Midjourney Versions V1–V7: A Complete Guide (2025)

When I first tried Midjourney in its early versions, I remember being amazed by how it could turn a few words into surreal digital art. But comparing those early results to Version 7 today feels like comparing watercolour sketches to 8K cinema-quality renders.

In the context of Midjourney versions (sometimes also referred to as “model” or “algorithm version”) work much like a software release: it’s a new iteration of the underlying AI model that generates images from your prompts. Each version may introduce improvements in prompt comprehension, image coherence, detail quality, rendering speed, style flexibility, or entirely new features.

Because Midjourney is a subscription-based, cloud-hosted service (primarily via Discord), users can often choose which version to use for their /imagine prompts (by specifying --version or --v). The version you pick can significantly affect the style, fidelity, and behaviour of the generated image.

Think of it like this:

Version 1 might be very basic, trial-quality.
Version 2 improves resolution, adds more realism.
Version 3 adds even more nuance, handles more complex prompts.
And so on.
Each upgrade aims to give you better results, more control, or new creative capabilities.

Table of Contents

Why Versions Matter

Using the right version matters for several reasons:

Prompt interpretation – Some versions are better at understanding longer, more detailed prompts (e.g., multiple characters, complex scenes). If you use a version that doesn’t handle such complexity well, you may get misleading results.
Detail and quality – Later versions generally produce higher-quality images: better detail on hands, faces, objects; better textures; fewer artifacts.
Style preferences – Some earlier versions have certain aesthetic “flavours” (for example more painterly, more illustrative) and newer versions might lean more photographic or hyper-realistic. If you prefer a certain aesthetic you might choose a version accordingly.
Feature support – Some features (e.g., “zoom out” or “pan”, in-painting, omni-reference, etc) might only be available or work best in certain versions.
Speed and cost – Some versions may generate faster or consume fewer resources; some versions may be deprecated or slower because of higher computational cost.
Consistency – If you are doing a series of images (e.g., for a project) you may want consistent results: sticking with a version helps maintain consistency in style and behaviour.

How to Set (or Switch) Midjourney Versions

Here are the typical ways you set a version in Midjourney:

In Discord

Use your /imagine prompt and append --v # or --version # at the end.
Example: /imagine a futuristic city skyline at sunset --v 7 This tells Midjourney to use version 7 for that specific prompt.
You can also use /settings in the official MJ bot (on the server or your own server) and set your default version. That way you don’t need to keep adding the --v flag each time.

On the Web Interface

If you are using Midjourney via their web UI (where available) there is typically a settings icon (⚙) in the “Imagine” bar. Click that, select your preferred version, and future prompts will default to that version unless overridden.

Notes

If you do not specify a version with --v, the system will use the current default version.
You can always explicitly choose a prior version (if supported) to get a specific aesthetic or behaviour.
Be aware that older versions may be deprecated, slower, or less supported.
Some versions may have specific feature compatibility (so mixing version + features may not always give you what you expect).

Midjourney Versions: History & What Changed

Here is a more complete timeline and description of each major version of Midjourney (including some earlier ones not in your original list). For each version I note when it was released (or became default), its main improvements / keywords, and when it was replaced as default.

Version 1 (V1)

Approximate release: February 2022.
This is very early – users were exploring what prompt-to-image generation could do.
Style: very experimental; smaller set of capabilities, less sophisticated prompt handling, more “art-generator” feel rather than photo-realism.
Use case: good for quick experiments, rough sketches, stylised imagery.

Version 2 (V2)

Release: April 2022
Improvements: better prompt understanding, cleaner results, improved aesthetic control vs V1.
Still fairly early in the evolution — you would see more artifacts and less coherence compared with later models.

Version 3 (V3)

Release: July 2022.
Improvements: further refinements in output quality, better handling of composition, a more stable base for stylised work.
For many users, this version was still very useful (especially those who liked the painterly / illustrative style) though not as advanced as what came later.

Version 4 (V4)

Release: November 2022.
Became default around December 20, 2022.
What changed: This was a major upgrade — new codebase, new architecture, much stronger at handling creatures / objects / complex scenes.
Highlights:
- Far better detail, especially in small parts of images such as objects, clothing, environments.
- Improved prompt comprehension for multi-subject scenes.
- Still some limitations around hyper-realism and fine print (e.g., text in image, weird hands).
This version is still loved by many creators for its slightly stylised but high-quality art-look.

Version 5 (V5) and variants (5.1, 5.2)

V5 release: March 2023.
V5.1: May 4, 2023.
V5.2: June 2023.
Changes:
- Much more realistic rendering when desired (photographic, almost photo-like).
- Larger aspect ratio support (wider, tall, any canvas).
- Better hand/face/object rendering, fewer artifacts.
- V5.2 added the “zoom-out” / outpainting capability (i.e., extend the scene beyond the original image) and improved prompt understanding.
Use case: if you want higher realism, broader style options, or mixing illustrative + photographic.
Some creators found V5 too “opinionated” (i.e., it had stronger default aesthetic) so for some stylised work earlier versions might still be preferred.

Version 6 (V6) and 6.1

V6 release: December 20, 2023. Default from February 14 to July 30, 2024.
V6.1 release: July 30, 2024. Default until June 16, 2025.
Changes:
- Improved prompt accuracy for longer, more complex inputs.
- Better coherence and knowledge of world, objects.
- Advanced remixing, image prompting, improved image-to-image fidelity.
- According to the chart in your provided info: “more coherent images with more precise details and textures” for V6.1.
Use case: High fidelity, consistent style, more control over complex scenes, perhaps more “professional” output demand.

From My Experience – Midjourney V6 was powerful, but it still struggled with fine hand details or text clarity. With Version 7, those issues feel almost nonexistent, the precision in human anatomy and object structure feels like working with a professional digital painter.

Version 7 (V7)

Released: April 3, 2025. Became default on June 17, 2025.
Key features:
- Text and image prompts are handled with “stunning precision”.
- Better image quality: richer textures, more coherent bodies, hands, objects.
- Introduction of Draft Mode and Omni Reference. (Omni Reference: a new reference-weight model capability)
Use case: If you want the best possible quality from Midjourney as of 2025, this is the go-to version (assuming you accept the cost/compute/time trade-offs).

After spending a week testing the new V7 model, I relied on it for every creative project. Its handling of abstract concepts like ‘nostalgia’ or ‘cinematic melancholy’ is unmatched. It’s the first time an AI model felt like a creative partner rather than just a tool.

Note: Because it is the newest default, it will likely be the most supported and maybe slightly more expensive or slower per generation — depending on your subscription plan.

Special “Niji” Models

The “Niji” series (e.g., Niji 5, Niji 6) are versions specially tuned for anime / Eastern illustration styles.
For example, Niji 6 (released June 7, 2024) handles anime-eyes, Japanese / Chinese text in images more effectively.
If your use-case is anime/illustrative style rather than photorealism, Niji versions may serve you better.

Midjourney Model: Feature Compatibility and Version Comparison

Your original information includes a comparison chart for V6 vs V7 (and for V6.1 vs V7) showing which features are supported and which are not. I’ll summarise and expand the comparison logic for clarity.

Sample comparison (V6.1 vs V7)

Feature	V6.1	V7
Max Aspect Ratio	any	any
Variations (Strong & Subtle)	✔	✔
Upscalers	“Using V6.1 Upscalers”	“Using V6.1 Upscalers”
Pan	✔	✔
Zoom Out	✔	✔
Remix	✔	✔
Personalization (ranking)	✔	✔
Personalization (moodboards)	✔	✔
Editor	✔	✔
Full Editor (Inpainting)	✔	✔ (via V6.1 Inpainting)
Character Reference	✔	❌
Character Reference Weight	✔	❌
Omni Reference	❌	✔
Omni Reference Weight	❌	✔
Style Reference	✔	✔
Mult-Prompting	❌	✔
Quality Parameter	(0.5,1,2)	(1,2,4)*
… etc.	…	…

From your list:

Character reference features exist in V6.* but not in V7 (according to the chart)
Omni Reference is new in V7
Mult-Prompting is supported in V7 but not in V6
Quality parameter changed in behaviour in V7
The Niji versions have their special path (Niji 6 not in V7)
For features like “Tile”, “Weird”, “Stylize”, “Chaos”, the chart shows both versions support them.

Switching between V6.1 and V7 side by side feels like jumping from HD to 4K resolution. The textures, lighting, and structure in V7 images simply feel alive. It’s no longer just about generating an image—it’s about generating atmosphere

What this means practically

If you rely heavily on character reference (for example you have a custom character you always generate), V6.1 might support that more directly than V7 (if the chart is accurate).
If you want to use Omni Reference (which is only in V7), you’ll need V7.
If you use Mult-Prompting (multiple simultaneous prompts) then V7 is better.
If you are comfortable with V6.1 and it meets your style, you may choose to stay on it for stylistic consistency.
If you jump to V7, expect improved quality, but maybe your old prompts might render visually differently (style shift, slight changes in how keywords are interpreted). You may need to adjust or refine your prompts when switching versions.

Prompting / Style Considerations

Here are some practical tips gleaned from user commentary and article sources:

When using newer versions, you often get better fidelity, which means you can reduce your prompt “over-engineering”: simpler, more natural sentences often work better. For example: “An astronaut floating in outer space” often beats “astronaut, floating, outer space, epic background, 8K” in V5 and above.
The newer the model, the more “opinionated” the default aesthetic sometimes becomes — meaning the model has stronger built-in style biases. If you want to override that, you may need to use style prompts, fine-tune weights, or specify lower stylize values.
Aspect ratio freedom is greater in newer versions (you can go ultrawide or ultra-tall).
Features like out-painting/zoom-out are only supported in certain versions (V5.2 onward) so if you need that, check the version.
If you switch versions mid-series, your images may not “match” previous style exactly — so for series work, consistency may favour staying locked to a version.

Real-Use Scenarios while using Midjourney Models

For example:

For digital artists: V7’s enhanced text-to-image understanding means you can describe subtle artistic moods—like ‘a misty Tokyo street in cinematic lighting’—and get results that match your mind’s eye.
For brands: The improved Quality Parameter (1, 2, 4) enables sharper, cleaner outputs for marketing visuals without post-editing.
For hobbyists: Draft Mode lets you explore 5–6 variations in seconds, helping you refine your creative direction faster than ever.

Choosing the Right Midjourney Version for Your Use Case

Here are some recommendations and decision-criteria:

If you are new to Midjourney and just exploring, use the current default version (which as of now is V7). This gives you the best support, highest quality, and future-proofing.
If you have a specific aesthetic (for example you like slightly more stylised illustrative output), you might experiment with older versions (V4, V5) because they sometimes have charme that differs from ultra-realism.
If you are working on a commercial project where fidelity and consistency matter (e.g., high-res print, product visuals, publications) choose a recent version (V6.1 or V7) to leverage the best detail.
If you rely on a particular feature (character reference, moodboards, mult-prompting, Omni Reference) check which version supports it. For example – character reference is in V6.* but not in V7 (per chart).
If speed or cost is a constraint (e.g., large batch generation), sometimes older versions may be slightly faster or less compute-intensive (though not always).
If you have a series of images (same world/characters) and you started in an older version, you might consider continuing in that version for consistency; or test the newer version and pick whichever matches previous style more closely.

Switching Version – Practical Steps & Tips

Use /settings to set a default version so you don’t need to include --v each time.
When you add --v # to the prompt, make sure you place it at the end of the prompt text.
If you are trying to replicate results from older prompts (e.g., from V4) and want to keep the look, specify --v 4 (if still available).
Test: generate the same prompt in two versions side-by-side and compare: look at hands/faces/objects/composition. This will help you judge which version “looks better” for your style.
When switching versions, be prepared to refine your prompt: for example keywords that used to work well in V4 may behave slightly differently in V7.
Monitor cost: if your subscription charges differently for newer versions (some services do), keep that in mind.
For batch or production work: once you pick a version, lock it for that batch to maintain consistency.

Blog Story: The Evolution of Midjourney Versions

To give you a narrative flow:

When Midjourney first emerged (in early 2022) it represented a breakthrough: creating images from text prompts, on a subscription model, primarily via Discord. The first versions (V1, V2) were exploratory: output was promising but had noticeable quirks (hands often distorted, text/in-image text problematic, intricate objects would break). Just months later, V3 brought significant refinement.

Then came V4 (Nov 2022), which many users describe as a leap. According to reports:

“On Saturday, AI image service Midjourney began alpha testing version 4 … The new model provides more detail than previously available …”
Users noted that images became markedly better in clarity, lighting, composition. V4 was the first time many creators felt that Midjourney was truly “usable” for high-quality art.

In March 2023, V5 arrived. With V5, the aim shifted somewhat: beyond better detail, the model pushed toward photographic realism, more accurate prompt interpretation, broader stylistic flexibility, and higher resolution.
Shortly after, V5.1 and V5.2 introduced refinements: V5.2 in particular added the “zoom out / outpainting” capability. This meant that you could generate a scene and then extend it outward — a big new creative tool.

Then came V6 (Dec 2023) and especially V6.1 (July 2024). These focused on coherence, longer prompt handling, better image-to-image, improved textures. The architecture matured. According to the documentation:

“Version 6.1 … produces more coherent images with more precise details and textures, and generates images approximately 25% faster than version 6.”

Finally, the current state as of 2025 is V7 (released April 3, 2025, default June 17, 2025). According to the docs:

“In version 7 text and image prompts are handled with stunning precision, while image quality shines with richer textures and more coherent details — especially in bodies, hands, and objects.”
It also brings new features like Draft Mode and Omni Reference.

What this evolution shows is how rapidly generative-AI image tools are advancing: in less than three years Midjourney went from early “art-generator” quality to highly coherent, near-photographic images with sophisticated prompt/feature support.

For creators this means: if you used V4 two years ago, and you jump to V7 now, you will almost certainly get different results, even with the same prompt — you might get better, but the aesthetic may shift too.

Best Practices When Working with Midjourney Versions

Here are some practical tips and suggestions when you are working with Midjourney and its versions:

Start simple: Use a short, clear sentence prompt (especially in newer versions). You can then refine with keywords, styles, weights if needed.
Test versions side-by-side: If you’re not sure which version to use, run the same prompt with e.g. --v 6.1 and --v 7 and compare. Do both images satisfy your brief? Does one feel “wrong” in aesthetics?
Be consistent for series work: If you’re creating a sequence of images (storyboard, comic, marketing set) try to stay on one version so that the look remains consistent across pieces.
Use the features. If you want to do outpainting, in-painting, zooming, character reference, or multi-prompting, verify which version supports the feature best and use the version accordingly.
Adapt your prompt when upgrading versions: Because version behaviour changes, a prompt that worked “perfectly” in V5 may need tweaking for V7. For example, you might need to adjust style weights or wording to get the same look.
Monitor cost and speed: Newer versions may use more compute, or the subscription may allocate fewer “fast generations” per month. For large batches consider older version if cost/speed is an issue (and style allows it).
Keep a version log: Especially for professional use, log which version you used for each output (so you can reproduce, tweak, or revisit later).
Prompt weight control: Use parameters such as --stylize, --quality, --image weight, --chaos etc — and be mindful that default behaviours might change between versions.
Stay current, but don’t always upgrade: While newer is generally better, your specific creative style might favour an earlier version. If you are comfortable and producing good results with V5, you might continue using it — until a compelling reason to switch arises.
Community sharing and version tags: When sharing images (on Discord or other platforms), tag which version you used (V4, V5.2, V7 etc). This helps viewers understand the result context and helps you replicate.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Midjourney and What It Means for Creators

Midjourney’s journey from Version 1 to Version 7 is more than just a sequence of technical upgrades—it’s a testament to how AI creativity has evolved. Every version refined its understanding of human prompts, textures, and visual storytelling.

With Version 7, Midjourney has entered a new era—one that doesn’t just create images but interprets artistic intent with near-human precision. Features like Omni Reference, Draft Mode, and enhanced Quality Parameters demonstrate how far AI artistry has come since 2022.

For artists, designers, and storytellers, this isn’t just a new model—it’s a new creative medium. Whether you’re crafting concept art, exploring anime-style visuals with Niji 6, or experimenting with hyperrealistic portraits, each version offers a unique creative experience.

As Midjourney continues to evolve, one thing remains constant—its ability to transform imagination into tangible art, bridging the gap between vision and visual. The best way to understand this evolution is to experience it—prompt by prompt, version by version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Midjourney versions, with straightforward answers.

1. How do I know what version I’m currently using by default?

In Discord, you can type /settings and the version ticked under “Model Version” indicates your default. Alternatively, if you haven’t set a default, your prompt without --v will use the system default (currently V7).

**2. Can I use any version (e.g., V4, V5) forever?**

Not always. Some older versions may be deprecated or removed over time; support may weaken. Also, the style difference may make older versions less ideal for new work. It’s best to check the documentation or community announcements to see if a version is still supported.

3. If I switch versions, will my old prompt outputs change?

No — previous image outputs remain as they were. However, if you re-run the same prompt in a different version you can get a different result (and often will). So switching version means you might need to adjust your prompt to maintain the same “look”.

4. Does a newer version always mean “better” for every use-case?

Generally yes in terms of fidelity and capabilities — but “better” depends on what you need. If you like a more painterly, stylised aesthetic, an earlier version might produce a look you prefer. Also, newer versions may change the “feel” of your prompts. So test and decide.

5. What is Omni Reference?

Omni Reference is a feature introduced in V7 (per the chart) that allows more flexible reference weighting from images (and possibly text) enabling more precise control of how the reference influences the result. If you need that control, V7 is required.

6. What is Mult-Prompting?

Mult-Prompting refers to the ability to combine multiple prompts or channels into one generation (for example two separate descriptive lines weighted differently). According to your chart, Mult-Prompting is supported in V7 but not in V6. That means if you rely on it, you should use V7.

7. What about the Quality parameter (`--quality` or `--q`)?

Yes — the behaviour of the --quality parameter changes between versions. For example, your chart says in V6 it supports (0.5, 1, 2) whereas in V7 it supports (1, 2, 4)* (with a note that quality works differently in V7). That means you should consult the current documentation when using --quality flags, because the cost / speed / result trade-offs may differ by version.

8. If I have a paid subscription, do I have to pay more for newer versions?

It depends on your plan. Some services charge the same but newer versions may consume more “fast generation” credits, or slower modes may only be available. Always check your subscription terms. Even if cost is the same, generation time or resource load may differ.

9. My images keep producing weird hands / text is garbled — which version should I use?

Newer versions (from V5 onward) have made major improvements in hands/facial detail/text understanding. So if you’re seeing weird hands or unintelligible text in images, using V5.2, V6.1 or V7 is recommended.

10. I started a project in V5, can I switch to V7 and still match style?

Possibly — but you will likely need to tweak your prompt (style descriptors, weights) to get the same aesthetic. Generate sample images side-by-side in V5 vs V7, compare differences (lighting, colour, texture, “feel”), then adjust your prompts accordingly. If perfect match is critical, staying on V5 might be safer.