Seeds, CFG, Steps and Stylize: AI Image Settings Explained

5 min read · Updated 05 Oct 2026 · By the PromptVerse team

Most AI image tools hide a few numbers behind the prompt box. Knowing what they do lets you reproduce good results and fix bad ones on purpose instead of by trial and error.

Seed: the starting point

A seed is the number that sets the random noise an image starts from. The same prompt, settings and seed usually give the same image, which is how you iterate on one idea. Change the seed to explore variations.

CFG or guidance: how strictly to follow the prompt

CFG (classifier-free guidance) controls how closely the model follows your text. Low values give looser, more creative images; very high values can look harsh or over-saturated. Different models work best in different ranges, so check the model documentation.

Steps: how long it refines

Steps are the number of denoising passes. More steps can add detail up to a point, then returns shrink and time grows. Many models give good results with a moderate number rather than the maximum.

Stylize, chaos and weird in Midjourney

"--stylize" sets how strongly Midjourney applies its own aesthetic. "--chaos" increases variety between the four results. "--weird" pushes toward unusual, experimental looks. Raise them one at a time and compare.

A simple testing routine

Fix the seed, change one setting, and compare. Write down what you learn and save the winning combination in your vault. You can also open any prompt on Explore to see the exact seed, CFG and steps its author used.