How to Use Midjourney V8 Like a Pro
V8.2 is the default. Aspect ratios, stylization, style reference, Personalization, and the Edit Model that replaced the old reference stack.
Earlier snapshot: How to use Midjourney v6.1.
The default Midjourney model in 2026 is V8.2. Midjourney’s version docs describe V8.2 as the default, with a focus on aesthetics, image quality, and Personalization, plus an Edit Model that replaced Omni Reference, Character Reference, and Retexture.
Midjourney is paid (from $10/month on our matrix). There is no free consumer tier.
Use the Midjourney website. Typing /imagine in Discord is leftover muscle memory.
1. Aspect ratios (--ar)
Default generations are square. Put --ar at the end of the prompt:
- Widescreen:
--ar 16:9 - Vertical (Reels / Shorts):
--ar 9:16 - Portrait:
--ar 4:5
Example: a cyberpunk city at night --ar 16:9
2. Stylization (--s)
Midjourney has a house look. Turn stylization down if you want a raw photograph that follows the prompt; turn it up if you want the model to paint.
- Low (
--s 0–100): stricter prompt, less “MJ gloss” - High (
--s 250–1000): more artistic liberty
3. Style reference (--sref)
To steal a palette, lighting, or vibe from an existing image, add --sref plus that image URL.
4. Personalization (--p)
Rate images on the site. --p then biases new jobs toward your taste instead of the default aesthetic.
5. Edit Model
Need a character, object, or texture to survive a new prompt? That job moved into the Edit Model. Do not hunt for the old Omni / Character Reference flags.
Capability rows: /tools/midjourney. Free image tools live in Top 5 free AI image generators.