MidJourney is one of the most popular AI image generators in the world, but every image you download from Discord carries hidden metadata that can reveal exactly how it was made. From your original prompt text to the model version, job ID, and generation parameters, MidJourney embeds a surprising amount of data into every PNG and JPG it produces. If you are uploading MidJourney images to Pinterest, Etsy, stock photo sites, or any other platform, this metadata can trigger AI detection systems, get your content flagged, or simply expose information you would rather keep private.

This guide covers everything you need to know about MidJourney metadata: what data is embedded, where it hides, and how to remove it completely before uploading anywhere.

What Metadata Does MidJourney Embed in Images?

MidJourney embeds metadata at several levels, and understanding each type is the first step toward removing it effectively.

Prompt Data and Text Parameters

Every MidJourney image contains the full text of the prompt you used to generate it. This includes not just the main descriptive prompt, but also any negative prompts, style references, and text modifiers you added. If you typed something like "beautiful sunset over mountains --v 6 --ar 16:9 --style raw", all of that text is stored in the image file.

This is significant because anyone who knows where to look can extract your exact prompt. Competitors can reverse-engineer your creative process. Platforms can read the prompt text and immediately identify the image as AI-generated. Even if the image looks completely photorealistic, the embedded prompt data gives it away instantly.

Model Version and Generation Parameters

MidJourney records which model version was used to generate each image. Whether you used --v5, --v6, or the latest --v7, this information is stored in the metadata. The parameters also include:

  • Aspect ratio settings (--ar values)
  • Stylization level (--stylize or --s values)
  • Chaos values (--chaos or --c)
  • Quality settings (--quality or --q)
  • Seed numbers used for generation
  • Style mode (--style raw, --style scenic, etc.)
  • Weirdness values (--weird or --w)

For --v7 specifically, MidJourney added new parameters like draft mode, personalization codes, and enhanced style references that are all captured in metadata. This makes v7 images particularly identifiable because the parameter set is unique to this version.

Job IDs and Discord Metadata

Each MidJourney generation is assigned a unique job ID that links back to the specific generation request on MidJourney's servers. This means that theoretically, anyone with the job ID could look up the original generation on MidJourney's platform. Additionally, when you download images from Discord, the file may carry Discord CDN metadata including download timestamps and channel information.

EXIF and XMP Data

Beyond MidJourney-specific data, the images contain standard EXIF fields that reveal the image was not captured by a physical camera. The absence of camera make, model, lens information, GPS coordinates, and shutter speed data is itself a signal that platforms use to identify AI-generated content. MidJourney images also contain XMP metadata that includes software attribution fields pointing to MidJourney as the creator application.

How MidJourney Metadata Differs by Download Method

The metadata in your MidJourney images varies depending on how you downloaded them, and this is an important distinction many creators miss.

Downloading from Discord

When you right-click and save an image directly from the Discord chat, you get the image as Discord serves it. Discord's CDN may strip some metadata but typically preserves the core MidJourney generation data embedded in the PNG chunks or JPEG APP markers. The file name itself often contains a hash or identifier that links to the original message.

Downloading Upscaled Images

When you upscale an image using MidJourney's U1-U4 buttons (or the upscale options in v6 and v7), the upscaled version contains additional metadata about the upscaling process. This includes the upscale method used, the original resolution, and the upscale factor. Upscaled images from --v6 and --v7 are particularly metadata-heavy because these versions use more sophisticated upscaling algorithms that log their processing steps.

Downloading from the MidJourney Website

MidJourney's web gallery at midjourney.com allows you to download your images directly. These downloads tend to contain the most complete metadata, including your full prompt, all parameters, the job ID, creation timestamp, and the model version. The website serves the original files with minimal processing, so nothing gets stripped in transit.

Downloading Grid Images vs. Individual Images

The initial 2x2 grid that MidJourney generates contains metadata for the entire grid, including the prompt and parameters for all four variations. When you select a single image from the grid, its metadata reflects both the original generation and the selection process.

Why Stripping MidJourney Metadata Matters

Pinterest AI Detection

Pinterest has implemented one of the most aggressive AI detection systems among social platforms. Their system reads IPTC metadata, EXIF data, and embedded text fields to identify AI-generated content. MidJourney images uploaded with metadata intact are almost guaranteed to receive an AI label on Pinterest, which can reduce distribution, lower engagement, and hurt your reach. For a complete breakdown of Pinterest's detection system, see our Pinterest AI detection guide.

Etsy and Marketplace Policies

Etsy and other creative marketplaces have specific policies about AI-generated content disclosure. While some sellers use AI as part of their creative workflow, having MidJourney metadata in your uploaded images can trigger automatic detection systems or make it easy for competitors to report your listings. Removing metadata puts you in control of how and when you disclose your creative process. For more on selling AI art without issues, see our Etsy AI art guide.

Stock Photo Sites

Stock photography platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images all have AI content policies. Some accept AI-generated content in specific categories, while others reject it entirely. Regardless of the policy, having MidJourney metadata in your submissions immediately identifies the content as AI-generated, which can lead to rejection, account flags, or placement in lower-visibility AI-specific categories.

Prompt Protection and Intellectual Property

Your prompts represent creative intellectual property. Experienced MidJourney users spend considerable time developing prompt techniques, style combinations, and parameter settings that produce distinctive results. Leaving this data embedded in your images is like publishing your recipe alongside every dish you serve. Stripping metadata protects your creative process from being easily copied.

Cross-Platform Detection Networks

Major platforms are beginning to share AI detection data through industry partnerships. An image flagged as AI-generated on one platform can potentially carry that flag to other platforms through shared databases and hash-matching systems. Removing metadata before your first upload prevents your image from entering these cross-platform detection networks.

How to Strip MidJourney Metadata: Step-by-Step Methods

Our AI Metadata Cleaner is specifically designed to remove all AI generation metadata while preserving image quality. Here is how to use it with MidJourney images:

  1. Download your MidJourney image from Discord or the MidJourney website
  2. Visit AI Metadata Cleaner at the homepage
  3. Upload your image by dragging it onto the upload area or clicking to browse
  4. Click "Process Images" to strip all metadata
  5. Download the cleaned image which is now free of all MidJourney identifiers

The tool removes MidJourney prompt data, generation parameters, job IDs, XMP software attribution, and all other metadata fields that could identify the image as AI-generated. It also preserves color profiles and essential display data so your image looks identical to the original.

For batch processing multiple MidJourney images at once, you can upload up to 10 images simultaneously and clean them all in one operation. This is ideal for creators who generate large volumes of content. Check out our subscription plans for batch processing options.

Method 2: Manual Removal with ExifTool

For technical users comfortable with command-line tools, ExifTool can strip MidJourney metadata:

exiftool -all= -overwrite_original your-midjourney-image.png

For batch processing an entire folder of MidJourney downloads:

exiftool -all= -overwrite_original -r ./midjourney-downloads/

Important caveat: ExifTool's blanket removal also strips color profiles (ICC profiles), which can cause color shifts when your image is displayed on different screens or printed. Our AI Metadata Cleaner selectively removes AI-identifying metadata while preserving color profiles.

Method 3: Re-exporting Through Image Editors

You can open your MidJourney image in an image editor and re-export it to strip metadata:

Using GIMP (free):

  1. Open the image in GIMP
  2. Go to File > Export As
  3. In the export dialog, expand "Advanced Options"
  4. Uncheck all metadata options (EXIF, XMP, IPTC)
  5. Export the image

Using Photoshop:

  1. Open the image in Photoshop
  2. Go to File > Export > Save for Web
  3. Uncheck "Metadata" or set it to "None"
  4. Save the file

Warning: If you use Photoshop with Content Credentials enabled, you may actually be adding new metadata (Adobe's C2PA data) while trying to remove MidJourney's. See our Content Credentials removal guide for details on this issue.

Some creators take screenshots of their MidJourney images to avoid metadata. While this does strip the original metadata, it also:

  • Significantly reduces image quality and resolution
  • Adds your device's screenshot metadata (device model, screen resolution, timestamp)
  • May introduce compression artifacts
  • Changes the image dimensions to your screen size rather than the original generation size

This method trades one set of problems for another and is not recommended for professional use.

Verifying Your Metadata Has Been Removed

After stripping metadata, it is essential to verify that the removal was successful. Here are ways to check:

Online Metadata Viewers

Upload your cleaned image to an online EXIF viewer to confirm no MidJourney data remains. Look specifically for:

  • Any text containing your prompt or keywords from your prompt
  • References to MidJourney, Discord, or generation parameters
  • Software fields mentioning AI tools
  • Suspicious XMP or IPTC data

Command-Line Verification

Use ExifTool to inspect the cleaned file:

exiftool your-cleaned-image.png

The output should show minimal metadata with no references to MidJourney, prompts, or AI generation tools.

Platform Testing

Before uploading to your target platform, consider uploading a test image to a secondary account to see if it receives an AI label. This is the most reliable way to confirm that your metadata removal was effective against a specific platform's detection system.

Special Considerations for MidJourney v6 and v7

MidJourney v6 Metadata

MidJourney v6 introduced enhanced metadata compared to earlier versions. The v6 model embeds more detailed parameter data, including:

  • The specific v6 sub-model variant used
  • Enhanced style parameters unique to v6
  • Upscaling method details (v6 uses a new upscaling approach)
  • Character reference and style reference data if used

MidJourney v7 Metadata

MidJourney v7, the latest version as of 2026, adds even more metadata fields:

  • Draft mode indicators: Whether the image was generated in draft or full quality mode
  • Personalization data: If you used personalization codes (--p), the code and its influence are recorded
  • Enhanced style reference tracking: V7's improved style reference system logs reference image hashes
  • New parameter values: V7-specific parameters like enhanced coherence settings

Because v7 metadata is the most comprehensive yet, it is also the most easily detected by platforms. Cleaning v7 images before uploading is more important than ever.

Best Practices for MidJourney Creators

Establish a Metadata Cleaning Workflow

The most effective approach is to make metadata removal a standard part of your workflow rather than an afterthought:

  1. Generate images in MidJourney as normal
  2. Download to a dedicated folder (e.g., "MJ Raw Downloads")
  3. Batch clean all images using AI Metadata Cleaner before moving them to your working folder
  4. Verify a sample from each batch to confirm successful removal
  5. Upload cleaned images to your target platforms

Keep Original Files for Reference

Always maintain a copy of your original MidJourney downloads with metadata intact. This serves as your personal archive of prompts, parameters, and generation settings. Store these separately from your cleaned upload-ready files.

Use Consistent File Naming

Rename your cleaned files before uploading. MidJourney's default file names often contain identifiers that, while not technically metadata, can hint at AI generation. Use descriptive, professional file names that match your content.

Monitor Platform Detection Updates

AI detection systems evolve constantly. What works today may not work tomorrow as platforms upgrade their detection capabilities. Stay informed about detection changes by following our blog and checking our social media AI detection comparison guide for the latest updates.

Conclusion

MidJourney creates stunning images, but every image comes with a detailed digital paper trail embedded in its metadata. From your exact prompt to the model version, job ID, and every parameter you used, this data makes it trivial for platforms, competitors, or anyone with basic tools to identify your images as AI-generated.

Stripping this metadata before uploading anywhere is not about being deceptive. It is about controlling your creative narrative and ensuring your images are judged on their quality rather than flagged by automated systems. Use our AI Metadata Cleaner to remove MidJourney metadata quickly and reliably. For a deeper understanding of all the metadata types that AI generators embed, see our complete metadata removal guide.