What is the default value for Midjourney Stylize (--s)?

The default stylize value in Midjourney V6 is dynamic and depends on the prompt, but it generally falls into a moderate range, designed to provide a balanced artistic output. It's not a fixed number like in previous versions but adapts to some extent. However, if you explicitly set a value, that will override the dynamic default.

Does Stylize (--s) affect my prompt's keywords?

Yes, indirectly. A lower stylize value (--s 0) will make Midjourney adhere more strictly to the literal meaning of your keywords, producing images that closely match your textual description. A higher stylize value (e.g., --s 1000) encourages Midjourney to interpret your keywords more artistically, potentially adding details, textures, or compositional elements that enhance the aesthetic even if they weren't explicitly in the prompt.

Can I use Stylize (--s) with --style raw?

Absolutely! Using `--style raw` with `--s` can be a powerful combination. `--style raw` reduces Midjourney's automatic aesthetic enhancements, giving your prompt more direct control. When you then add a `--s` value, you're reintroducing a specific amount of stylization on top of that raw control, allowing for a more nuanced balance between prompt adherence and artistic flair. It gives you finer control over the 'artistic' elements you want to include.

What is the range for the Stylize (--s) parameter in Midjourney V6?

In Midjourney V6, the Stylize (--s) parameter ranges from `--s 0` (least stylized) to `--s 1000` (most stylized). This broad range offers significant flexibility in controlling the aesthetic strength of your generated images.

Parameter GuideMidjourney

Mastering Midjourney Stylize (--s): Your Ultimate Aesthetic Control Guide

This guide explains how the Midjourney Stylize parameter (--s) works and how different values affect the aesthetic quality of your generated images. Learn the full range from --s 0 to --s 1000, see visual comparisons at each level, and understand when to dial stylization up or down to get exactly the look you want.

Values & Usage

--s 0--s 0

This value ensures the image adheres as closely as possible to your prompt's literal description, minimizing Midjourney's default artistic interpretation. Ideal for highly specific requests, photorealism, or when you want a very 'clean' and unadorned output.

--s 100--s 100

A slightly stylized output that still prioritizes the prompt. This is often the default or a good starting point for a balanced image that has some artistic touch without being overly dominant.

--s 250--s 250

A moderate level of stylization. Images will begin to show more of Midjourney's artistic flair, with enhanced details, textures, and a more pronounced aesthetic. Good for creative explorations where you want a distinct style but still need the prompt to be recognizable.

--s 750--s 750

High stylization. At this level, Midjourney takes significant artistic liberties, often producing highly detailed, vibrant, and visually complex images. The aesthetic might lean towards impressionistic or abstract, potentially diverging more from the literal prompt for artistic effect. Use for highly artistic or abstract concepts.

--s 1000--s 1000

Maximum stylization. This setting pushes Midjourney's artistic interpretation to its fullest, resulting in outputs that are exceptionally artistic, detailed, and often abstract. Expect strong aesthetic choices and potential significant departures from literal prompt interpretation. Best for experimental art or when you desire Midjourney's most pronounced style.

Example Prompts

A minimalist, photo-realistic portrait of a person, demonstrating very low stylization to keep details true to the prompt.

beginner

VISUAL STYLE: Photo-realistic, GENRE: Portraiture, SUBJECT(S): Elderly man with kind eyes, TIME PERIOD: Contemporary, COLOR: Muted earth tones, ASPECT RATIO: 16:9, FORMAT: Digital photograph, FRAME SIZE: Medium shot, LENS SIZE: 85mm, COMPOSITION: Rule of thirds, LIGHTING: Natural, LIGHTING TYPE: Soft box, TIME OF DAY: Golden hour, ENVIRONMENT: Urban park, LOCATION TYPE: Outdoor, SET: Park bench, CAMERA: Sony Alpha a7 III, LENS: Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, FILM STOCK / RESOLUTION: 4K, TAGS: candid, serene, authentic --s 0 --v 6 --q 2 --ar 7:4

A vibrant, slightly stylized landscape depicting a fantasy forest, showing a balanced stylization for a pleasing artistic touch.

intermediate

VISUAL STYLE: Impressionistic, GENRE: Fantasy Landscape, SUBJECT(S): Enchanted forest with glowing flora, TIME PERIOD: Mythical, COLOR: Emerald and sapphire, ASPECT RATIO: 5:4, FORMAT: Digital painting, FRAME SIZE: Wide shot, LENS SIZE: 35mm, COMPOSITION: Leading lines, LIGHTING: Magical, LIGHTING TYPE: Bioluminescent, TIME OF DAY: Dusk, ENVIRONMENT: Ancient woodland, LOCATION TYPE: Mystical glade, SET: Mossy ruins, CAMERA: Digital Art Software, LENS: Wide-angle, FILM STOCK / RESOLUTION: High-resolution digital, TAGS: whimsical, dreamlike, vibrant --s 250 --v 6 --q 2 --ar 7:4

A highly stylized, surreal architectural concept, demonstrating high stylization for a unique artistic interpretation.

advanced

VISUAL STYLE: Surrealist, GENRE: Architectural Concept, SUBJECT(S): Floating city made of crystals, TIME PERIOD: Future, COLOR: Iridescent pastels, ASPECT RATIO: 3:2, FORMAT: Concept art rendering, FRAME SIZE: Extreme wide shot, LENS SIZE: 24mm, COMPOSITION: Symmetrical, LIGHTING: Ethereal, LIGHTING TYPE: Ambient glow, TIME OF DAY: Midnight, ENVIRONMENT: Cloudscape, LOCATION TYPE: Sky island, SET: Interconnected platforms, CAMERA: Virtual Camera, LENS: Ultra-wide, FILM STOCK / RESOLUTION: 8K, TAGS: futuristic, abstract, visionary --s 750 --v 6 --q 2 --ar 7:4

An exaggerated, cartoonish character design, showcasing maximum stylization for a distinct artistic flair and strong interpretation.

advanced

VISUAL STYLE: Cartoon, GENRE: Character Design, SUBJECT(S): Anthropomorphic fox detective, TIME PERIOD: 1940s noir, COLOR: Sepia and muted blues, ASPECT RATIO: 1:1, FORMAT: Illustration, FRAME SIZE: Close-up, LENS SIZE: 50mm, COMPOSITION: Dynamic pose, LIGHTING: Dramatic, LIGHTING TYPE: Hard rim light, TIME OF DAY: Night, ENVIRONMENT: Alleyway, LOCATION TYPE: Urban, SET: Rainy street corner, CAMERA: Digital Illustration Tablet, LENS: N/A, FILM STOCK / RESOLUTION: Vector art, TAGS: quirky, expressive, narrative --s 1000 --v 6 --q 2 --ar 7:4

Pro Tips

1Start with a moderate stylize value like `--s 250` and iterate. It's easier to adjust from a middle ground than from extremes.
2Experiment with `--s 0` for photorealistic or highly literal interpretations, especially when combined with detailed camera and lighting prompts.
3Pair high stylization values (e.g., `--s 750` or `--s 1000`) with abstract or artistic keywords in your prompt to enhance the creative outcome.
4Use the 'Vary (Strong)' and 'Vary (Subtle)' buttons after generating an image to see how Midjourney interprets variations of your prompt with slightly different stylization, helping you pinpoint the ideal range.
5Consider the `--style raw` parameter when you want more control over the specific visual details and less of Midjourney's default aesthetic, even with higher stylize values, as `--style raw` prioritizes prompt adherence.

Common Mistakes

✕Using a high stylize value when precise prompt adherence is critical, leading to images that are too artistic and deviate from the intended subject.

✕Employing `--s 0` for abstract or artistic concepts, resulting in flat or uninspired outputs lacking Midjourney's creative touch.

✕Forgetting that stylize interacts with other parameters; a low `--s` with a very short prompt might yield generic results, while a high `--s` with a very specific prompt can create unexpected interpretations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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