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Since its release, MidJourney has quickly become a darling of users and visual art creators. But some still need help with using MidJourney or the image generator’s different features. So here’s everything you need to know about MidJourney, OpenAI’s main rival to DALL-E.
MidJourney is a system with almost the same operation as DALL-E. It is powered by artificial intelligence and is used to create images from the textual description, also known as “prompts “. In other words, it is a text-to-image AI, a system whose primary purpose is to generate a more artistic image. Unlike OpenAI’s DALL-E, which focuses on the realism of its results, MidJourney focuses on the artistic side.
How to use MidJourney?
MidJourney does not work as a web application. Users must register on the website to utilize the system’s functionality. Once you receive your invite, you will have access to a bot to which you will send your invites. The bot in question, called Discord, will deliver the corresponding image to the prompts for an inevitable delay.
Free and paid access
For your information, Discord works similarly to Slack. And it is accessible on mobile and computer via classic browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. The real downside with MidJourney is that with free access, you have a trial version. The chat room in which you interact is, therefore, trendy. However, this is a way to see how MidJourney generates images from previous prompts from other users. For a better user experience, opt for a monthly subscription of 10 euros. Thus, you benefit from a room and a private conversation with your Discord bot.
Image generation time
Otherwise, as far as the AI generates the images, the system will take less than an hour to reveal the first thumbnail. Compared to DALL-E turnaround time, MidJourney is half as fast. On the other hand, any user can watch MidJourney do its job and generate the images gradually. That is, from the initial thumbnails to the final thumbnails.
Download thumbnails
After generating the final thumbnails, you can download the images, although they are only in small format (256 px). But since this is only an initial release, each user can optimize the image quality by scaling it according to their needs. Note that this step will be paid separately and will last about one minute.
Creating Different Variations for a MidJourney Image
Another cool feature of MidJourney: is the ability to create multiple variations for a single image. It is a parameter that DALL-E does not have and allows up to four different images to be obtained with a single prompt. And for 10 euros per month, it is more than enough to create up to more than 600 variations for only 200 invites.
The kind of images that can be created with MidJourney
MidJourney can generate more creative and detailed images for those who don’t know yet. At least, that’s what the system can do today because before, it was combined with a specific type of image, mainly highly decorated, even fractal images.
90% photo-realistic images
Today, we have access to version 3 of MidJourney. Updates have been made, and the system has gained power and adaptability. It allows it to generate less striking images than before.
MidJourney does not take ordinary photos. Instead, he creates works of art. The images generated by this machine-learning model are out of the ordinary and considered authentic pieces of CGI (computer-generated imagery). Some even say there is authenticity between real photographs or photos that have passed a Photoshop treatment and the images that MidJourney generates, which are ultra-sharp and ultra-detailed. But how is it?
MidJourney’s training allowed him to understand all of the technical lingo of photography. Hence its ability to reproduce the atmosphere, lighting and exposure desired by each user.
Visual art, 2D illustrations and painting
MidJourney is about more than just being able to create more artistic images. It also can refer to historical art styles and masterpieces from centuries before to generate images such as paintings, abstract and 2D illustrations, and digital and analogue sketches.
Creation of 3D illustrations
To end the possible uses of MidJourney, art creators, both individuals and professionals, can use the system to create 3D illustrations. Its ability to generate ultra-sharp images allows it to scale complex ornaments and any other style of the 3D image.
The most significant advantages of MidJourney
We haven’t stopped saying for a while now that the images generated by the MidJourney Generating AI look better than those of its competitors. And even with just one prompt, users could get several different art-quality variations.
At the same time, the system adds anthropomorphic features to each image. What is not possible with DALL-E, which boils down to the instructions provided by the users? In other words, MidJourney is more coherent and informative. On the other hand, there is a minor drawback which, in most cases, causes the system to ignore the styles requested by the user. MidJourney prioritizes the beauty of its images. And this without really being interested, although in most cases, in the practical side.
Otherwise, we can access several styles to obtain a thumbnail that best approaches the expected results. Added to this is the fact that the styles only marry somewhat. And if we were to register the same prompt, it is possible to obtain another result quite different from the previous one.
Auto-saving of thumbnails is enabled by default on MidJourney. It allows the content to be downloaded later without restrictions. It is not the case with DALL-E, which only allows downloading the last 50 thumbnails. Unless you manually upload each artwork.
The regulations that govern the use of MidJourney
MidJourney imposes a limitation, especially on the level of the type of images generated. The system excludes everything related to images that can cause discomfort for users, particularly images presenting violence and especially content considered sexual. As for other styles of images, including illness and health, public figures, and political content, there is no constraint.
So there is more openness at MidJourney than at OpenAI. For example, if you want to create an image of a super soldier, political illustration or health-related content, it is best to use MidJourney.
How do I log in and access MidJourney? Our beginner’s guide
MidJourney uses Discord for inserting prompts. But it is not recommended to have a Discord account to access MidJourney.
MidJourney Getting Started Guide
First, you have two options: go directly to the Discord server and participate in the beta version of Midjourney or use your private server. Otherwise, you can directly go to https://discord.com/invite/midjourney and wait for the invitation email.
Enter your prompt
Once on the MidJourney Discord server, you can join available beginner channels. At this point, everything will happen in the “Message” field. First, enter the command /imagine, then press “Space “. This manipulation will allow you to activate the “Prompt” parameter and enter your text description.
For example, you can type”/imagine a prompt little girl with a rabbit” to get an image of a cute girl with a little rabbit. MidJourney will, from this prompt, generate four different thumbnails. For your information, you can enter simple and more complex prompts.
Thumbnail scaling
Once the image is generated, buttons appear below: U1, U2, U3 and U4. Each button corresponds to a precise scaling. You have to choose the one that suits you. The default image size is 512 x 512 px. But we can scale them to a resolution of 1024 x 1024 px or even 1664 x 1664 px.