How to Upscale Images in Midjourney

Learn how to upscale images in Midjourney using simple tools and commands to enhance quality, detail, and resolution effortlessly.

How to Upscale Images in Midjourney

Once you’ve started generating art with Midjourney, one of the first things you’ll want to do is make your favorite images look sharper, larger, and more polished. That’s where upscaling comes in. When you upscale images in Midjourney, you’re telling the system to take one of your favorite results and enhance its detail, resolution, and clarity.

By default, when Midjourney generates images from a prompt, it gives you a 2×2 grid — four rough versions of your concept. These are just previews. If you want to use one for printing, sharing, or integrating into a project, you’ll need to upscale it. Upscaling transforms that draft version into a higher-resolution piece, adding depth and often polishing up some of the textures, lines, and lighting.

I remember when I first tried to upscale images in Midjourney. I didn’t expect much — maybe just a slightly larger version. But when I saw the result, I was amazed at how much more vibrant and defined everything looked. The colors popped, the details were sharper, and the image felt complete. It instantly looked more professional and ready to use.

Here’s why learning how to upscale images in Midjourney matters:

• 🔍 Sharper Details – Upscaling boosts texture, lighting, and shape quality.
• 🖼 Print-Ready Files – High-resolution versions are better for posters, book covers, or merchandise.
• 💡 Enhanced Style – The visual polish makes images feel more cohesive and refined.
• 🎯 Focused Framing – Some upscalers even slightly crop or refocus the composition to feel more dynamic.
• ⚙️ Creative Control – You can re-upscale, vary, or modify your image to get the perfect look.

If you’ve ever found a version you liked but wished it looked cleaner, larger, or sharper — this guide is for you.

📚 Table of Contents

• 💡 Advantages – Upscale Images in Midjourney
• 🧭 Wondering How to Begin?
• ✍️ Effective Prompt Techniques
• 🧷 My Go-To Prompt Picks – Upscale Images in Midjourney
• ⚠️ Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
• ❓ FAQ – How to Upscale Images in Midjourney
• 💬 User Experiences

💡 Advantages

When I first began learning how to upscale images in Midjourney, I didn’t realize how much of a difference it could make. It’s like watching your sketch turn into a painting. Here are the benefits I found most compelling:

🧭 Wondering How to Begin?

I used to assume upscaling meant opening Photoshop or using another complex tool. But when you upscale images in Midjourney, it’s all built into the interface. Whether you’re completely new or have already generated a few pieces, these steps will walk you through the process in a way that feels simple and repeatable.

1. 🎲 Generate Your Initial Prompt

First, submit a prompt using the /imagine command in any Midjourney Discord channel.

This gives you a set of four image options — each one representing a different interpretation of your description. These are preview-quality, meant to help you decide which version to develop further.

2. 🔢 Understand the U Buttons

Below each image grid, you’ll see buttons labeled U1, U2, U3, and U4.

These stand for Upscale 1 through Upscale 4, corresponding to the images in the grid (top left is 1, top right is 2, bottom left is 3, bottom right is 4). Click the one for the image you want to enhance.

3. 🚀 Click to Upscale

When you click one of the “U” buttons, Midjourney begins processing your request.

Within a minute or two, you’ll receive a new, higher-resolution version of that specific image. This upscale is clearer, more detailed, and usually better framed.

4. 🛠 Choose the Upscaler Mode

As of recent versions, Midjourney offers Standard, Creative, and Subtle upscalers.

• Standard: Offers balanced enhancement with a cleaner finish.
• Creative: Adds stylistic flourish, sometimes with more texture or visual noise.
• Subtle: Makes minimal changes, focusing on clarity without altering the image’s mood.

To access these options, look for buttons like “Vary (Subtle),” “Vary (Strong),” or “Upscale (2x)” after your first upscale is complete.

5. 🔁 Upscale Again (If Needed)

Not satisfied with the result? You can upscale again or try a different mode.

In the result message, look for buttons like Upscale to Max or Beta Upscaler — these can provide even higher resolution versions if you need extra detail for print or large screens.

6. 💾 Save the High-Resolution Image

Once your upscale is complete, right-click on the image and choose “Save image as…” or tap and hold on mobile.

The image will be around 1024×1024 to 2048×2048 depending on your aspect ratio and upscale method. Perfect for sharing or archiving.

7. 🎯 Use Aspect Ratio for Better Framing

Before upscaling, you can shape the image to fit a desired layout using --ar.

For example, --ar 3:4 works great for portraits, while --ar 16:9 is ideal for landscapes. This ensures your upscale looks polished and well-framed from the beginning.

✍️ Effective Prompt Techniques

Here are prompt formats I’ve used that consistently benefit from upscaling. These generate great base images, which then look amazing when enhanced.

1. 🧙 Character Concept Art

These prompts often involve rich textures, clothing, or subtle facial details that shine after upscaling.

• 📥 Prompt: fantasy sorcerer with glowing staff, flowing robes, mountain background, misty atmosphere, –ar 2:3
• 📤 Output Insight: Upscaling reveals fine details like fabric folds and magical effects
• 📝 Sample Output: A bearded wizard with blue glowing eyes, wind-blown cloak, and carved wooden staff, standing against cliffs

2. 🏙️ Cinematic Environment

Perfect for wide shots and complex lighting.

• 📥 Prompt: futuristic city at night, neon lights, rain reflections, viewed from rooftop, cinematic lighting, –ar 16:9
• 📤 Output Insight: Upscale highlights light textures, reflections, and depth of field
• 📝 Sample Output: A moody skyline with glowing billboards, rain-soaked rooftops, and blurred light trails from flying cars

3. 🖌️ Minimalist Poster

These prompts often require super-clean results — exactly what upscale tools refine best.

• 📥 Prompt: red umbrella on white background, centered, minimalist design, –ar 2:3
• 📤 Output Insight: The upscaler sharpens edges and enhances color contrast
• 📝 Sample Output: A crisp, vivid umbrella in the center of a white canvas, clean shadows and perfect symmetry

4. 🐉 Creature Close-Up

Details like scales, fur, or feathers become much more striking after upscaling.

• 📥 Prompt: dragon’s eye close-up, textured skin, glowing pupil, soft lighting, hyperreal style, –ar 1:1
• 📤 Output Insight: Enhances texture and light gradients in fine detail
• 📝 Sample Output: A glistening dragon eye surrounded by rugged, iridescent scales in teal and gold hues

5. 📸 Product Mockup

When using Midjourney for design or branding, high-res images are essential.

• 📥 Prompt: ceramic coffee mug on wooden table, top-down view, soft daylight, minimalistic style, –ar 1:1
• 📤 Output Insight: Upscaling improves clarity of edges, shadows, and product realism
• 📝 Sample Output: A clean, high-contrast mug with visible glaze texture and soft, natural light shadows

🧷 My Go-To Prompt Picks

Some prompts just need to be upscaled — they’re too good to leave in low-res. Here are a few I return to often.

1. 🪞 Elegant Portrait

• 📥 Prompt: elegant woman in 1920s attire, vintage lighting, art deco background, soft focus, –ar 2:3
• 📤 Output Insight: Upscaling brings out details in hair, makeup, and textile patterns
• 📝 Sample Output: A graceful woman with curled hair, pearl earrings, and sequined dress, lit by golden lamplight

2. 🚀 Space Illustration

• 📥 Prompt: spaceship flying past Saturn, glowing engines, lens flare, deep space view, –ar 16:9
• 📤 Output Insight: Great for adding polish to stars, gas rings, and ship surfaces
• 📝 Sample Output: A sleek spacecraft leaving a glowing trail as Saturn’s rings blur in the distance

3. 🐾 Fantasy Animal

• 📥 Prompt: mystical fox with glowing fur, standing in enchanted forest, ethereal light, –ar 2:3
• 📤 Output Insight: Upscale makes fur texture and lighting effects more magical
• 📝 Sample Output: A silver fox glowing faintly, surrounded by fireflies and softly blurred greenery

⚠️ Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

I’ve made a few mistakes when trying to upscale images in Midjourney. Here’s what to look out for — and how to avoid wasting time or losing quality.

❓ FAQ – How to Upscale Images in Midjourney

🖼️ What does upscaling do in Midjourney?
• It enhances resolution, texture, and clarity while keeping the image content the same.

📏 What’s the size of an upscaled image?
• Usually between 1024×1024 and 2048×2048, depending on your aspect ratio and settings.

🎨 Can I change styles while upscaling?
• Not directly — but you can re-prompt with different style tags or use “Vary (Creative)” for a style shift.

🧪 Is upscaling available on all Midjourney plans?
• Yes, all paid plans include full upscaling features.

🔁 Can I upscale more than once?
• Absolutely. You can use “Upscale to Max” or try different modes like “Creative” for alternate enhancements.

📤 Do upscaled images look very different?
• Usually no — they preserve the structure but polish the details, unless you use creative upscalers.

🧱 Can I use upscaled images in commercial projects?
• Yes, as long as you’re on a commercial-use plan with Midjourney.

🧰 Is there a way to upscale outside of Midjourney?
• Yes, but Midjourney’s built-in tools are the easiest and most seamless for direct use.

💬 User Experiences

I used to export every image into Photoshop for touch-ups, but now I just upscale images in Midjourney — it’s way faster and looks cleaner.
— Alex, Illustrator

Upscaling brought out details in my fantasy maps that I didn’t even know were there. It’s essential to my process now.
— Erin, Game Designer

I use Midjourney for product design mockups, and the upscale feature makes them client-ready in minutes.
— Marco, Brand Consultant

🌟 Final Thoughts

Learning how to upscale images in Midjourney is one of the easiest ways to elevate your art. It turns decent drafts into gallery-quality results with just one click — helping your ideas shine with clarity and purpose.

🗣️ What Do You Think?

Have you tried the different upscaler modes yet? Let me know which ones gave you the best results, or drop a comment if you’re unsure where to begin.

📚 Related Guides

• How to Create Logo Designs with Midjourney
• How to Stylize Portraits in Midjourney
• How to Make Scene Illustrations with Midjourney
• How to Generate Art with Midjourney

📢 About the Author

At AIFixup, our team brings over 5 years of hands-on experience in conceptualizing, developing, and optimizing AI tools. Every piece of content you see on this platform is rooted in real-world expertise and a deep understanding of the AI landscape.

Beyond our public content, we also share exclusive insights and free prompt collections with our subscribers every week. If you’d like to receive these valuable resources directly in your inbox, simply subscribe to our Email Newsletter—you’ll find the sign-up form at the bottom right corner of this page.