Style reference and character reference in Midjourney

What it is good at

• Style reference keeps a whole set of images feeling like one cohesive collection rather than disconnected one-offs.
• Character reference keeps a recognisable model or character across a series without needing to describe their exact features every time.
• Both can be combined with a normal text prompt to change the scene or subject while keeping the style or character locked.
• A style weight value lets you dial in how strongly the reference dominates versus your new text description.

Where it falls short

• Character reference gets less reliable the more the pose or angle changes drastically from the reference image.
• Style reference can sometimes override specific details you asked for in the text prompt if weighted too high.
• Both need a genuinely well-composed, clear reference image to work from, a messy or ambiguous reference produces messy results.

How to use it for creative work

1. 01

   Choose a clean, representative reference image

   For style reference, pick an image with the exact colour and lighting mood you want repeated; for character reference, pick a clear, front-facing shot of the character.

2. 02

   Add the reference as a URL with the parameter

   Upload the reference image to get a URL, then append --sref [url] or --cref [url] to your normal text prompt describing the new scene or subject.

3. 03

   Adjust the reference weight if it's too dominant or too weak

   Use the corresponding weight parameter to turn the reference's influence up or down until it balances correctly against your text description.

4. 04

   Test the reference across a few different scenes first

   Before committing to a whole shoot, generate three or four varied scenes with the same reference to confirm it holds up across different compositions.

5. 05

   Keep a reference library per project

   Save the exact reference image and parameter string used for a project so you or a teammate can extend the same look or character later.

Ready-to-use prompts

[new subject/scene description] --sref [reference image url] --sw 400

[same character] now [new scene/action description] --cref [reference image url] --cw 100

[new scene description] --sref [style reference url] --cref [character reference url]

[subject description] --sref [reference image url] --sw 100

[character] in [new pose/setting], keeping the same styling and mood as the reference --cref [reference image url] --sref [style reference url]

Questions people ask

What is the difference between --sref and --cref in Midjourney?

--sref locks a visual style like colour, lighting and texture across different subjects, while --cref keeps the same specific face or character consistent across different scenes and poses.

Why doesn't my Midjourney character reference look consistent?

Character reference gets less reliable with drastic changes in pose or angle from the original reference image, so test it across a few variations and adjust the character weight before committing to a full series.

Can I use style reference and character reference together?

Yes, both parameters can be combined in the same prompt to lock a consistent look and a consistent character at the same time across a series of images.