185+ Best Midjourney Prompts: Visual Guide

7

Some of the best Midjourney prompts need just a single style modifier.

Midjourney creates sharp, detailed, and coherent images even with very simple prompts. This makes the popular practice of “splatterprompting” from the early days of text-to-image art completely unnecessary.

Every month, I share five new Midjourney prompt ideas using. So the list below is constantly growing. Check back every now and then…or subscribe to get weekly posts (including monthly Midjourney prompt examples) in your inbox:

Why Try AI? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Remember that all of the individual prompt modifiers on this list can be combined in any number of ways to create a unique look. Try to experiment!

EDITS:

  • (March 19, 2023): Midjourney V5 is out. Sample images after this date use V5.

  • (May 25, 2023): Midjourney V5.1 is out. Sample images after this date are use V5.1.

  • (June 29, 2023): Midjourney V5.2 is out. Sample images after this date are use V5.2

Best Midjourney Prompts: December 2022

The best Midjourney prompts from December 2022. Sample images are Midjourney Version 4.

1. “Exploded [subject] by Nychos”

Nychos is an illustrator and urban artist known for visually striking cross-section and X-ray images, often with gory details. Using the word “exploded” adds a sense of motion.

Sample images:

MJ Prompt: Exploded guitar, banana, and planet.MJ Prompt: Exploded guitar, banana, and planet.MJ Prompt: Exploded guitar, banana, and planet.
Exploded guitar / banana / planet by Nychos.

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Exploded strawberry by Nychos
Exploded rocket by Nychos --ar 2:3
Exploded train by Nychos --ar 2:3

2. “[Subject] as [subject]”

This prompt asks Midjourney to imagine how things or characters would look like if they were something else. Really fun to experiment with.

Sample images:

MJ prompt: Harry potter as a Marvel villain. Pac-Man as a giant monster. Thanos as a businessman.MJ prompt: Harry potter as a Marvel villain. Pac-Man as a giant monster. Thanos as a businessman.MJ prompt: Harry potter as a Marvel villain. Pac-Man as a giant monster. Thanos as a businessman.
Harry potter as a Marvel villain. Pac-Man as a giant monster. Thanos as a businessman.

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Terminator as a fitness instructor
Barbie as an MMA fighter --ar 3:2
Skyscraper as a tree --ar 2:3

3. “[Intangible subject or concept]”

Midjourney can try to draw intangibles like general concepts, emotions, or character traits. Exactly what you get depends on how the model interprets the word. Give it a shot!

Sample images:

MJ single-word prompts: Anxiety. Joy. Wisdom.MJ single-word prompts: Anxiety. Joy. Wisdom.MJ single-word prompts: Anxiety. Joy. Wisdom.
Anxiety. Joy. Wisdom.

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Impossibility
Eternity --ar 3:2
Happiness

4. “[Subject], symmetrical, flat icon design”

This prompt generates a flat, square icon based on your subject. You can use it for your website, app, or just have fun transforming random stuff into slick icons.

Sample images:

MJ prompt: Cute alien face / Hulk / pizza, symmetrical, flat icon design.MJ prompt: Cute alien face / Hulk / pizza, symmetrical, flat icon design.MJ prompt: Cute alien face / Hulk / pizza, symmetrical, flat icon design.
Cute alien face / Hulk / pizza, symmetrical, flat icon design.

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Coin, symmetrical, flat icon design
Target, symmetrical, flat icon design
Vase, symmetrical, flat icon design

5. “[Any emoji or combination of emojis]”

Midjourney is surprisingly good at interpreting emojis, especially obvious things like plants, animals, or objects. Combining multiple emojis in different ways generates awesome, often unexpected images.

Sample images:

MJ emoji prompts in radom combinationsMJ emoji prompts in radom combinationsMJ emoji prompts in radom combinations
😱👽 / ✍️💼 / 🚕🌈

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

🐳🚀
🎩🌵
🎻🔥👑

Best Midjourney prompts: January 2023

Prompt list from the January 2023 article. Sample images are Midjourney Version 4.

6. “Knolling [subject or scene]”

Knolling” is a photography term for overhead shots of items on a flat surface, placed in parallel to each other or at 90-degree angles. Midjourney’s really good at mimicking and applying the “knolling” style to any concept.

Sample images:

MJ prompt results Knolling: Solar system | Landscape | Fire DepartmentMJ prompt results Knolling: Solar system | Landscape | Fire DepartmentMJ prompt results Knolling: Solar system | Landscape | Fire Department
Knolling solar system / landscape / fire department

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Knolling fruits and vegetables, green background, cartoon style --ar 4:3
Knolling coins and bills, brown background, metallic --ar 3:2
Knolling colorful pencils, black background, sketch

7. “16-bit [subject or scene]”

Nostalgic for 1990s point-and-click adventures and other PC games of the era? You’ll enjoy this one! It basically makes everything look as if it was made for a 16-bit graphics card. Midjourney Version 4 is the best version to use for this.

Sample images:

MJ prompt example: 16-bit sunset over a city / Mona Lisa / hot air balloons at nightMJ prompt example: 16-bit sunset over a city / Mona Lisa / hot air balloons at nightMJ prompt example: 16-bit sunset over a city / Mona Lisa / hot air balloons at night
16-bit sunset over a city / Mona Lisa / hot air balloons at night

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

16-bit pixel art portrait of Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, starry background --ar 16:9 --v 4
16-bit illustration of a spaceship flying over an alien planet, with asteroids and stars --ar 3:2 --v 4
16-bit medieval castle, a knight, and a dragon, with a sunset and mountains in the background --ar 4:3 --v 4

8. “[Subject or scene] made out of [material]”

This is great for making anything look as if it’s made out of, well, also anything. Experiment making objects out of whatever you can imagine. See what kind of crazy stuff you can come up with.

Sample images:

Eiffel Tower out of silly string | Car out of potatoes | Tree out of plastic bottlesEiffel Tower out of silly string | Car out of potatoes | Tree out of plastic bottlesEiffel Tower out of silly string | Car out of potatoes | Tree out of plastic bottles
Eiffel Tower out of silly string / Car out of potatoes / Tree out of plastic bottles

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Flower made out of candy
Snowman made out of marshmallows --ar 2:3
Fish made out of gems --ar 3:2

9. “Layered paper [subject or scene]”

Perfect for getting a traditional “arts and crafts” look. Midjourney tries to replicate the process of placing different paper shapes on top of each other to create a sort of 3D “layered” look.

Sample images:

Layered paper: "The Starry Night" | Rainbow over a meadow | Star Wars spaceship battleLayered paper: "The Starry Night" | Rainbow over a meadow | Star Wars spaceship battleLayered paper: "The Starry Night" | Rainbow over a meadow | Star Wars spaceship battle
Layered paper "The Starry Night" / Rainbow over a meadow / Star Wars spaceship battle

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

layered paper art, Zeppelin in the clouds, diorama, soft lighting --ar 3:2
layered paper, dinosaurs fighting, children's illustration --ar 3:2
layered paper art, abstract patterns, vibrant colors

10. “Isometric [subject or scene]”

Isometric art is all about making 2D illustrations appear like 3D objects. You’ve undoubtedly seen the instantly recognizable 3D look in many city builders and other computer games. Midjourney lets you turn any scene or object into one of those. It’s magic.

Sample images:

Isometric: Submarine | Futuristic city | HedgehogIsometric: Submarine | Futuristic city | HedgehogIsometric: Submarine | Futuristic city | Hedgehog
Isometric submarine / futuristic city / hedgehog

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

isometric sci-fi city at night, shiny neon lights, black background --ar 3:2
isometric Buddhist temple, computer game illustration
isometric LEGO pirate holding a sword, pastel colors --ar 2:3

Best Midjourney Prompts: February 2023

The list of five best Midjourney prompt ideas from February 2023. Sample images are Midjourney Version 4.

11. “[Subject 1], [subject 2], double exposure”

Double exposure is a method that layers two images over one another at different exposure levels and with less than full opacity, so you can see both at the same time. In Midjourney, this works best for portrait + scene combos.

Sample images:

Cowboy + valley | Woman + forest | Pirate + ocean - MJ double exposure promptCowboy + valley | Woman + forest | Pirate + ocean - MJ double exposure promptCowboy + valley | Woman + forest | Pirate + ocean - MJ double exposure prompt
Cowboy + valley / woman + forest / pirate + ocean double exposure

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Snowman, blizzard, double exposure --ar 2:3
Alien, lava world, double exposure
Whale, deep ocean, double exposure --ar 3:2

12. “Blacklight [subject or scene]”

Popularized by countless crime scene investigation movies, blacklight emits ultraviolet radiation that makes certain things glow while keeping the rest in the dark. The result is a cool rave-party glowstick effect.

Sample images:

Blacklight hamster / bicycle / volcano promptBlacklight hamster / bicycle / volcano promptBlacklight hamster / bicycle / volcano prompt
Blacklight hamster / bicycle / volcano

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Blacklight bacteria under an electron microscope
Electric eel, close-up photo, blacklight --ar 3:2
Sunflower in a field, thunderstorm, blacklight --ar 2:3

13. “ [Subject or scene] cutaway diagram”

Cutaway diagrams peel layers away from 3D objects to illustrate and explain what’s inside. Midjourney knows how to mimic them well, even though the actual internal content and text are typically gibberish.

Sample images:

Ant | Death Star | Gnome cutaway diagram Midjourney illustrationsAnt | Death Star | Gnome cutaway diagram Midjourney illustrationsAnt | Death Star | Gnome cutaway diagram Midjourney illustrations
Ant / Death Star / gnome cutaway diagram

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

laptop, cutaway diagram --ar 3:2
steam engine, cutaway diagram --ar 3:2
Cutaway diagram of a Rube Goldberg machine --ar 3:2

14. “[Subject or scene] coloring page”

This Midjourney prompt creates a black-and-white outline of your subject that you can print out and color in. You can add optional modifiers like “2D,” “simple,” “for preschoolers,” etc. depending on the complexity you’re going for.

Sample images:

MJ coloring page prompts: spaceship, village hut, BatmanMJ coloring page prompts: spaceship, village hut, BatmanMJ coloring page prompts: spaceship, village hut, Batman
Spaceship / village hut / Batman coloring page

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Field of flowers, children's coloring page --ar 3:2
Umbrella, simple coloring page --ar 2:3
Pile of gems, coloring page

15. “[Subject or scene] naive art”

Naïve art usually describes stuff produced by someone without formal training. In Midjourney, this mostly results in vibrant, colorful scenes full of childlike wonder. And it’s delightful.

Sample images:

Octopus | Tornado | Helicopter naive art imagesOctopus | Tornado | Helicopter naive art imagesOctopus | Tornado | Helicopter naive art images
Octopus / tornado / helicopter naive art

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Herd of zebras in the savanna, naive art --ar 3:2
Clockwork compass, naive art
France tourist brochure, naive art --ar 2:3

Best Midjourney Prompts: March 2023

Photography edition prompt list written in March 2023. Sample images are Midjourney Version 5.

16. “[Subject or scene], vintage photo”

“Vintage” is an incredibly broad term, so the results you get usually depend on the subject and the setting. Similarly, the prompt will often change the subject itself to make it era-appropriate (see the smartphone example)

Sample images:

Midjourney prompt for vintage shots of Batman / Amazon rainforest / smartphoneMidjourney prompt for vintage shots of Batman / Amazon rainforest / smartphoneMidjourney prompt for vintage shots of Batman / Amazon rainforest / smartphone
Batman / Amazon rainforest / smartphone vintage photo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Victorian family building a time machine, vintage photo --ar 3:2
Teleportation device, vintage photo --ar 2:3
Vintage photo of a man wearing VR goggles, close-up portrait

17. “[Subject or scene], tilt-shift”

The tilt-shift lens lets you change its position relative to the camera’s image sensor by tilting or shifting it. This allows for several cool effects. One of these is making the world appear like a miniature model of itself. And that’s exactly what Midjourney does.

Sample images:

Tilt-shift photos of Times Square | Beach hut | ConcertTilt-shift photos of Times Square | Beach hut | ConcertTilt-shift photos of Times Square | Beach hut | Concert
Times Square / beach hut / concert tilt-shift

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

The Eiffel tower, tilt-shift, golden hour --ar 2:3
Kruger National Park, tilt-shift --ar 3:2
Busy train station, tilt-shift --ar 3:2

18. “[Subject or scene], (super) macro”

This should be familiar to most. A macro lens lets you take detailed close-up shots of things. Super macro takes this a step further and brings you even closer to the subject.

Sample images:

Macro and super macro photography of bee, coin, and leaf by MidjourneyMacro and super macro photography of bee, coin, and leaf by MidjourneyMacro and super macro photography of bee, coin, and leaf by Midjourney
Bee / coin macro. Leaf super macro.

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

colorful button, macro photography, black background
dust, super macro --ar 3:2
matchstick head, super macro --ar 2:3

19. “[Subject or scene], satellite photo”

As you’d guess, this places the camera onto an imaginary satellite looking down on the scene or subject below. Works especially great for large landmarks.

Sample images:

Satellite photos of Sahara | Post-apocalyptic city | Outdoor music festivaSahara | Post-apocalyptic city | Outdoor music festivalSatellite photos of Sahara | Post-apocalyptic city | Outdoor music festivaSahara | Post-apocalyptic city | Outdoor music festivalSatellite photos of Sahara | Post-apocalyptic city | Outdoor music festivaSahara | Post-apocalyptic city | Outdoor music festival
Sahara / post-apocalyptic city / outdoor music festival satellite photo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Abandoned dystopian town, satellite photo --ar 3:2
Magical forest with colorful trees, satellite photo --ar 3:2
Purple rivers on an alien planet, satellite photo --ar 3:2

20. “[Subject or scene], fisheye lens”

If you’ve ever used a peephole, you already know what this does. Fisheye lenses have an extremely wide field of view, squeezing lots of stuff into a tiny circle. This necessarily creates distortion, with a neat effect.

Sample images:

Fisheye lens photos of Fish | Norwegian fjords | Clown by MidjourneyFisheye lens photos of Fish | Norwegian fjords | Clown by MidjourneyFisheye lens photos of Fish | Norwegian fjords | Clown by Midjourney
Fish / Norwegian fjords / clown fisheye lens

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Tiger selfie, fisheye lens
New York City panorama, fisheye lens --ar 3:2
Asteroid, fisheye lens

Best Midjourney prompts: April 2023

The post with best Midjourney prompts from April 2023. Sample images are Midjourney Version 5.

21. “Synthwave [subject]”

Synthwave is a sub-genre of electronic music inspired largely by the 80s’ film and video game culture. It’s closely associated with instantly recognizable visual elements like neon colors, simple geometric shapes, and dark backgrounds. Now you can inject that vibe directly into your images.

Sample images:

Synthwave unicorn | rainbow | skeleton prompts for MidjourneySynthwave unicorn | rainbow | skeleton prompts for MidjourneySynthwave unicorn | rainbow | skeleton prompts for Midjourney
Synthwave unicorn / rainbow / skeleton

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Synthwave motorcycle racing into the sunset --ar 3:2
Sunset over a city, synthwave --ar 3:2
Space shuttle, synthwave --ar 2:3

22. “Needlepoint [subject]”

Needlepoint is all about stitching patterns into a rigid canvas with rows of openings spaced at regular intervals. It’s a bit like painting a picture pixel by pixel. Midjourney mimics this look with whatever subject you choose.

Sample images:

Needlepoint flower / Robocop / snake generated in MidjourneyNeedlepoint flower / Robocop / snake generated in MidjourneyNeedlepoint flower / Robocop / snake generated in Midjourney
Needlepoint flower / Robocop / snake

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Needlepoint Superman logo
Kitten in a scarf, potrait, needlepoint
Tetris game, needlepoint --ar 2:3

23. “Ukiyo-e [subject]”

Ukiyo-e (“pictures of the floating world”) had its heyday in Japan from the 17th to the 19th century. Ukiyo-e artists depicted scenes of everyday life and nature in a distinct, cartoonish style. In Midjourney, the modifier is powerful enough to generate that traditional Japanese aesthetic without any additional descriptors.

Sample images:

Ukiyo-e mansion / bicycle / river in MidjourneyUkiyo-e mansion / bicycle / river in MidjourneyUkiyo-e mansion / bicycle / river in Midjourney
Ukiyo-e mansion / bicycle / river

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Quiet village, dusk, ukiyo-e --ar 3:2
Ukiyo-e waterfall --ar 2:3
Woman holding an umbrella, ukiyo-e --ar 2:3

24. “[Subject], caricature”

You know what a caricature is. Exaggerated features. Funny expressions. Cartoonish depictions mocking your mortal enemy. The lot. This modifier should mostly be used for people, creatures, and characters. You can try applying it to inanimate objects, but Midjourney might just give them a face instead.

Sample images:

Monster / ninja / rhino caricatures from MidjourneyMonster / ninja / rhino caricatures from MidjourneyMonster / ninja / rhino caricatures from Midjourney
Monster / ninja / rhino caricature

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Yoda caricature
Batman caricature
Pope Francis caricature

25. “Monochrome [subject], [color]”

Monochrome images rely on just one dominant color. Using “monochrome” combined with your color of choice is how you create that effect in Midjourney. Cool for branding purposes or just seeing if you can turn tomatoes purple and cucumbers red. It’s your life.

Sample images:

Monochrome pumpkin, blue / dragon, pink / pig, black from MidjourneyMonochrome pumpkin, blue / dragon, pink / pig, black from MidjourneyMonochrome pumpkin, blue / dragon, pink / pig, black from Midjourney
Monochrome pumpkin, blue / dragon, pink / pig, black

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Monochrome disco ball, silver
Monochrome Ferrari, gold --ar 3:2
Shiny diamond, monochrome, blue

Best Midjourney Prompts: May 2023

This May 2023 edition has wacky Midjourney terms with a strong effect. Sample images are Midjourney V5.1.

26. “Creepypasta [subject]”

Creepypasta is the online equivalent of spooky stories told around a campfire. Using just this single modifier in your Midjourney prompt is powerful enough to horror up the entire scene. Really fun for setting an eerie mood.

Sample images:

Creepypasta mansion / tree / boat MidjourneyCreepypasta mansion / tree / boat MidjourneyCreepypasta mansion / tree / boat Midjourney
Creepypasta mansion / tree / boat

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Creepypasta, abandoned Victorian asylum at night, dramatic lighting --ar 3:2
The Simpsons family, creepypasta --ar 3:2
Creepypasta futuristic, dystopian skyscraper --ar 2:3

27. “Maximalist [subject]”

Maximalism, as the name would suggest, is a counter-minimalist movement. In art, it’s usually associated with an excess of decorative details, eclectic colors, etc. The way Midjourney treats this prompt is by cramming as many related items into your image as it can get away with. Realistic? Nope. Fun? You bet!

Sample images:

Maximalist football / zoo / market images from MidjourneyMaximalist football / zoo / market images from MidjourneyMaximalist football / zoo / market images from Midjourney
Maximalist football / zoo / market

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Maximalist flea market --ar 3:2
Maximalist mansion, saturated colors --ar 2:3
Aquarium with colorful tropical fish, maximalist --ar 3:2

28. “Kurzgesagt [subject]”

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell is one of my all-time favorite YouTube channels. They do science-based deep dives into all sorts of topics and are known for their unique visual style. With this prompt, Midjourney mimics the style impressively well and can kurzgesagtify any scene of your choosing.

Sample images:

Kurzgesagt mars colony / valley / cactus imagesKurzgesagt mars colony / valley / cactus imagesKurzgesagt mars colony / valley / cactus images
Kurzgesagt mars colony / valley / cactus

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Kurzgesagt atoms and molecules
Kurzgesagt Moon landing, rocket --ar 3:2
Detailed schmatics for a robot, Kurzgesagt --ar 2:3

29. “Kaleidoscopic [subject]”

I find kaleidoscopes quite fascinating. They’re just simple plastic tubes with mirrors and a bunch of cheap colored materials inside, yet the resulting patterns are always fresh, vibrant, and mesmerizing. Midjourney runs your subjects through a virtual kaleidoscope, with awesome results.

Sample images:

Kaleidoscopic car / party / tower images from MidjourneyKaleidoscopic car / party / tower images from MidjourneyKaleidoscopic car / party / tower images from Midjourney
Kaleidoscopic car / party / tower

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Kaleidoscopic nightclub dance floor, neon lights --ar 3:2
Kaleidoscopic dream, vivid colors, surreal
Kaleidoscopic Formula 1 race, dramatic lighting --ar 3:2

30. “Discombobulate [subject]”

Despite sounding like a knock-off Harry Potter spell, “discombobulate” is a legit term. It means to disorient or cause confusion. In Midjourney, this prompt adds all sorts of over-the-top, surreal details to your subject, giving it a Dr. Seussian feel. (See Shane McGeehan’s advanced tips for using it with stronger prompt weights.)

Sample images:

Discombobulate biycycle / park / robot MJ promptsDiscombobulate biycycle / park / robot MJ promptsDiscombobulate biycycle / park / robot MJ prompts
Discombobulate biycycle / park / robot

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Modern bedroom, discombobulate --ar 3:2
Discombobulate parachute jump
Discombobulate steam engine --ar 5:4

Best Midjourney Prompts: June 2023

This edition was all about the “-core” terms with a unique aesthetic. Sample images are Midjourney V5.2.

31. “Dreamcore [subject]”

Dreamcore explores the surreal by trying to capture the feeling of dreaming using vibrant colors, weird shapes, and out-of-place objects. Midjourney also likes to add glowing sources of light when you use this term.

Sample images:

Midjourney results for dreamcore + lamp, panda, tractorMidjourney results for dreamcore + lamp, panda, tractorMidjourney results for dreamcore + lamp, panda, tractor
Dreamcore lamp / panda / tractor

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Dreamcore star constellation --ar 3:2
Dreamcore lava lamp, close-up --ar 2:3
Dreamcore forest, mythical creatures --ar 3:2

32. “Cluttercore [subject]”

Contrary to what the name may suggest, cluttercore isn’t simply about random clutter. Instead, it’s a counter-minimalist movement that involves displaying objects you find meaningful in a way that might look busy but lets you highlight your individualism. “Organized mess” is a pretty great way to describe it.

Sample images:

Midjourney prompt results for cluttercore + room, toys, and shelvesMidjourney prompt results for cluttercore + room, toys, and shelvesMidjourney prompt results for cluttercore + room, toys, and shelves
Cluttercore room / toys / shelves

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Cluttercore pencil case --ar 3:2
Cluttercore Barbie dolls --ar 2:3
Cluttercore fridge full of products --ar 2:3

33. “Sparklecore [subject]”

Sparklecore is all about glitter, vibrant colors, and sparkly things. In Midjourney, the term tends to produce busy, lively scenes that are full of life and evoke positive emotions. It’s definitely a “feel good” prompt.

Sample images:

Midjourney result for "sparklecore" + party, flowers, and jungleMidjourney result for "sparklecore" + party, flowers, and jungleMidjourney result for "sparklecore" + party, flowers, and jungle
Sparklecore party / flowers / jungle

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Unicorn dancing, sparklecore --ar 3:2
Sparklecore giant tree in the jungle --ar 2:3
Sparklecore basketball, black background, product shot

34. “Glitchcore [subject]”

Glitchcore involves ordinary scenes and subjects getting interspersed with random lines, geometrical shapes, flashing patterns, and so on, often reminiscent of the “columns of code” visual from The Matrix.

Sample images:

MJ results for glitchcore + traffic, farm, and officeMJ results for glitchcore + traffic, farm, and officeMJ results for glitchcore + traffic, farm, and office
Glitchcore traffic / farm / office

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Glitchcore clockwork, yellow tint
Glitchcore book pages, colorful illustrations --ar 3:2
Glitchcore hologram of Abraham Lincoln, neon wireframe --ar 2:3

35. “Cartooncore [subject]”

Cartooncore is a bit more specific than just “cartoon.” It normaly refers to the contemporary, Western cartoon aesthetic popularized by shows on Netflix, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and the like. In Midjourney, you often (but not always) get similar results by using “cartoon” or “cartooncore” interchangeably.

Sample images:

Midjourney results for the prompt with cartooncore + tower, laser, and beachMidjourney results for the prompt with cartooncore + tower, laser, and beachMidjourney results for the prompt with cartooncore + tower, laser, and beach
Cartooncore tower / laser / beach

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Cartooncore rat in a trenchcoat --ar 2:3
Cartooncore submarine --ar 3:2
Busy office, cartooncore --ar 3:2

Best Midjourney Prompts: July 2023

July 2023 collection of the best Midjourney prompt ideas. Sample images are Midjourney V5.2.

36. “Stained glass [subject]”

You’re most likely to have seen stained glass in vibrant scenes on church windows. That’s what it’s primarily used for. But anything made from colorful (or “stained”) glass pieces technically qualifies. Midjourney’s great at replicating that signature look.

Sample images:

Stained glass flower / kangaroo / train prompt in MJStained glass flower / kangaroo / train prompt in MJStained glass flower / kangaroo / train prompt in MJ
Stained glass flower / kangaroo / train

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Stained glass solar system
Stained glass palm tree --ar 2:3
Stained glass steamboat --ar 3:2

37. “[Subject] concept sheet”

Often used for character design, a concept sheet typically contains multiple sketches of the main subject from different angles, in different poses, etc. Midjourney can successfully apply this to any term with neat results. The output isn’t consistent enough to have practical applications without further editing, but it’s fun to play with and may offer some inspiration.

Sample images:

Motorbike / vase / robot concept sheet MJ promptsMotorbike / vase / robot concept sheet MJ promptsMotorbike / vase / robot concept sheet MJ prompts
Motorbike / vase / robot concept sheet

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Synthesizer concept sheet --ar 3:2
Metallic woolly mammoth concept sheet --ar 3:2
Futuristic toy soldier, concept sheet --ar 3:2

38. “Fractal [subject]”

In art and colloquial use, fractals refer to objects drawn by repeating, “self-similar” patterns. While resulting Midjourney images cannot be strictly classified as fractal art, they’re definitely inspired by it. Using “fractal” as a modifier tends to create trippy and artistically pleasing structures.

Sample images:

Prompts of Fractal bonfire / table / treePrompts of Fractal bonfire / table / treePrompts of Fractal bonfire / table / tree
Fractal bonfire / table / tree

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Fractal fireworks
Fractal tower --ar 2:3
Fractal hurricane --ar 3:2

39. “[Subject] movie still”

This does lots of things at once: makes the image look photographic, adds cinematic lighting, and usually injects drama, emotion, or action into the scene. In short, your chosen subject will end up looking like a still from a movie. Go figure.

Sample images:

Image results for MJ prompt of Heist / singing / car chase movie stillImage results for MJ prompt of Heist / singing / car chase movie stillImage results for MJ prompt of Heist / singing / car chase movie still
Heist / singing / car chase movie still

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Intense bar fight, cinematic lighting, movie still --ar 16:9
Best friends grilling, movie still --ar 16:9
Underwater exploration, movie still --ar 16:9

40. “[Subject] mandala”

While mandalas have a deeper spiritual meaning in several Eastern religions, in art terms they are instantly recognizable geometric arrangements popularized by mandala coloring books. They tend to have a single object in the center, surrounded by repeating motifs that spread outward and roughly form a circle. Midjourney is great at creating mandalas out of whatever you throw at it.

Sample images:

Solar system / donut / gear mandala in MidjourneySolar system / donut / gear mandala in MidjourneySolar system / donut / gear mandala in Midjourney
Solar system / donut / gear mandala

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Signs of the zodiac, mandala
Compass, mandala
Shiny crystals, mandala

Best Midjourney Prompts: August 2023

The August 2023 list of best prompts for Midjourney. Sample images are Midjourney V5.2.

41. “[Subject], pareidolia”

Pareidolia is the human mind’s tendency to see faces in all sorts of inanimate objects. Using it in your Midjourney prompt will end up anthropomorphizing your subject and giving it a face. Some results are way too wacky, but some can almost pass for a true instance of pareidolia.

Sample images:

Car / socket / clock pareidolia results in MidjourneyCar / socket / clock pareidolia results in MidjourneyCar / socket / clock pareidolia results in Midjourney
Car / socket / clock pareidolia

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Cave pareidolia
Bush pareidolia
Button pareidolia

42. “[Subject], vector art”

Vector graphics are all about using geometric shapes to create images. The practical benefit of actual vector art is that it can scale without becoming pixelated (because pixels are not involved). You can’t expect to get this effect directly out of Midjourney, but it does kind of mimic the “vector” look.

Sample images:

Saturn / toy truck / watch vector art MJ prompt resultsSaturn / toy truck / watch vector art MJ prompt resultsSaturn / toy truck / watch vector art MJ prompt results
Saturn / toy truck / watch vector art

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Beach sunset, vector art --ar 3:2
Clock tower, vector art --ar 2:3
Zebra vector art

43. “[Subject], 3D rendering”

3D rendering takes 3D models as input and turns them into a 2D image, complete with any required stylization effects. Midjourney tends to spit out Pixar-like scenes for animal prompts and computer game graphics for inanimate objects. (But it’s not a precise science.)

Sample images:

Midjourney results for warrior / koala / locomotive 3D rendering promptMidjourney results for warrior / koala / locomotive 3D rendering promptMidjourney results for warrior / koala / locomotive 3D rendering prompt
Warrior / koala / locomotive 3D rendering

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Lunar lander, 3D rendering --ar 4:5
Whale, 3D rendering
Subway train, 3D rendering --ar 3:2

44. “Claymation [subject]”

As you might expect, claymation (aka clay animation) is when you use clay to…uh…animate stuff. It’s behind lots of stop-motion movies and series. Midjourney tends to be very good at producing clay-like figures and scenes for this prompt.

Sample images:

Carousel / turtle / violin claymation prompt.Carousel / turtle / violin claymation prompt.Carousel / turtle / violin claymation prompt.
Carousel / turtle / violin claymation

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

The Simpsons, claymation --ar 3:2
Umbrella, claymation --ar 2:3
Tulip, claymation

45. “[Subject], graffiti illustration”

Using “graffiti” as a prompt modifier by itself is usually enough, but it does sometimes make subjects appear real-yet-graffiti-colored. Adding “illustration” at the end helps to reduce those types of results.

Sample images:

Bunny / explosion / karate graffiti illustration images in MJBunny / explosion / karate graffiti illustration images in MJBunny / explosion / karate graffiti illustration images in MJ
Bunny / explosion / karate graffiti illustration

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Space travel, graffiti illustration --ar 3:2
Futuristic cityscape, graffiti illustration --ar 3:2
Sci-fi helmet, graffiti illustration

Best Midjourney Prompts: September 2023

The September 2023 edition with Midjourney prompt ideas focused on logo design. Sample images are Midjourney V5.2.

46. “[Subject], emblem logo”

Emblem logos hark back to the old days of royal crests and seals. They feature brand-related imagery and text embedded in a geometric shape. Great for giving your brand an air of importance.

Sample images:

Coffee shop / insurance company / sports club, emblem logo promptCoffee shop / insurance company / sports club, emblem logo promptCoffee shop / insurance company / sports club, emblem logo prompt
Coffee shop / insurance company / sports club, emblem logo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

bank, emblem logo
construction firm, emblem logo
university, emblem logo

47. “[Subject], mascot logo”

Picking the right mascot is perhaps the most effective way to communicate your brand’s personality. Try combining your brand’s company type with your chosen animal and watch Midjourney get creative.

Sample images:

Airline eagle / fire department elephant / tuxedo shop penguin mascot logo promptsAirline eagle / fire department elephant / tuxedo shop penguin mascot logo promptsAirline eagle / fire department elephant / tuxedo shop penguin mascot logo prompts
Airline eagle / fire department elephant / tuxedo shop penguin mascot logo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

plumber alligator, mascot logo
police, german shepherd, mascot logo
travel agent, whooping crane

48. “[Subject], minimal line logo”

As you might guess, this Midjourney logo prompt results in images drawn with clean lines and fewer embellishments. This gives your logo a more understated, simple feel.

Sample images:

Bank / supermarket / car mechanic minimal line logo promptsBank / supermarket / car mechanic minimal line logo promptsBank / supermarket / car mechanic minimal line logo prompts
Bank / supermarket / car mechanic minimal line logo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

swimming pool, minimal line logo
blacksmith, minimal line logo
lawyer, minimal line logo

49. “[Subject], abstract mark logo”

This makes Midjourney use abstract forms and shapes to represent your brand. This results in less predictable outcomes than the other Midjourney logo prompts, but it’s perfect as a source of unexpected inspiration.

Sample images:

Cleaning services / tailor / gardener abstract mark logo promptsCleaning services / tailor / gardener abstract mark logo promptsCleaning services / tailor / gardener abstract mark logo prompts
Cleaning services / tailor / gardener abstract mark logo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Restaurant, abstract mark logo
Bus, abstract mark logo
Moving firm, abstract mark logo

50. “[Subject], gradient logo”

Gradients are all about complementary colors fading into each other smoothly. This prompt uses the gradient effect to come up with colorful logos that are bound to catch people’s attention.

Sample images:

Power plant / music teacher / tennis coach gradient logo promptsPower plant / music teacher / tennis coach gradient logo promptsPower plant / music teacher / tennis coach gradient logo prompts
Power plant / music teacher / tennis coach gradient logo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Gym, gradient logo
Taxi, gradient logo
Kindergarten, gradient logo

Best Midjourney Prompts: October 2023

The October 2023 edition. Sample images are Midjourney V5.2.

51. “[Subject] Polaroid photo”

Well, it’s, uh, a Polaroid photo. You know? Instant cameras. Only one copy of any given photo. Muted colors. The lot. Here’s what that does in Midjourney:

Sample images:

Teens on bikes / nightclub party / cat in a tree polaroid photo MJ promptsTeens on bikes / nightclub party / cat in a tree polaroid photo MJ promptsTeens on bikes / nightclub party / cat in a tree polaroid photo MJ prompts
Teens on bikes / nightclub party / cat in a tree polaroid photo

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Happy family, polaroid photo
Birthday celebration, polaroid photo
Disney World, polaroid photo

52. “[Subject] pop art”

Pop art originally revolved around the inclusion of imagery from popular culture. You’re likely familiar with Andy Warhol’s work that popularized the movement. In Midjourney, this prompt makes your images look like funky colorful posters.

Sample images:

Butterfly / bonfire / watering can pop art Midjourney imagesButterfly / bonfire / watering can pop art Midjourney imagesButterfly / bonfire / watering can pop art Midjourney images
Butterfly / bonfire / watering can pop art

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Cityscape, pop art --ar 3:2
Film poster, pop art --ar 2:3
Gorilla portrait, pop art

53. “[Subject] tattoo design, white background”

This turns your subject or scene into a tattoo mockup. Adding the “design” qualifier prevents Midjourney from returning a photographic image of an actual tattoo on a person’s arm. The “white background” keeps things clean. You can optionally add “black ink” to guarantee the non-colorful classic look.

Sample images:

Abstract / compass / snake tattoo designs in MJAbstract / compass / snake tattoo designs in MJAbstract / compass / snake tattoo designs in MJ
Abstract / compass / snake tattoo design, white background

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Dragon, tattoo design, white background --ar 2:3
Skull, tattoo design, white background
Tribal tattoo design, white background

54. “[Subject] Origami”

Origami is about turning simple sheets of paper into complex creations. But it’s not just for paper cranes. Midjourney can transform pretty much anything into origami art. Bonus: No trees are harmed in the process.

Sample images:

Tulip / Deadpool / windmill Origami by MidjourneyTulip / Deadpool / windmill Origami by MidjourneyTulip / Deadpool / windmill Origami by Midjourney
Tulip / Deadpool / windmill Origami

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Fruit bowl origami
Sunflower origami --ar 2:3
Steam locomotive origami --ar 3:2

55. “[Subject] sticker”

This prompt converts your subject into a sticker-like image. Midjourney even tends to add the typical white border around the edges of the resulting picture. Who knows, you might even end up printing them?

Sample images:

Ukraine / letter A / sunflower hedgehog stickers in MidjourneyUkraine / letter A / sunflower hedgehog stickers in MidjourneyUkraine / letter A / sunflower hedgehog stickers in Midjourney
Ukraine / letter A / sunflower hedgehog sticker

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Burger sticker
Pixar puppy sticker
Magic wand sticker --ar 2:3

Best Midjourney Prompts: November 2023

The November 2023 “subjectless” edition. Sample images are Midjourney V5.2.

56. “[material / color / shape] texture”

This creates a textured pattern in the chosen material, color, shape, etc.

Sample images:

Pink leather, shiny steel, red plastic zigzags texturesPink leather, shiny steel, red plastic zigzags texturesPink leather, shiny steel, red plastic zigzags textures
Pink leather / shiny steel / red plastic zigzags texture

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

orange velvet texture
purple fabric texture
neon metal texture

57. “[colors / shapes] color field painting”

Color field paintings are usually made up of a few unbroken dominant colors, where the colors themselves are the main subject of the image.

Sample images:

Color field painting, green and blue / blue and black triangle / teal and orangeColor field painting, green and blue / blue and black triangle / teal and orangeColor field painting, green and blue / blue and black triangle / teal and orange
Color field painting, green and blue / blue and black triangle / teal and orange

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Color field painting, red and yellow spiral
Color field painting, purple and gray rectangles
Color field painting, white and pink

58. “[colors / shapes] op art”

Op art (short for “optical art”) is characterized by artworks that create an illusion of movement, warping patterns, and the like. Classic op art is black and white, but you can very much experiment with colors.

Sample images:

Red and brown dots / white and grey checkered / yellow and purple op artRed and brown dots / white and grey checkered / yellow and purple op artRed and brown dots / white and grey checkered / yellow and purple op art
Red and brown dots / white and grey checkered / yellow and purple op art

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Green and blue op art
Rainbow op art
Navy blue splatter op art

59. “[colors / shapes] geometric background”

This prompt tends to create neat patterns containing the chosen colors and shapes. You can use these as image backdrops or wallpaper for your desktop.

Sample images:

Teal and brown triangles / blue squares / red dots geometric backgroundTeal and brown triangles / blue squares / red dots geometric backgroundTeal and brown triangles / blue squares / red dots geometric background
Teal and brown triangles / blue squares / red dots geometric background

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Purple bubbles geometric background
Black and white spirals geometric background
Green and yellow geometric background

60. “[colors / shapes] desktop wallpaper”

Midjourney must have plenty of desktop wallpapers in its training, and it’s great at using this prompt to create patterns that work well as desktop backgrounds.

Sample images:

Neon bubbles / brown leather / rainbow hexagons desktop wallpaperNeon bubbles / brown leather / rainbow hexagons desktop wallpaperNeon bubbles / brown leather / rainbow hexagons desktop wallpaper
Neon bubbles / brown leather / rainbow hexagons desktop wallpaper

Copy-paste prompt ideas:

Green cubes desktop wallpaper --ar 16:9
Orange and pink waves desktop wallpaper --ar 16:9
White and grey stars desktop wallpaper --ar 16:9

Why Try AI? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.


Prompting in Midjourney & elsewhere

Here are a few other articles I’ve written about prompts for text-to-image models:


“Why Try AI” is 100% free to read. No content paywalls or other pay-to-access features.

But you can help support my work through an optional paid subscription. It’s like buying me a fancy cup of coffee once a month. If you do, thank you!