Last updated on July 27, 2023

Introduction

Midjourney is a powerful AI image generator that allows users to create stunning AI art from simple text prompts. However, accessing this creative tool without incurring any costs might seem puzzling for some, as it primarily operates through Discord rather than a standalone app or webpage. In this article, we will guide you through the process of using Midjourney for free, exploring available alternatives and providing step-by-step instructions to unlock your creativity without breaking the bank.

Is Midjourney Free?

In the past, Midjourney used to offer a limited free trial for users to explore its capabilities. Unfortunately, due to misuse and abuse of the system, free trials have been suspended temporarily. The company plans to reintroduce them in the future, but as of now, there is no specific ETA for their return. Previously, the free trial allowed approximately 25 free images (limited to 0.4 hours of GPU time) under a Creative Commons non-commercial license (CC BY-NC 4.0). If free trials are reinstated, you will be able to skip the alternative methods described below.

Using Midjourney for Free

While paid membership plans start at $10 per month for the Basic Plan (offering around 200 image generations per month), there are currently a couple of ways to access Midjourney for free:

Joining Newbie Channels on the Midjourney Discord Server:

• To get started, sign up for a Discord account if you don’t have one already. Discord is a chat app where you’ll access Midjourney’s AI art generation capabilities.
• Head to the Midjourney website and click “Join the Beta” to accept the invitation to the Midjourney Discord channel.
• Look for “Newbie” channels within the server; these channels are designed to help users familiarize themselves with the AI generation process.
• To initiate AI art creation, type “/imagine” in the chat box, followed by your detailed text prompt. The bot will process your request and present the generated image.
• For variations or to upscale an image, select the appropriate buttons below the images.
• Keep in mind that using free channels may be crowded, and the response time might vary due to high demand.

Adding the Midjourney Bot to a Personal Discord Server:

• If you have your own Discord server, you can invite the Midjourney Bot to that server and access the AI art generation features within the server’s channels.
• Follow the instructions on how to add bots to your Discord server and then use the “/imagine” command as described in the previous method.

Please note that while using Midjourney for free provides access to the AI art generation, certain limitations may apply. For instance, free channels might be busier, affecting response times and availability. Additionally, private image creation might require a paid subscription to Midjourney’s most expensive Pro plan.

Dos:

1. Register and Confirm Email: Start by registering on the Midjourney website and confirming your email to gain access to all features.
2. Explore Rooms: Visit rooms like “newbies” to see what other users are creating and get inspiration for your requests.
3. Use Slash Commands: Utilize the “/imagine prompt” command to create image generations based on your prompts.
4. Save Images: Save the generated images you like by clicking on them, opening in the browser, and saving the image.
5. Experiment with Settings: Feel free to tweak settings like version, quality, upscale options, and modes to get the desired results.
6. Create Your Own Server: For more control, create your own server by clicking the plus button, adding a server, and inviting the Midjourney bot.
7. Use Prompt Helpers: You can use prompt helpers, websites, and the Midjourney community to find and try out cool prompts.
8. Set Orientation and Weights: Utilize orientation commands (AR3:2 for horizontal and AR2:3 for vertical) and weight parameters (e.g., Sun:2 Cloud:1) for desired effects.
9. Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to try different prompts, settings, and approaches to learn and improve your Midjourney skills.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Overlook User Agreement: Always accept the user agreement before making requests on Midjourney.
2. Avoid Using Public Mode: If you want to keep your creations private, avoid using public mode. Consider subscribing to a paid plan to access private mode.
3. Don’t Forget Email Verification: Verify your email after registration to access all features of Midjourney.
4. Avoid Overlapping Requests: If you’re working in public rooms, be aware that other users may submit requests at the same time, potentially overlapping yours. Consider creating your own server for a more controlled environment.
5. Don’t Forget Weight and No Parameters: If you want to control the proportion of elements in your image, use weight parameters. If you need to remove specific elements, try using the “no” parameter.

Common Mistakes:

1. Neglecting Settings: Not paying attention to settings like version, quality, upscale options, and modes can result in unintended outcomes.
2. Not Saving Images: Forgetting to save the generated images you like can lead to losing them once the session ends.
3. Ignoring Orientation and Weights: Overlooking the orientation and weight parameters can lead to images that don’t match your preferences.
4. Forgetting Email Verification: Neglecting to verify your email can limit your access to Midjourney’s features.
5. Using Public Mode Unintentionally: Using public mode without realizing it can make your creations accessible to others for commercial use.

Remember to follow the dos, avoid the don’ts, and learn from common mistakes to make the most out of your Midjourney AI experience. Happy generating!

Conclusion

With Midjourney, creating AI-generated art from simple text prompts has never been more accessible. While free trials are currently suspended, joining specific channels on the Midjourney Discord server or adding the bot to your personal server allows you to experience the magic of AI art without spending a dime. Embrace your creativity, experiment with various prompts, and become part of the vibrant Midjourney community to share your inspiring creations.

Unlock the potential of AI art with Midjourney today, and let your imagination run wild! Remember, Midjourney is continuously evolving, so be patient and enjoy the creative journey ahead.