Midjourney AI Reviews: Use Cases, Pricing & Alternatives

Since its launch in 2021, Midjourney has swiftly climbed the ranks in the AI art generation scene — captivating professional and casual artists alike with its impressive ability to create vivid, intricate visuals.

Curious if Midjourney is the right AI tool for you? This comprehensive review should help.

In it, we explore each of Midjourney’s features, highlight its pros, explore its limitations, and share our honest opinion on its functionality, versatility, and much more. Plus, if you decide to try it out, we've included some tutorials to get you started on the right foot.

Why You Can Trust Our Review

Our team of AI experts devotes considerable time to staying informed on AI developments and meticulously evaluating tools. We are dedicated to thorough, unbiased insights and base our endorsements solely on our honest assessment.

Comprehensive, current grasp on the AI art landscape
Commitment to providing impartial advice
Rigorous editorial standards

Midjourney Overview

Overall Rating: 4.1 / 5

What We Like Most

Exceptional Image Quality & Prompt Interpretation: Exceptional ability to translate prompts into stunning, high-quality images that rival professional art
Collaborative Community: Active user network offers robust support & inspiration
Versatility: Wide range of artistic styles & options for creative control
Frequent Updates: Regular new features & improvements in performance

What We Don’t Like

Learning Curve: While not totally unmanageable, requires time to master the parameters & all functionalities
Privacy & Copyright Risks: Doesn’t offer you complete privacy or control (even from a private server or in ‘Stealth’ mode) & sometimes references intellectual property without being prompted to — putting you unknowingly at risk
Accessibility Barriers: No free trial, requires a subscription, limited built-in accessibility features, & mixed accuracy when interpreting non-English prompts
No Public API: Inability to integrate it into custom apps & workflows
Character Reference Limits: Struggles to render multiple consistent characters in one image — blending characters’ aspects together

Category Breakdown

Category	Rating (out of 5)	Pros	Cons
Functionality & Features	4.7	Large amount of options for guiding image generation & editing Multiple ways to prompt	Relatively steep learning curve to master features
Accessibility	3.0	Multiple ways to access	Lack of built-in accessibility features Requires internet connection
Accuracy & Reliability	4.2	Impressive prompt interpretation High-quality, high-resolution outputs in a variety of styles	Occasional output inconsistencies Results highly dependent on effective prompting Struggles to render multiple consistent characters at once
Cost-Efficiency	4.0	Tiers competitively priced for their features Ability to purchase additional GPUs à la carte	No free plan or trial GPU time does not roll over
Customization & Flexibility	4.7	Diverse range of customization options	Limits to customization in lower-tier subscriptions
Data Privacy & Security	3.2	Multiple data security measures	Less control than some other AI image generators Concerns around image visibility, ownership rights, & data exposure
Ease of Use	3.7	Intuitive sliders & clickable controls on Midjourney website	Steep learning curve for Discord commands & effective prompting
Ethical Considerations	3.3	Multiple content moderation methods	Occasional bias Lack of transparency in copyrighted works, data training, & privacy
Integration & Compatibility	3.7	Accessible on multiple devices & operating systems Supports common image formats Ability to use on private Discord server	No public API severely limits integration into custom workflows Clunky to use on mobile
Performance & Speed	4.3	Typically generates within 60 seconds Multiple speed options	Occasional delays at peak times & with certain job types
Support & Resources	4.3	Extensive documentation & tutorials Active, collaborative community	Bot-operated support with inconsistent quality

Tutorials

NOTE: You’ll find tutorials relevant to specific use cases throughout the following sections.

Functionality & Features: 4.7/5

Although Midjourney struggles to render multiple consistent characters in one image, and learning how to prompt effectively takes some effort, its wide range of versatile features makes it an undeniably robust powerhouse.

Prompts

Whether creating images through Midjourney’s website or on Discord, you’ll start by crafting your prompt — for which you have several options, including:

Only text descriptions
Only emojis
Images
A mix of text, emojis, & images

You can also explore more advanced prompting techniques, such as:

Technique	Description
Multi Prompts	Blend multiple text concepts into one image For example, instead of "spaceship," say "space:: ship" to direct Midjourney to think about "space" and "ship" separately then mix them together — which may give you an image of a ship sailing through space.
Permutation Prompts	Create multiple prompt variations with a single command For example, adding "a {red, green, yellow} bird" to your prompt creates and processes three jobs: one with red birds, one with yellow birds, and another with green birds.
Blend Command	Merge 2–5 images into a new image

Tutorial: Mastering Midjourney’s Image Prompts: 4 Key Methods

Parameters

Examples of Character Reference (left) and Style Reference (right).

Provide Midjourney with more insight into your vision by adding one or more of the following parameters to the end of your prompts:

Technique	Description
Aspect Ratio	Define the dimensions of the image
Chaos	Control the level of randomness in the image generation process
Character Reference	Specify a character/subject for more accurate representation in the image Tutorial: Midjourney CREF Deep Dive
Image Weight	Determine the importance of the image vs. text portion of a prompt, which is useful when you don’t want reference image to dominate the final output
No	Exclude specific elements from being generated (e.g., “--no plants” removes plants from the image)
Model Version	Switch model versions, each of which offers its own unique style
Personalization	Rank pairs of images so Midjourney learns your specific tastes Learn more
Quality	Determine how much time is spent generating an image, which affects images’ level of detail & refinement
Repeat	Automatically run a prompt multiple times, which is useful for iterating through options quickly (e.g., adding --repeat 5 to a prompt will generate the same image prompt five times)
Seed	Recreate specific images or ensure consistency across multiple generations
Stop	Stop the image generation at a specific point to achieve different artistic effects (e.g., haunting, blurry, or dreamlike images) Tutorial: How to Use the Stop Parameter in Midjourney
Style	Create different effects by altering an image’s aesthetic qualities Raw: Photorealistic results Random: Injects different random styles Cute: Adorable characters, props, & scenes (Niji 5 only) Scenic: Cinematic backgrounds & characters in fantastical surroundings (Niji 5 only) Expressive: Sophisticated illustrated feeling (Niji 5 only)
Style Reference	Apply the stylistic elements of an example image to generated images Tutorial: 15 Amazing SREF Styles + NEW Blending Technique
Stylize	Balance between realistic & highly stylized images by influencing how strongly Midjourney’s default color, composition, & form is applied (e.g., low value = more realistic images; high value = more creative, abstract images)
Tile	Create images that can seamlessly repeat, which is helpful for textures & patterns
Style Tune	Generate a range of images with different visual styles (not compatible with Version 6)
Video	Create a video of the art being generated Tutorial: Create an AI Art progress video in Midjourney
Weird	Enhance abstract & unconventional elements in an image Tutorial: Midjourney’s Newest Weird Feature

Editing Tools

Example of changing just the eyes in the image using Vary Region.

Once Midjourney has interpreted your prompt and generated four variations, you can edit one or more of these images further using:

Technique	Description
Pan	Expand an image’s dimensions in a chosen direction without changing the content of the original image (not compatible with Midjourney 6)
Reroll	Generate a new set of four images from the same prompt
Upscale	See an image in higher resolution by clicking the ‘U’ button corresponding to that image (e.g., U1 for the first image). Optionally upscale further with: Upscale (Creative): 2x the image size + add new details to it Upscale (Subtle): 2x the image size + keep details similar to the original
Variations	See more variations of a particular image by clicking the ‘V’ button corresponding to that image (e.g., V1 for the first image)
Vary Region	Regenerate a certain part of an image while keeping everything else the same
Vary Region + Remix	Regenerate specific parts of an image by editing your prompt
Zoom Out	Expand an image in a chosen direction without changing the content or dimensions of the original image Tutorial: Make EPIC Fake Sets for VIDEO with AI Tools

You can also enhance your images using the Midjourney website’s powerful editing tool, which integrates multiple options for refinement into one easy-to-use interface. With this tool, you can:

Modify your prompt
Erase parts of an image with an adjustable brush tool
Restore parts of the image that you erased
Repaint parts of an image with new visuals using text prompts (i.e., inpainting)
Extend the canvas, filling the new space with AI visuals (i.e., outpainting)
Change the aspect ratio of the image
Undo, redo, & reset any changes you’ve made

Default Settings

Settings are default preferences you set that shape how Midjourney responds to your prompts, unless otherwise specified.

To access your settings on:

Discord: Use the ‘/settings’ command
Midjourney’s Website: Click the ‘Settings’ button

NOTE: Your website and Discord settings are synced — meaning that if you change your settings in one place, they'll automatically change in the other.

The preferences you can set in ‘Settings’ include:

Technique	Description
Model Version	E.g., If you frequently create anime-style images, set the Niji model as your default to always use this model without needing to specify it in each prompt
RAW Mode	Requires more GPU time
Stylize	See Parameters
Image Visibility	Share your images with the community (Public mode) or maintain privacy (Stealth Mode)
Remix	See Editing Tools
Variation	Includes ‘Remix Mode,’ which changes how the variation buttons (e.g., V1, V2, V3, V4) work
Image Quality	See Parameters
Upscale	See Editing Tools
Sticky Style	Save & apply your last ‘style’ code parameter to all future prompts (e.g., if you use a prompt with “--style 4a3c” for a custom cyberpunk style you created, Sticky Style saves this and applies a cyberpunk style to your next prompt)
Generation Speed	Prioritize speed or cost based on your timelines & budget by selecting either: Fast Mode: Default mode, generating images typically within 60 seconds unless upscaling, using non-standard aspect ratios, or working with older model versions Turbo Mode: Generates images 4x faster at 2x the cost (Only available with versions 5, 5.1, 5.2, and 6) Relax Mode: With higher-tier plans, unlimited generations that don’t use GPU time but render slower (typically 1-10 minutes per image based on your usage. More use = longer wait) TIP: Use the /info command before and after running a process to see how many of your remaining GPU minutes the generation used.
Reset	Return to Midjourney’s default settings for everything except your image visibility, remix, variation, & generation speed preferences

NOTE: To temporarily adjust settings for certain prompts, simply add the desired parameters to your prompt. This will not alter your default settings.

Interact with Midjourney

Commands are text instructions that kick-start actions and steer your interactions with Midjourney.

You can use the following commands on both the Midjourney website and Discord:

Command	What It Does
/blend	Combine 2-5 images
/describe	Get 4 example prompts based on an image you upload
/info	See information about your account & queued or running jobs

On Discord only, you can use the following commands:

Command	How It Helps
/ask	Get an answer to a question
/faq	Quickly generate a link to popular FAQs
/help	See helpful basic information & tips about Midjourney
/imagine	Generate an image by writing a prompt
/model	Switch between models to explore different artistic styles & capabilities
/prefer remix	Toggle Remix mode
/prefer variability	Toggle between high & low image variations
/settings	Access setting options
/shorten	Submit a long prompt & get suggestions for making it more concise
/show	Use an images Job ID to regenerate the job within Discord
/subscribe	Generate a personal link for a user's account page
/synonyms	Explore related words & phrases to try in your prompts
/tune	Generate a Style Tuner based on your prompt, which lets you make your own Midjourney style & customize the look of your jobs
/userid	Get your Midjourney User ID

Accessibility: 3.0/5

Midjourney has room for improvement when it comes to accessibility.

Using any operating system, you can create images using Midjourney’s website or through Discord on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. However, you will need an internet connection to access it.

While Midjourney itself lacks built-in features for individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities, Discord offers some support, including screen reader compatibility, text-to-speech functionality, customizable appearance options, and more.

Additionally, the absence of a free plan and privacy restrictions for lower-cost tiers may pose financial barriers. And, while Midjourney supports multiple languages, the quality of non-English prompt interpretations can be inconsistent due to limited training data, which hinders usability for many.

Accuracy & Reliability: 4.2/5

High-Resolution Image of Three Friends at a Coffee Shop

Among AI image generators, Midjourney is often hailed as “unparalleled” for its ability to produce remarkably detailed, high-quality images. With a default resolution of 1024x1024 pixels and a maximum of 2048x2048 pixels, you can create sharp visuals perfect for even your most polished videos or business presentations.

However, outputs can be pretty hit-or-miss when it comes to:

Abstract or highly detailed prompts
Animals
Human anatomy
Overlapping objects
Multiple consistent characters within one image
Text within images

While newer versions have improved hand and feet rendering and in-image text, you might still face a challenge. Relatedly, the quality of outputs is highly dependent on the clarity and specificity of your prompt, so you may need to experiment with different wordings, styles, and reference images to achieve ideal outcomes.

Tips For Enhancing Accuracy

Use Short, Descriptive Phrases
Midjourney works best with simple, short phrases that include detailed language describing exactly what you want to see (e.g., instead of, “Create an image of a serene mountain landscape at sunrise, with a clear blue sky and a tranquil lake reflecting the colors,” say; “Sunrise over a peaceful mountain lake.”)

Put Quotes Around Desired In-Image Text
If you want your image to contain specific text, use double quotation marks (") around words or phrases in your prompts (Only applicable with version 6). For best results:

Keep the text to 1-2 words, as longer phrases are more likely to get distorted
Repeat the text in your prompt to improve the odds that the text is accurate

Try Different Prompts & Features
Experimentation is key. Play with various parameters and settings, test out different prompts, and don't hesitate to use prompt generators for inspiration.

Cost-Efficiency: 4.0/5

Midjourney offers tiered subscription plans that accommodate various needs and budgets. Each plan is competitively priced, reflecting the features and quality provided at each level.

While the lack of a free plan and free trial does mean that you need to commit financially from the get-go, the Basic plan tends to be sufficient for casual users — especially because you can purchase additional GPUs à la carte. In other words, if you want to temporarily increase your usage, you don’t have to upgrade your plan.

You may benefit more from a higher-tier Pro or Enterprise plan; however, if you want to generate:

More images per month consistently
Multiple images at once
Images quickly (i.e., faster rendering speeds)
Privately using Stealth Mode

Ultimately, the ability to create high-quality, customized images at scale makes Midjourney a cost-efficient tool that streamlines your workflows at a significantly more affordable price than traditional image creation methods.

NOTE: Check out Midjourney’s subscription plans to see up-to-date pricing details.

Customization & Flexibility: 4.7/5

Example of a few (of the many) artistic styles you can produce with Midjourney.

Midjourney gives you tremendous creative freedom with its wealth of customization options (e.g., parameters, settings, generation speed, model versions, and prompt types) and an impressive ability to generate images in a wide range of artistic styles — from surrealism to gothic to futuristic.

Plus, the flexibility to set platform-wide preferences or temporarily apply settings to individual prompts without altering your defaults offers a healthy balance between consistency and creative experimentation.

You can also use Midjourney wherever suits you best: through its website, on its public Discord server, or by adding the Midjourney bot to your own private Discord server.

There are a few downsides, though. Some advanced features and faster speeds are reserved for paid subscribers and, while there’s many options for customizing your images, learning how to use them all effectively does take a bit of time and dedication. However, once you’ve mastered them, you have an incredible amount of control over images.

Notable Customization Options

Personalization Parameter
By ranking pairs of images, Midjourney learns your tastes and assigns you a shortcode that represents these preferences. You can then use this parameter:

In certain prompts by including ‘--p’ followed by your shortcode to apply your personalized style to that image
In all prompts by enabling personalization in your settings, which will automatically add your shortcode to all generations without you needing to manually add ‘--p’

You can also use another user's shortcode to generate images in their personalized style. You'll either need to ask them for the shortcode or find it in a prompt of theirs in which they used their personalization shortcode (which is dictated by ‘--p [their shortcode]’).

Tutorial: --P: Midjourney Model Personalization (for CUSTOM AI Art)

Prefer Commands
Automatically add your frequently used parameters to the end of your prompts using ‘prefer’ commands, including:

/prefer option: Create up to 20 custom shortcodes that contain multiple parameters (e.g., ‘/prefer option set mine --chaos 5 --aspect 2:3’ is a custom preset called "mine" that contains chaos and aspect ratio parameters. In your prompt, instead of adding ‘--chaos 5 --aspect 2:3’, you would simply need to type ‘--mine’.)
/prefer suffix: Automatically apply specific parameters to all images without needing to change your default settings or manually add these parameters each time

Unlike ‘Sticky Style’, which is specific to the ‘--style code’ parameter, ‘prefer suffix’ can include any combination of parameters, and you can use multiple in the same prompt.

Tutorial: Blazing Midjourney Speed with the Prefer Option Set Command

Data Privacy & Security: 3.2/5

Midjourney’s measures to protect your data include:

Transparently outlining what data is collected (e.g., user interactions & prompt inputs)
Adhering to data protection regulations & international standards like GDPR — allowing you to access, correct, delete, or opt out of sharing personal data
Not selling your data or sharing it for marketing purposes
Encrypting data sent between your device and Discord servers
Performing regular updates (typically every few months) to boost security & performance

However, while considered generally secure, there are quite a few concerns you should be aware of — including:

Image Visibility	Images are publicly visible by default on Discord and in Midjourney’s gallery, which may be a concern for sensitive projects. Additionally, others who know your Discord ID can access your images, even ones created on private servers. ‘Stealth Mode’ (available with higher-tier subscriptions) keeps your images from being seen publicly, but this doesn’t retroactively apply to images created before activating this mode. You must manually unpublish or delete those images.
Ownership Rights	While you have commercial rights to your images, Midjourney retains ownership, meaning deleted images remain on Midjourney’s servers — even if you cancel your subscription. There doesn't seem to be a way to completely delete all your images.
Data Exposure	Your data can be used to train future models and shared with third-party vendors to enhance Midjourney’s functionality. Combined with Midjourney’s image ownership, this raises concerns about indirect data exposure and how widely user-generated content might be distributed. There’s also a lack of clarity about how long personal data is retained, specific measures taken to delete data upon request, and encryption practices regarding Midjourney’s servers.

The big takeaway is that you don’t have complete privacy or control over your generated content even with private Discord servers or Stealth mode. To help keep yourself as protected as possible, always be mindful of the data you share.

Related Considerations

Copyright Violations: You are responsible for any copyright law violations, which can be tricky because sometimes Midjourney will reference intellectual property without the prompt containing any reference to it — meaning that you might inadvertently borrow other artists’ characters or work.

Scams: Midjourney’s popularity has come with a rise of fake Midjourney-replicating websites that put you at risk for malware attacks. To mitigate your risk, only access Midjourney directly through Discord or Midjourney’s official site.

Ease of Use: 3.7/5

You have three convenient ways to create images with Midjourney:

Public Discord server	Requires remembering the specific syntax of its command-based system but offers real-time, user-to-user support & resources
Website Interface	More user-friendly with intuitive sliders & clickable controls that eliminate the need to remember & manually type commands Retains parameter settings from one image to the next, requiring that you be mindful of your settings to avoid unintended results
Your Own Private Discord Server	Requires using its command syntax but makes it easier to organize your creations than the public Discord server

What’s limiting its convenience? Midjourney:

Doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app
Lacks a free trial
Requires a subscription — with higher costs for advanced features (e.g., privacy via "Stealth Mode")
Although it offers built-in editing tools, you may still want to use external software for more advanced post-processing

While adjusting prompts using the Remix tool and refining images with various editing tools is relatively simple on both platforms, mastering advanced features and prompt engineering to get the results you desire does require some time and dedication.

Extensive resources from Midjourney and guidance from its active community help abate this, though. Once you’re more comfortable with it, we’d consider Midjourney fairly easy to use.

Ethical Considerations: 3.3/5

Midjourney’s clear community guidelines foster a safe and respectful "PG-13" environment, and violators are promptly removed from the platform. Additionally, Midjourney:

Bans prompts intended to produce adult, gory, & otherwise offensive content via an automated word filter that prevents the use of certain words & phrases
Monitors harassment & discrimination by relying on a combination of user reports & moderator's reviews

So, while Midjourney is certainly committed to ethical use, it does show weaknesses in some key areas — including:

Bias	Midjourney can produce biased content based on its training data like other AI systems. Despite efforts to address this, it sometimes generates stereotypical images that perpetuate harmful portrayals of certain areas or communities (although the latest report of this we could find is from 2023, so this issue may have been resolved).
Data Training	The lack of transparency regarding Midjourney’s training data, combined with a concerning leaked document, raises questions about its potential use of copyrighted works without permission. This issue contributes to a broader AI debate about whether using such images constitutes art theft.
Copyright	Midjourney can generate images in the style of specific artists, but it lacks a built-in mechanism to credit or acknowledge them. It can even mimic an artist without explicit references in the prompt — putting you at risk of legal issues if you unknowingly borrow another artist's work.
Data Security & Privacy	While Midjourney transparently states how collected data is used and offers options for controlling it, it’s unclear how long data is stored and what measures are taken for deletion. Plus, unclear data encryption practices, sharing data with third-party vendors, and Midjourney retaining ownership of all images created on the platform (even deleted ones or if you cancel your subscription) raises concerns about indirect data exposure and how content is used.

Integration & Compatibility: 3.7/5

As long as you have internet access, you can use Midjourney on various devices and operating systems, either through its website, the public Discord server, or your private Discord server. But, while Midjourney technically works on smartphones, the mobile experience can be a bit clunky.

Regardless of where you create them, Midjourney images are generated in standard formats like PNG, making them easy to access, edit, and share across various platforms without format-related issues.

The downsides?

Synchronization between the Midjourney website and Discord may prove to be a hassle in a couple of ways:

While you can easily view and manage images generated via Discord on the website, it doesn't work the other way around
With messages synchronized between certain web rooms (e.g., "prompt-craft" and "general-1") and their corresponding Discord channels, you can easily switch between platforms without missing meaningful discussions or updates in those channels…but that isn’t the case for every channel

Plus, Midjourney’s most significant limitation in terms of integration is that there’s no official public API, which means that you can't directly integrate its capabilities into your apps or workflows. Sigh.

Performance & Speed: 4.3/5

Midjourney impressively produces highly detailed, vivid images typically within 60 seconds when using the standard Fast mode… and 4x faster than that in Turbo mode.

Rendering speed can vary slightly, though, for a few different reasons:

The type of job (e.g., variations of existing images vs. new images)
If you’ve included specific parameters (e.g., Quality & Stop)
Peak-time delays
Generating many images in Relax Mode — which, to ensure fair access, may mean you experience throttling (i.e., slower image processing)... but you can avoid this by purchasing more Fast hours

Frequent updates to the platform regularly equates to an increase in Midjourney’s overall performance and its ability to handle more users simultaneously. Recently, we’ve seen significant improvements in regard to speed — particularly for upscaling tasks.

Plus, creating multiple variations simultaneously using permutation prompting and the repeat parameter significantly reduces the time you take to get the images you want.

Support & Resources: 4.3/5

The Midjourney platform, combined with its active community of AI enthusiasts, provides a range of support options, including:

Dedicated customer support Discord channels (e.g., #member-support)
Comprehensive documentation to help you fully leverage Midjourney’s capabilities
A collaborative Discord community where you can share your creations & build your skills — and even participate in daily theme challenges
An online showcase to get inspiration by seeing others’ creations & sharing yours
Extensive resources & tutorials created by AI enthusiasts

While Midjourney’s extensive documentation and vibrant, collaborative community provide a wealth of value, some people report variable quality regarding Midjourney's primary support channel. Since it's primarily bot-operated, it may not meet expectations if you seek more personalized assistance.

How Midjourney Compares to Similar Tools

Each of the following AI tools offers unique strengths and potential drawbacks. It is crucial to assess your specific needs and priorities when deciding which one to use.

AI Tool	Pros	Cons	Consider It Over Midjourney If You...
Adobe Firefly	Excels at using reference photos Integrated with other Adobe products	Less accurate at following prompts than Midjourney	Require precise control using reference photos Already use Adobe Creative Cloud
DALL·E 3	Easier to use for beginners Accessible through ChatGPT Strong prompt interpretation	Fewer options for image editing & customization	Already use ChatGPT Are new to AI image generation
Playground AI	Offers a free tier	Variable consistency Lacks some advanced features	Want a free or lower-cost AI image generator
FLUX.1	Excels at photorealism Open-source Ability to run locally on your own hardware		Want to create highly photorealistic images Want to run it on your own computer or integrate it into your own workflows & apps

Summary

Midjourney has a remarkable knack for transforming prompts into high-quality, vividly detailed images in a variety of styles, from fantastical landscapes and futuristic concepts to hyper-realistic portraits and reimagined classics.

While newcomers may encounter a steep learning curve, and it could benefit from a free tier, improved accessibility, enhanced data privacy, and a public API, its excellent performance, extensive options for creative control, and supportive community make it an excellent choice for both amateurs and professionals.

FAQs

Who uses Midjourney?

MidJourney has quickly become a go-to tool for a diverse crowd. Seasoned illustrators use it to experiment with new styles, game developers to craft concept art, marketers to create eye-catching content, and product developers to visualize prototypes. But casual users are also diving in — utilizing Midjourney images for personal projects, social media, or simply for fun.

How does Midjourney work?

Midjourney leverages advanced machine learning techniques to generate images, including:

Large language models (similar to those used in generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT) to read & understand the meaning of your text prompts
Diffusion models to create images that align with your descriptions

This process is powered by robust Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), enabling the system to interpret and process each prompt quickly and precisely.

What’s the difference between Midjourney’s model versions?

Midjourney’s early versions, V1 and V2, primarily produced simple, doodle-like images. As the models evolved, V3 introduced better handling of backgrounds and perspectives, and V4 brought a significant leap in quality — making the images more usable and refined. V5 and its subsequent iterations, like V5.1 and V5.2, enhanced image resolution and language comprehension, which allowed for more detailed and realistic outputs with fewer descriptive words. The latest version, V6, further improves image quality and prompt understanding, making generating high-quality, coherent images easier.

Additionally, Midjourney offers a specialized model called Niji, developed in collaboration with Spellbrush, which excels at creating anime-style images.

Is Midjourney open-source?

Midjourney is not open-source. While any image created on Midjourney is essentially in the public domain, allowing you to use, remix, or upscale others’ images without restriction, the software itself is not open for public modification or distribution. Midjourney is a self-funded project developed by a small team.

Additionally, while you can use your Midjourney-generated images for commercial purposes (with a paid subscription) or personal projects, you cannot claim copyright over these images since they are produced by AI — which currently does not meet the legal requirements for copyright protection.

Midjourney