How to prompt Midjourney V8.2

How to structure your prompt

Short descriptive phrases, not instructions or long lists. Lead with the medium and subject (for example 'watercolor illustration of two foxes'), then add only the details that matter to the result: environment, lighting, color, mood and composition. Use exact counts and precise word choices. Describe what should appear rather than what should not. All parameters go at the very end.

Length and syntax

Up to 2,000 characters. Longer prompts are not better if the extra words do not change what appears on screen.

Prompt text first, then one space, then parameters as --name value pairs separated by single spaces. No punctuation after a parameter and no prompt text after the parameters. --ar uses whole numbers W:H with no decimals. Exclusions use --no followed by comma-separated simple nouns; moderation reads each word separately, so use single concrete nouns and never phrases such as 'modern clothing'. Value-free flags: --raw, --hd, --sd, --tile. Do not use :: weights, --q, --niji or --oref with V8.2.

Prompt skeleton

[medium] of [subject with exact count and key details], [environment], [lighting], [color], [mood], [composition] --ar W:H --v 8.2

What it’s best at

• stylized and artistic image creation
• strong default aesthetics from short prompts
• visual composition
• bold, sophisticated looks in V8.2

Known limitations

• long, instruction-style prompts reduce quality
• negation words inside the prompt text can add the unwanted item
• exact typography is not verified for V8.2
• HD images are limited to 4:1 aspect ratio
• image references, personalization and editing use separate Midjourney workflows

Avoid in your prompt

• unsupported flags
• instruction or conversational phrasing
• long lists of details
• negation words such as 'no' or 'without' inside the prompt text
• --q, --niji, --oref and :: weights (not supported in V8.2)
• punctuation after parameters
• decimal aspect ratios