How to Set Aspect Ratio in Midjourney (With Examples)

In the world dominated by visual content, aspect ratios play a significant role in determining the aesthetic appeal of your work. When using Midjourney, understanding how to set the aspect ratio for your generated images is crucial for creating compelling content.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the various aspect ratios across different visual mediums and how to change the aspect ratio in Midjourney to optimize your creative output.

Understanding Aspect Ratios in Midjourney

An aspect ratio is the width-to-height ratio of an image, typically expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 7:4 or 4:3). To change the aspect ratio in Midjourney, use the –aspect or –ar parameter. The default aspect ratio is 1:1 (square), but you can use whole numbers to set custom ratios.

How to Change the Aspect Ratio in Midjourney

Add –aspect :, or –ar : to the end of your prompt. (I use –ar, it’s just easier and saves space for the rest of your prompt.)

Max Aspect Ratios in Midjourney Models

Different Midjourney models have varying maximum aspect ratios:

• Version 5: any* (experimental for >2:1)
• Version 4c (default): 1:2 to 2:1
• Version 4a or 4b: only 1:1, 2:3, or 3:2
• Version 3: 5:2 to 2:5
• Test/Testp: 3:2 to 2:3
• niji: 1:2 to 2:1

Note that final outputs may be slightly modified during image generation or upscaling.

Common Midjourney Aspect Ratios

–ar 1:1 Default aspect ratio
–ar 5:4 Common frame and print ratio
–ar 3:2 Common in print photography
–ar 7:4 Close to HD TV screens and smartphone screens

Visual Mediums and Aspect Ratios

Social Media

Understanding aspect ratios for social media platforms is essential for optimizing your content’s appearance and reach.

Instagram:

• 1:1 (Traditional Photo Post)
• 4:5 (Portrait Photo)
• 1.91:1 (Landscape Photo)
• 9:16 (Instagram Reels)

Digital Prints and Canvas:

For standard photography and art prints, common aspect ratios include:

• 1:1 (square)
• 6:5
• 5:4
• 3:4
• 7:5
• 3:2
• 2:3
• 1:2

Selecting the right aspect ratio for your print or canvas ensures that your artwork looks its best, whether it’s displayed in a gallery or someone’s living room.

Video:

Different video formats have varying aspect ratios:

• 16:9 (Widescreen): Common for YouTube videos, TV shows, and streaming services
• 9:16 (Vertical): Suitable for smartphone screens and vertical videos
• 1:1 (Square): Often used for social media video posts
• 4:3 (Fullscreen): Traditional TV and computer monitor aspect ratio
• 21:9 (Cinematic Widescreen): Used for films and cinematic content

Understanding the appropriate aspect ratio for your video production ensures a visually appealing and immersive experience for your viewers.

---

Conclusion

Mastering aspect ratios across different visual mediums is vital for creating compelling and optimized content. By understanding how to change the aspect ratio in Midjourney, you ensure that your generated images look great and effectively engage your audience, regardless of the platform or purpose.