
- Emotion/Mood: Overall feeling
Low Impact (Nice to Have):
- Excessive Details: Going beyond 3-4 detail layers rarely helps
- Redundant Descriptors: "Beautiful stunning gorgeous" = just pick one
Parameters That Matter
Essential Parameters:
- --v 7 - Force Version 7 (default, but explicit is good)
- --ar 16:9 - Aspect ratio (16:9, 1:1, 9:16, 3:2, etc.)
- --stylize 75 or --s 75 - Artistic interpretation (0-100, default is 50)
- --draft - 10x faster, 50% cost for concept testing
Mode Parameters:
- --turbo - Fastest generation (2x cost)
- --relax - Unlimited mode (Standard+ plans)
Personalization:
- --p 0 - Disable personalization for this prompt
- Default personalization active after 200 ratings (no parameter needed)
Common Prompting Patterns
Product Photography Style
minimalist product photo of [PRODUCT], clean white background, studio lighting, high-end commercial photography, sharp focus, professional --ar 1:1 --v 7
Use for: E-commerce, catalogs, product pages
Lifestyle/Context Shots
[PRODUCT] in [SETTING], lifestyle photography, natural lighting, authentic moment, shallow depth of field, editorial style --ar 4:3 --v 7
Use for: Social media, marketing campaigns, storytelling
Editorial Illustration
editorial illustration of [CONCEPT], [art style], vibrant colors, magazine quality, storytelling composition --ar 3:2 --v 7
Use for: Article headers, blog posts, presentations
Photorealistic Scenes
photorealistic [SCENE], natural lighting, professional photography, shot on Canon EOS R5, detailed textures, sharp focus --ar 16:9 --v 7
Use for: Concept visualization, realistic mockups
Abstract/Artistic
abstract interpretation of [CONCEPT], [art movement] style, bold colors, creative composition, artistic expression --s 80 --ar 1:1 --v 7
Use for: Brand identity, artistic projects, creative exploration
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Too Vague: "make it cool" → ✅ "cyberpunk aesthetic with neon lighting"
- ❌ Contradictory: "minimalist with lots of detail" → ✅ Pick one approach
- ❌ Overloaded: 50-word run-on sentences → ✅ Keep focused, ~20-30 words is sweet spot
- ❌ No Style Direction: Just subject → ✅ Always include style/medium
- ❌ Forgetting Aspect Ratio: Default may not fit your need → ✅ Always specify --ar
The Iteration Process
Keep a Google Doc or Notion page with your successful prompts. Organize by use case: Product Shots, Lifestyle, Editorial, Abstract, etc. When starting a new project, copy a similar successful prompt and modify instead of writing from scratch. Your library becomes your secret weapon—build it deliberately.
Style Reference vs. Text Prompts
When to Use Style References:
- You have example images of exactly what you want
- Need consistency across multiple generations
- Difficult-to-describe aesthetic (easier to show than tell)
- Brand-specific visual language
How to Use Style References:
- Upload reference image(s) to Midjourney
- Include reference URL in prompt
- Midjourney learns the style from reference
- Your text prompt describes the subject/content
- Result = Your content in the reference's style
Example: Upload a reference image of your brand's photographic style → Generate product shots in that consistent style
Default stylize is 50. Here's when to adjust:
- --s 0-25: Literal, direct interpretation - use for realistic documentation
- --s 25-75: Balanced - default range for most work
- --s 75-100: Highly artistic, dramatic - use for creative/artistic projects
Pro tip: Generate same prompt at --s 0, --s 50, --s 100 to see the range. Pick your preferred level.
Advanced: Combining Techniques
Power User Combo:
Professional photo of eco-friendly water bottle on wooden table, morning light through window, lifestyle product photography, shallow depth of field, editorial quality --ar 4:5 --s 60 --draft --v 7
This prompt combines:
- Clear subject (water bottle)
- Specific context (wooden table, morning light)
- Style direction (lifestyle photography)
- Technical detail (shallow depth of field)
- Social media aspect ratio (4:5 for Instagram)
- Slightly elevated stylize (60 for polished look)
- Draft mode (concept testing before final)
- V7 explicit (ensuring latest model)
Create a shared prompt style guide for your team:
- Brand-Specific Phrases: "Our lighting style is..." documented
- Approved Parameters: Which --ar, --s values align with brand
- Reference Library: Curated images showing "on-brand" vs "off-brand"
- Template Prompts: Fill-in-the-blank structures for common needs
Result: Junior team members produce on-brand content from day one. Quality stays consistent even as team scales.