Formal upright (Chokkan) is one of the most common Bonsai styles, this style represents a tree in nature. To achieve this style the trunk needs to be thicker at the bottom and must grow thinner towards the top. The foliage should also be styled in a triangular manner. 

Informal upright (Moyogi)  style is common in Bonsai as well as trees in nature. Like the formal upright style, this style requires the tree to grow upwards but with the trunk consisting of an S shape. The trunk should be clearly visible as well as be thicker on the bottom. This tree requires the foliage to be styled inn a triangular manner   

Broom style (Hokidachi) is suitable for deciduous trees. This style, requires a straight and upright trunk. The foliage should form a ball shape on the top of the tree.

Slanting Style (Shakan) is created to show the effect of wind and light on a tree. The reason behind the slant is because in nature, trees grow towards light or can be effected by a constant/dominant wind direction. The roots need to be strong to keep this tree up. The trunk should always be thicker in this certain style and should always have the first branch styled towards the opposite direction of the slant.

Cascade Style (Kengai) represents a tree living in nature on a steep cliff. Cascade style can be a very difficult style especially for vigorous trees. This is because trees grow towards sunlight (upwards) which opposes the attempt of making a cascade styled Bonsai. The apex is usually above the pot whereas the other branches grow underneath the pot and therefore this style needs a specific cascade pot.

Semi Cascade Style (Han-Kengai) Is very similar to the Cascade style however this specific style will never let its branches grow below its pot (like cascade). This style can be found on cliffs and/or on river banks and lakes.

Literati Style (Bunjingi) depicts a tree in nature which is found in an area densely populated by other trees and is competing to survive. This leaves the tree no choice but to grow taller. This style also includes lots of deadwood. Literati trees are usually placed in small round pots.

Windswept Style (Fukinagashi) Is a style that expresses the struggle which a tree has to go through to survive. The branches are styled towards one specific side and the trunk will eventually bend due to light needs.

Double Trunk Style (Sokan) is common in nature but not that common in bonsai. The double trunks might grow out of the same rooting system but there is also a possibility that it grows as a regular branch just above the soil. The trunks vary in size as well as thickness and the smaller trunk will usually be slanted. These two trunks will both share the same apex.

Multitrunk Style (Kabudachi) is a style which requires 3 or more trunks within the same rooting system. This style is similar to the double trunk style. All trunks end up sharing the same apex.

Forest Style (Yose-ue) is a set of trees placed in such a way to simulate a forest. The forrest style is usually made in shallow oval pots or stone slabs. The trees are placed t0 created a triangular shape. The shorter trees are placed on the sides where as the tallest tree is placed in the centre.

Root Over Rock Style (Seki-joju) shows the ways which a tree tries to find nutrients in the surrounding environment. The roots create a special bark around themselves to protect them. In bonsai, This is a very aesthetic feature.

Rock Planting Style (Ishisuki)  Is the style where the tree is embedded inside a rock itself and the branches are forced to come out of the holes or cracks of the rock. The rock is placed on a shallow pot so that the roots can grow into the ground.

Raft Style (Ikadabuki) Is a style where a damaged or cracked tree can start growing upwards to try and survive. The old branches, will act like new trunks and the overall style will look like the forest style or even clump style.

Shari Style (Sharimiki) Is the process where a tree develops deadwood on the trunk. This is usually because of harsh weather conditions. The sunlight will bleach these parts and turn them milky white. However this can be done artificially with Lime Sulphur. This style makes a tree more dramatic as well as it makes the tree look older.