Ever noticed how some images look perfect on your phone, while others seem a bit off? That’s all down to the aspect ratio!

In a nutshell, the aspect ratio is the relationship between an image’s width and height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 4:3 or 16:9).

Getting the aspect ratio right can make a world of difference in how your images appear across various devices and platforms.

As an example, consider a square image that has an equal width and height. This is known as a 1:1 aspect ratio. It can be 1000px × 1000px, 1500px × 1500px, or any other size, but the aspect ratio remains 1:1.

Alternatively, a Twitter post might have a ratio of 16:9, indicating that the width is 1.78 times longer than the height. As a result, the image could be 1600px × 900px, 1920px × 1080px, or 1280px x 720px, or any other size following the same ratio.

In this article we will explore how to work with aspect ratios in Midjourney to make your images look their best. Don’t worry if you’re not a photographer, graphic designer, or tech-savvy; I’ll do my best to help you understand this topic, enabling you to generate images for any project with ease.

How to Change Aspect Ratio in Midjourney

When you start using Midjourney, you’ll notice that the default aspect ratio for the images it generates is a square (1:1). Now, that’s great for some projects, but there might be times when you want to create images with different dimensions. That’s where the –aspect or –ar parameter comes into play!

In order to change the default 1:1 aspect ratio in Midjourney, you just need to add the –aspect or –ar parameter to the end of your prompt, followed by the width and height values separated by a colon. For example, if you want a 2:1 aspect ratio, just type –ar 2:1.

For example: 

--aspect2:1
--ar 3:2

Make sure there is a space between ar and the values, otherwise you will get an error message.

Midjourney offers flexibility when it comes to aspect ratios, depending on the version you’re using.

With the latest versions, you can choose aspect ratios ranging from 1:1 (square) up to 2:1 (widescreen) or 1:2 (tall), and everything in between. Remember that wider or taller aspect ratios might produce unexpected results, so it’s best to stick to more common ones if you don’t want to “waste images” in case something goes wrong.

Common Midjourney Aspect Ratios

To help you get started, here are some examples of common aspect ratios and when they might be useful:

--ar 1:1 Default aspect ratio. Perfect for profile pictures, avatars, and social media posts.

--ar 3:2 A standard format for landscape photography and certain print sizes.

--ar 4:3 Often seen in traditional monitors, older TV screens, and some digital photo frames.

--ar 5:4 Often used for classic frame and print sizes.

--ar 7:4 Close to HD TV screens and smartphone screens.

--ar 16:9 The go-to aspect ratio for HD TV screens, smartphone displays, and wide-format social media posts and videos.

Here are a few examples how people are using less common aspect ratios to create stunning images in Midjourney.

Armando is using a 21:9 ratio to create beautiful panoramas of futuristic cities.

In this tweet you can see a very creative way of using a super wide aspect ratio 5:1 to create impressive short videos.

So, go ahead and experiment with different aspect ratios in Midjourney. You’ll be amazed by how it can change the look and feel of your images, making them perfect for various platforms and devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Midjourney’s “aspect ratio” parameter lets you adjust the dimensions of the generated images.
  • The aspect ratio represents the width-to-height ratio of an image but does not dictate the resolution quality.
  • While you cannot alter the aspect ratio of an image once it’s generated, you have the option to crop it or recreate it using the same seed for a similar outcome with the desired aspect ratio.
What is aspect ratio and why is it important in Midjourney?

Aspect ratio refers to the relationship between an image’s width and height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 4:3 or 16:9). It’s important in Midjourney because it determines how your generated images will appear across different devices and platforms. Choosing the right aspect ratio ensures that your images look their best.

How can I change the aspect ratio in Midjourney?

To change the aspect ratio in Midjourney, add the –aspect <value>:<value> or –ar <value>:<value> parameter to the end of your prompt. For example, to create an image with a 2:1 aspect ratio, use –aspect 2:1 or –ar 2:1.

Can I use decimal numbers for aspect ratios in Midjourney?

When setting the aspect ratio, it is best to use whole numbers. For example, if you are generating an image for a tweet, instead of using a decimal like 1.78:1, use a whole number ratio like 178:100.

Can I change the aspect ratio of an image after it has been generated in Midjourney?

No, you cannot directly alter the aspect ratio of an image after it has been generated. However, you can crop the image or regenerate it using the same seed to achieve a similar result with the desired aspect ratio.

What are the maximum aspect ratios for different Midjourney version models?

Different Midjourney version models have different maximum aspect ratios. Here’s a quick overview:

V5: Any aspect ratio (greater than 2:1 is experimental and thus can produce unexpected results.)
V4 (default): 1:2 to 2:1
niji: 1:2 to 2:1

Keep in mind that final outputs may be slightly modified during image generation or upscaling.

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Last Update: April 15, 2023