Midjourney is a popular app for its amazing AI-generated images created with text prompts. However, most users don’t know that you can modify existing images in Midjourney by refining their quality, improving or changing their appearance with artistic precision. If you’re looking to alter the background, adjust the lighting, or give your photos an entirely new look, Midjourney’s editing tools let you do it in just a few steps.
In this post, we’ll guide you through how to edit a photo in Midjourney as well as provide the tools you can use and offer expert advice for achieving professional-quality outcomes.
What is Midjourney?
Midjourney is an AI-powered image generation tool that creates stunning visuals from text prompts. By describing what you want in words, Midjourney uses artificial intelligence to turn your ideas into realistic or artistic images. It operates mainly through Discord, allowing users to generate, edit, and remix images for creative projects, digital art, and design. Its advanced AI models make it a favourite among artists, designers, and creators seeking unique and professional-quality visuals.
How to Edit a Photo in Midjourney: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
1. Understanding Photo Editing in Midjourney
Contrary to conventional photo editors like Photoshop and Lightroom, Midjourney doesn’t use manual sliders or brushes. Instead, it uses AI-based prompts. Upload your image and explain the modifications in terms – the AI then interprets your request and creates a fresh version of the image.
The editing process in Midjourney is based on an approach often called “image prompting” or “image remixing.” This allows users to blend their existing photo with a photo to guide the AI’s change.
In essence, you’re not editing pixels; you’re making prompt edits to create your image in the language. And also, you can enhance your prompts to get the best result.
2. Uploading a Photo to Midjourney
To start editing, you first need to upload your photo. You can do this on the Midjourney Discord server, where all image generation and editing happen.
Step-by-step:
1. Open Discord and go to a Midjourney server channel (like #newbies-# or your private channel).
2. Upload your photo by dragging it into the chat.
3. Once the image is uploaded, right-click it (or tap and hold on mobile) and copy the image link (it should end with .jpg or .png).
Now that you have the image URL, you can use it in your prompt to start editing.
3. Using Image Prompts for Editing
Once your image is uploaded, you can edit it by combining its link with text prompts.
Example Command:
/imagine prompt <image-link> change the background to a sunset beach, cinematic lighting, ultra realistic
Here’s what’s happening:
<image-link>tells Midjourney which image to edit.- The text prompt describes how you want the AI to modify it.
Midjourney analyzes your uploaded photo and blends it with your described edits. You can also add stylistic or technical descriptors like “high resolution,” “HDR,” “digital painting,” or “realistic photo lighting.”
4. Editing Tools and Parameters in Midjourney
While Midjourney doesn’t have sliders or filters, it offers commands and parameters that let you refine the editing results.
Key Parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
--ar | Sets aspect ratio | --ar 16:9 for widescreen |
--iw | Adjusts image weight (how much the original image influences the final output) | --iw 2 for more photo accuracy |
--v | Chooses the Midjourney model version | --v 6 for the latest model |
--style | Controls artistic style | --style raw for natural look |
--s | Stylization level (how creative the AI gets) | --s 200 for subtle, --s 1000 for artistic |
Pro Tip: If you want to keep the photo realistic and close to the original, use a higher image weight (--iw 2) and lower stylisation (--s 100–300). You can format your prompts and make changes as per your needs.
5. Using the Remix Mode for Direct Edits
Remix Mode is one of Midjourney’s most powerful editing tools. It allows you to modify an already generated image without starting over from scratch.
How to Enable Remix Mode:
- Type
/settingsin any Midjourney channel. - Turn “Remix Mode” ON.
Now, whenever you click “Vary (Strong)” or “Vary (Subtle)” on a generated image, Midjourney will open a prompt box. You can describe the changes you want, such as:
“Replace the background with a mountain landscape”
“Change lighting to soft morning glow”
“Add a person wearing a red jacket”
Midjourney will generate new variations based on your edit instructions.
6. Inpainting: Editing Specific Parts of an Image
As of Midjourney V6, the platform introduced inpainting — the ability to edit or replace specific parts of an image.
How Inpainting Works:
- Generate or upload your image.
- Click “Vary (Region)” on the image grid.
- Select the area you want to change by dragging your mouse.
- Type in a new prompt describing what should replace or modify that area.
For example:
“Replace the sky with storm clouds”
“Change the car color to metallic blue”
Inpainting is perfect for precise photo corrections, like removing objects, changing colors, or updating environments.
7. Tips for Effective Photo Editing in Midjourney
To get professional-quality results, keep these best practices in mind:
a. Use Clear, Descriptive Prompts
Be specific about what you want. Instead of saying “make it beautiful,” say “add cinematic warm lighting and soft focus background.”
b. Control Image Weight
Start with --iw 1 for balanced results. If the AI strays too far from your original photo, increase it to --iw 2 or higher.
c. Keep Aspect Ratios Consistent
If your original photo is 4:3, use the same ratio in your prompt (--ar 4:3) to maintain proportions.
d. Experiment with Styles
Try combining descriptive and stylistic terms, like:
- “ultra-realistic portrait, natural lighting”
- “art deco inspired cityscape, moody tone”
- “fantasy concept art with detailed background”
e. Use Reference Images
You can combine multiple image URLs for style blending:
/imagine prompt <photo-link> <style-reference-link> blend realistic style with watercolor tone.8. Common Use Cases for Photo Editing in Midjourney
Here are some common ways that creators utilize Midjourney to edit photos:
- Background replacement: Replace plain or cluttered backgrounds with beautiful landscapes.
- Light Adjustments: Include cinematic, golden hour, or sombre tones.
- Colour Grading: Colour-grading to match visual themes for branding or for art.
- Style Transfer: Turn real photos into digital paintings or concept art.
- Models of Product: Edit product images to create eCommerce-specific visuals.
- Enhances the appearance of your face: Refine the details of your face, lighting, and mood.
9. Limitations of Photo Editing in Midjourney
Although it is strong, Midjourney isn’t an entirely professional photo editor. There are a few limitations:
- It isn’t possible to perform precise adjustments at the pixel level (e.g., Retouch the appearance of blemishes).
- It can uniquely interpret instructions or abruptly change things.
- The most detailed, extensive edits can require multiple variations before they are perfect.
If you want extreme precision and accuracy, you can use Midjourney to create the initial edit, then refine it in Photoshop or another tool.
Final Thoughts
Editing images using prompts in Midjourney isn’t just about changing the appearance of your photos; it’s about making new images. With simple pictures, text prompts, and a bit of investigation, it is possible to transform images into professional-looking photographs or imaginative interpretations.
If you’re a digital artist and branding professional, using Midjourney to enhance your photos will help you save time, ignite your imagination, and explore new storytelling possibilities.
FAQs About Edit a Photo in Midjourney
1. Can I upload a picture of myself? Can I modify it using Midjourney?
Upload your image and follow the steps to adjust it —for example, the lighting, background, or even the style of your outfit. However, you must adhere to Midjourney’s rules for community members and avoid creating or sharing false content or information.
2. How can I make sure of the authenticity of the picture?
Use the raw style parameter with a higher weight for your images (“iw 2”). Avoid artistic or abstract words in your message.
3. Can I alter a specific part in an image?
If you use the (Vary areas) option, you can alter and select particular areas of your image, for instance, the sky or clothing.
4. Does Midjourney allow background removal?
Yes. Let us know what kind of backdrop you’d prefer, for example, “remove the background, simply white studio lights” — and Midjourney will recreate it to suit your needs.
5. Can I use edited photos commercially?
Midjourney’s paid plans generally allow commercial use of the images they create. But it is essential to understand their current conditions of service to know the rights to use their services.