Getting Started with Midjourney v6: Your First Steps and Key Features
- kylixie
- Apr 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Midjourney v6 changes how you create images. It's different from earlier versions. This guide covers what's new and how to start prompting effectively. We'll look at basic setup, key settings, and the buttons you see after generating images.
Starting with Midjourney v6
To use Midjourney v6, first check your settings. Use the `/settings` command in Discord. See which model is set as the default. If V6 isn't default, you can add [--v6] or [--v6.0] at the end of your prompt each time. Or set it as your default for all prompts.
Basic Arguments in V6
One important setting you can use is [--ar]. This controls the aspect ratio, meaning the shape of your image. It sets if the image is wider or taller. The default is a 1:1 ratio, which makes a square image, like 1024x1024 pixels. If you use a wider aspect ratio, like 16:9, the image gets wider but shorter in the other dimension (e.g., 1456x816 pixels). The aspect ratio changes the dimensions but doesn't make the image larger in total pixels. Upscaling does that, which we'll discuss later.
Understanding the Image Grid Buttons
After you generate a grid of four images in V6, you'll see several buttons below. If you've used Midjourney before, these might look familiar. If not, here’s a quick overview:
[B]U Buttons (U1, U2, U3, U4):[/B] These let you select one image from the grid. Pressing one doesn't actually upscale the image size in V6 yet; it just gives you that image separately along with new buttons for that single image. The numbers 1 through 4 match the position of the image in the grid (top left is 1, top right is 2, bottom left is 3, bottom right is 4).
[B]Reroll Button (Refresh icon):[/B] This button runs your exact prompt again. It usually changes the 'seed' value behind the scenes, giving you a new set of images based on the same prompt. Be aware that doing this uses more Fast GPU time, so use it wisely.
[B]V Buttons (V1, V2, V3, V4):[/B] These create variations of a specific image from the grid. Like the U buttons, the numbers match the image position. Pressing a V button gives you a new grid where the images are similar to the one you selected but with differences.
Both the Reroll and V buttons can work with the Remix feature if you have it enabled in your settings (`/settings`). Remix lets you edit the prompt text before generating the new images or variations. If Remix is off, Midjourney just generates new images based on the current prompt without asking for input.
As you work with multiple prompts and variations, keeping track of everything can be complex. The Midjourney Automation Suite from TitanXT can help by automating parts of this workflow, making it easier to manage your generated images and experiments at scale.
Working with Upscaled Images in V6
Once you've selected a single image (by pressing U), you'll see a new set of buttons below it. V6 doesn't have all the features that V5.2 did yet, but more are planned.
[B]Upscale Buttons (Subtle, Creative):[/B] Currently, V6 offers two ways to upscale. Both give you a 2048x2048 pixel image. 'Subtle' aims to keep the image very close to the original. 'Creative' might make slight changes to details. There isn't a 4X upscale option in V6 right now.
[B]Variation Buttons (Very Subtle, Very Strong):[/B] Similar to the V buttons on the original grid, these create variations based on the single image. 'Very Strong' gives you more noticeable changes than 'Very Subtle'.
[B]Heart Button (Heart icon):[/B] This marks the image as a favorite on the Midjourney website. It helps you find your preferred images later.
[B]Web Button (Globe icon):[/B] This opens the image on the Midjourney website. It's one way to view or download your image. Some users prefer opening the image directly in their browser from Discord for easier access to the full size.
Navigating V6 Challenges and Finding Workarounds
Some features like Pan, Zoom, and Vary Region are not yet in v6. This means you might need different approaches to get the results you want. For example, controlling the composition (like getting a close-up or a full shot of a person) can be trickier.
Photography terms that worked before might not have the same effect. One way to try and get less close-up images is to use negative prompting, adding `[--no closeup]` to your prompt. This can help zoom out the view slightly. Playing with aspect ratios can also help, like using a taller aspect ratio to make more space for a full body shot.
Sometimes, surprising details in your prompt can influence the outcome. For instance, adding details about a person's shoes could unexpectedly help generate images showing the whole person or even influence the image's art style (like shifting from photography style to painted style). Experimenting is key, and sometimes simple details have unexpected results.
Dealing with these little quirks and finding workarounds takes time. For users running many experiments or managing large numbers of images, automating certain tasks can be a big help. The Midjourney Automation Suite from TitanXT is designed to assist with managing your Midjourney workflow, allowing you to focus more on creativity.
Conclusion
Midjourney v6 brings changes to the image creation process. Understanding how to set it up, use basic arguments like aspect ratio, and work with the buttons on the image grid and upscaled views are your first steps. While some familiar features are not yet present, experimenting with current tools and workarounds can still lead to great results. Keep experimenting and finding what works best for you in V6.
There's much more to learn about V6, including advanced features. We'll explore those in future tips. If you've discovered your own helpful tips or workarounds for V6, share them in the comments!
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