MidJourney Aspect Ratio Guide: Choosing the Best One

Not really understanding Midjourney aspect ratios and how it can help your project?

Whether you’re creating square images for balance or widescreen scenes for drama, picking the best aspect ratio when using Midjourney ensures your final output matches your vision.

Let’s make this Midjourney aspect ratio guide simple and practical so you can choose confidently.

Understanding Aspect Ratios

What is an Aspect Ratio?

An aspect ratio is simply the relationship between an image’s width and height.

It’s usually expressed as two numbers separated by a colon, like 16:9 or 4:3.

Think of it as the “shape” of your canvas.

Common Aspect Ratios

• 1:1 – Perfectly square. It’s balanced, clean, and easy on the eyes.

• 4:3 – It works well for focused, tighter compositions.

• 16:9 – The go-to format for widescreen visuals.

• 3:2 – Harmonious for portraits or creative art prints.

• 2:1 – A panoramic option that emphasizes width.

Each of these ratios serves a purpose.

Let’s dive deeper into their creative potential.

When you’re working on projects, this Midjourney aspect ratio guide gives you a solid starting point.

Experiment with different aspect ratios, but remember each one carries unique strengths and limitations.

How to Change Aspect Ratio in Midjourney?

To change the aspect ratio in MidJourney, use the parameter “–aspect” or “–ar”. This parameter defines the width-to-height relationship of your image.

Here’s how it works:

1. Default Setting: MidJourney defaults to a 1:1 aspect ratio, which creates a perfectly square image.
2. To Customize your Aspect Ratios: To adjust these dimensions, you simply add –ar (width):(height) to the end of your prompt. Example: winter landscape –ar 16:9
3. Compatibility: Note that newer MidJourney versions supports a wider range of ratios, while earlier versions may have limitations.

The flexibility to change the –ar parameter makes it possible to create visuals for social media, banners, or personal art prints with ease.

Why Aspect Ratio is Important in MidJourney

The aspect ratio is much more than a technical decision when working in Midjourney—it’s a storytelling tool.

Whether you’re aiming for an intimate close-up or a sweeping panorama, aspect ratio shapes how your audience interacts with your work.

Impact of the Image

Think of the aspect ratio as the frame that holds your story in place.

Different ratios dramatically change how your image comes across.

For instance, a 1:1 ratio, making it a favorite for up-close shots or minimalist designs.

On the other hand, a wider ratio like 16:9 brings out depth and drama.

Control the Visual Narrative

The aspect ratio isn’t just about fitting everything into the frame. It’s about guiding the viewer’s experience.

A vertical ratio like 9:16 locks the eye into a focused, single-subject view.

Conversely, a horizontal 16:9 layout guides the eye smoothly across the canvas, perfect for scenarios where the background plays a key role.

Think of it this way: the ratio is like a magnifying glass showing where the audience should look first.

By choosing the right aspect ratio, you’re essentially setting the stage for your story. It’s not just about fitting the image but amplifying its emotional and visual weight.

Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio for Your Project

Picking the best aspect ratio in Midjourney is a decision that shapes the impact of your visuals.

Whether you’re designing for social platforms, using for web designs, creating cinematic scenes, or experimenting with new styles, understanding what works best for your specific needs is crucial.

Let’s break it down.

What Type of Image is Needed?

Every project has its unique demands.

• Square compositions (1:1) for social media or articles where symmetry and balance need to catch your audience attention quickly.
• Widescreen formats (16:9) are perfect for cinematic cityscapes or panoramic landscapes that tell expansive stories.
• Vertical formats (9:16) shine for mobile-friendly content like Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, Snapchat or TikToks, where height is key.

Think about what you’re creating.

For instance, a portrait of a person may look its best in a 4:3 ratio to maintain focus without overwhelming the viewer.

A scenic countryside might thrive in 2:1, leaving room to emphasize the horizon.

Always let the subject guide your choice.

Aspect Ratios for Social Media, Web Design and Prints/Documents:

Social Media Platforms

• Instagram post and reels – 9:16 aspect ratio.
• Facebook post images and reels – aspect ratio 9:16,
  • Facebook profile image – 1:1 aspect ratio,
  • Facebook cover photo – 16:9 aspect ratio.
• X(Twitter) feed and profile image – 1:1 aspect ratio.
• LinkedIn post with square image – 1:1 aspect ratio.
  • LinkedIn post with vertical image – 4:5 aspect ratio.
• Tiktok feed, story post, carousel – 9:16 aspect ratio.
  • Tiktok profile image 1:1 aspect ratio
• YouTube banner, videos, and thumbnail for video – 16:9 aspect ratio.
  • YouTube profile image 1:1 aspect ratio
• Pinterest profile image, board cover – 1:1 aspect ratio.
  • Pinterest banner – 16:9 aspect ratio.

Aspect Ratios for Web Design

• Website background, hero, lightbox images – 16:9 aspect ratio.
  • logo, favicon, social media icons, thumbnail images – 1:1 aspect ratio.
  • Blog images – 3:2 aspect ratio
  • Blog feature image – 16:9 aspect ratio

Aspect Ratios for Prints/Posters/Other Print Documents

• Prints and Posters:
  • 1:1: 6 in x 6 in, 12 in x 12 in
  • 1:2: 6 in x 12 in, 8 in x 16 in
  • 3:2: 2 in x 3 in, 6 in x 9 in, 12 in x 18 in, 16 in x 24 in, 20 in x 30 in
  • 5:4: 8 in x 10 in, 16 in x 20 in, 24 in x 30 in
  • 6:5: 10 in x 12 in, 20 in x 24 in
  • 7:5: 5 in x 7 in, 10 in x 14 in, 20 in x 28 in

• Other Print Documents
  • 8.5 x 11 US Letter size: 17:22-then upscale. (in Midjourney website-upscale 4x. In Midjourney Discord-select U(and image number you would like upscaled).
    • 11 x 8.5 Landscape 22:17-then upscale
  • A4: Portrait – 2:3 aspect ratio
    • Landscape – 3:2 aspect ratio

If you are going to be using Midjourney images for selling art prints-Check out this article to learn more about aspect ratios for printing.

Experimenting with Ratios

There’s no universal “perfect” ratio. Your best bet is to experiment. Trying different dimensions helps you see what complements your style and tone.

• Create several versions of your image using ratios like 4:3, 16:9, and 2:1.
• Compare how each version feels. Are your subjects framed well? Does the image convey your intended emotion?
• Don’t hesitate to explore lesser-used ratios for creative expression. A 3:4 format might deliver a unique perspective that a standard 1:1 can’t achieve.

Whether you’re aiming for sleek professionalism, bold creativity, or striking storytelling, experimenting with aspect ratios opens new doors.

Trust your eye and experiment until you find what feels right for your vision.

My Aspect Ratio in Midjourney is Not Working

If you placed an aspect ratio in a prompt and it is not working. You may not have used a space between the prompt and parameter or added it incorrectly into the prompt.

The incorrect way is to not have a space after the previous word, like in the example below.

Example of not spacing aspect ratio correctly:

/image prompt: beautiful sunset over ocean–ar 16:9

Example of correct spacing for aspect ratio:

/image prompt: beautiful sunset over ocean –ar 16:9

Another incorrect way is to add text telling Midjourney to make the image a certain size.

Example of aspect ration inserted incorrectly into prompt:

/image prompt: cityscape, glowing lights, make image 4×3

Example of aspect ratio inserted correctly into prompt:

/image prompt: cityscape, glowing lights –ar 4:3

If you have other questions about aspect ratios, check out my Midjourney aspect ratios FAQs on this topic.

Examples of Midjourney Aspect Ratio Commands

Let’s put this into action with practical examples.

Using the same prompt for each aspect ratio shows the differences on the elements that are shown.

Prompt used: afternoon sunset –s 500

For Square Design Image (1:1)

Portrait Design Image (3:4)

Landscape Design Image (16:9)

Remember, aspect ratio parameters are your creative superpower.

To Wrap This All Up

Using Midjourney aspect ratios are, at their core, a tool for your artistic expression and using the right ratio determines how your audience perceives it.

While rules and guidelines are helpful, don’t hesitate to break away and experiment. Sometimes the most memorable visuals come from trying unconventional formats or combining ratios creatively.

Ultimately, using this Midjourney aspect ratio guide can help you deliver your message in the strongest way possible.

Let me know what aspect ratios you have tried and got great results from it.