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How to use imagine command on Midjourney

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

The /imagine command is Midjourney's primary tool for generating AI images. Simply type /imagine followed by a detailed text prompt describing your desired image, then wait for the AI to create four variations.

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Prerequisites

  • Discord account
  • Midjourney subscription
  • Access to a Midjourney Discord server

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Join a Midjourney Discord Server

Navigate to a Midjourney Discord server where you have access. Look for channels labeled #general, #newbies, or any channel where bot commands are allowed. Avoid #showcase or #rules channels.
Use #newbies channels if you're just starting out - they're specifically designed for beginners.
2

Type the Imagine Command

In the message box at the bottom of Discord, type /imagine. You'll see a popup appear with the command suggestion. Click on /imagine prompt from the dropdown menu or press Tab to auto-complete.
The slash (/) is crucial - without it, the command won't work.
3

Write Your Prompt

After /imagine prompt:, write a detailed description of the image you want to create. Be specific about subjects, style, lighting, colors, and composition. For example: /imagine prompt: a majestic golden dragon flying over a medieval castle at sunset, fantasy art style, cinematic lighting
More detailed prompts generally produce better results. Include style references, camera angles, and mood descriptors.
4

Add Parameters (Optional)

Enhance your prompt with parameters like --ar 16:9 for aspect ratio, --v 6 for model version, or --stylize 750 for stylization level. Add these at the end of your prompt: /imagine prompt: your description here --ar 3:2 --v 6
Common aspect ratios are --ar 1:1 (square), --ar 16:9 (widescreen), and --ar 9:16 (portrait).
5

Send the Command

Press Enter to send your command. Midjourney will immediately respond with a message showing your prompt and a progress bar. The bot will display "(Waiting to start)" initially, then show percentage progress as it generates your image.
6

Wait for Generation

Image generation typically takes 1-3 minutes depending on server load. The progress bar will update in real-time. Once complete, you'll see a 2x2 grid with four different variations of your prompt labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Don't send multiple requests rapidly - wait for each one to complete to avoid overwhelming the system.
7

Use Action Buttons

Below the generated image, you'll see action buttons:
U1, U2, U3, U4 - Upscale individual images to higher resolution
V1, V2, V3, V4 - Create variations of specific images
🔄 - Re-roll to generate four completely new variations
Upscaling increases image resolution and adds more detail, while variations create similar images with slight differences.
8

Save Your Results

Click on the upscaled image to view it full-size, then right-click and select Save image as to download it to your device. You can also click the Web button to view the image on Midjourney's website for easier sharing and downloading.
Images are automatically saved to your Midjourney gallery at midjourney.com if you're logged in.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Command not working or no response

Ensure you're typing /imagine with the forward slash in a channel where Midjourney bot has permissions. Check if the bot is online and try a different channel.

Prompt rejected or filtered

Your prompt may contain banned words or concepts. Revise your prompt to remove potentially inappropriate content, violence, or copyrighted material references.

Images stuck at 'Waiting to start'

This indicates high server load. Wait patiently or try again during off-peak hours. Avoid sending multiple requests simultaneously.

Blurry or low-quality results

Use the U buttons to upscale your preferred image, or try adding quality parameters like --q 2 or style parameters to your prompt for better results.

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