Beginner’s Guide to Using Midjourney Prompts: Structure, Reference Images, and Parameter Combinations

If you want more consistent outputs, the key is to write Midjourney prompts “clearly and reusably.” This tutorial goes from zero to practical use, explaining the basic structure of Midjourney prompts, how to add reference images, how to combine common parameters, and how to iterate quickly without making things messier with every change.

1. First, write Midjourney prompts as “readable sentences”

The most convenient Midjourney prompt structure is: subject + key features + scene/lighting + style + image-quality description. Starting the subject with a noun is more reliable, such as “a ceramic teapot / 一把陶瓷茶壶,” then add clear features like material, color, a sense of age, and so on.

Be as specific as possible. Use fewer subjective words like “good-looking, exquisite, stunning,” and replace them with visualizable terms such as “soft rim light, shallow depth of field, matte texture.” When writing Midjourney prompts, first make sure the information doesn’t conflict, then consider adding style terms.

2. How to use reference images: use links + weights to control direction

Paste reference image links at the very beginning of the Midjourney prompt (the images must be publicly accessible) to “anchor” the composition, color palette, or the subject’s form. If you find the result is being pulled off track by the reference image, you can lower the image weight (for example with --iw) so the text description takes the lead.

A practical habit is: use one reference image to lock composition, then use text to clearly specify materials and details; don’t throw in too many reference images at once, or the styles will clash with each other. If there are elements in the Midjourney prompt that “must be kept,” repeat them and place them closer to the front.

3. Common parameter combos: stabilize first, then chase style

The three most commonly used parameter types for beginners are aspect ratio, stylization strength, and randomness. Use --ar to set the frame first (vertical is common for posters, square is common for covers), and use --chaos to control how divergent the results are—the higher the value, the more likely you’ll get unexpected compositions.

If you want Midjourney prompts to be more “obedient,” reduce stylization-related parameters; if you want a stronger design feel, then gradually increase stylization strength. It’s recommended to turn frequently used parameters into your own template, changing only one or two variables each time so it’s easy to trace which Midjourney prompt line actually made the difference.

4. Iteration and common pitfalls: don’t solve problems by “making it longer and longer”

If the output is off, prioritize subtraction: delete conflicting terms, keep three to five key visual points, then add one detail you care about most. A longer Midjourney prompt doesn’t necessarily mean a more accurate result—especially when multiple kinds of lens language and multiple era styles appear at the same time, the system is likely to compromise among them.

If you want to explore directions in bulk, keep the subject and parameters fixed and only swap out style or lighting terms for comparison; once you’ve chosen a direction, then add details. Finally, remember to save successful Midjourney prompts together with their parameters—reusing them next time saves far more time than trial and error from scratch.