Midjourney tutorial: how to use the chaos parameter
Prompt parameters play a fundamental role in shaping the outcomes of AI-generated images. They can be used to create a wide range of results from a single prompt, enhancing creativity and variations.
In this article, we'll look at the chaos parameter, its possible values and how it affects the images Midjourney creates.
What is the Midjourney chaos parameter and how to use it
The chaos parameter is used to control the degree of variation in the images that Midjourney produces. Simply put, using chaos in your prompt generates diverse, more unusual and occasionally unpredictable results.
By default, Midjourney creates images with chaos set to zero. You can change this default value by adding the --chaos (or --c) parameter at the end of your prompt. Midjourney accepts --chaos values between 0 and 100.
When chaos is set to zero, Midjourney's output remains relatively consistent and in-line with the core prompt. Increasing the chaos parameter adds a layer of unpredictability and randomness to the generated images.
/imagine prompt: dried flowers in vase on white table
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/imagine prompt: dried flowers in vase on white table, --chaos 80
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This feature is especially useful for creators who aim for images that differ in style and composition yet are based on a consistent prompt.
For more info on the chaos parameter, check the Midjourney documentation.
Examples: use the chaos parameter to modify Midjourney images
Let's see how the chaos parameter influences Midjourney's output. Consider this example prompt:
/imagine prompt: photograph, night, darkness, lovers under the light
Create your prompt library with Imagifly →We can experiment with four distinct chaos values, generating two grid images for each, and see how this impacts the results.
--chaos 0
The images look very similar to each other. Each one closely matches the original prompt. Repeated generations produce nearly the same outputs.
--chaos 20
Even at low chaos levels, the images gain some diversity. While all results still respect the original prompt, variations begin to emerge, such as changes in background or ambience. Additionally, repeated generations produce distinct images.
--chaos 50
As we increase the chaos value, outputs get more unexpected. Some images deviate from the initial prompt - for instance, the absence of the lovers. Additionally, images within the same grid appear quite different.
--chaos 100
At this point, the generation becomes unpredictable. Most images don't match the original prompt — missing elements like the lovers, absence of darkness, or lack of the photographic essence. Every grid of generated images appears strongly different from the others.
How to choose the right chaos level
Which chaos level should you use for your prompts? It depends on your desired outcome.
If you already have a clear idea of the image you're looking for, then consider a low level of chaos - e.g., 10 or 20. This adds a touch of unpredictability, yet the results will be largely in line with your original idea.
On the other end, if you're exploring or relying on Midjourney for inspiration, you can try higher values, like 50 or more. You can select one of the generated image concepts and work from there.
Mastering Midjourney prompt parameters
To learn more about Midjourney parameters, check out our related articles on the subject:
- How to use the aspect ratio parameter
- How to use the seed parameter
- Negative prompts with the --no parameter and prompt weighing
If you want to step-up your game with AI generative tools, consider sticking around. You'll find plenty of tutorials and an app to manage all your prompts.
Imagifly - create your prompt library
The Imagifly app is the perfect place to store your prompt library:
- Create a free account
- Create and save prompts
- Add a cover image that quickly reminds you of the content you can create with a prompt
