How To Make Consistent Characters in Midjourney – Best Tips for CREF Character Reference
Learn how to make consistent characters in Midjourney with the new –cref character reference feature. Here’s a short guide on how to use it!
The long-awaited character reference feature is finally here, and it’s amazing! This new option in Midjourney is similar to the recently released Style Reference feature.
Instead of matching a reference style, you can now create consistent characters in Midjourney based on a Character Reference image(s).
How to use Midjourney Character Reference in Discord
Creating consistent characters in Midjourney is easier than ever. Follow these steps to get started!
Step 1: Upload the image you want to reference to Discord by double-clicking the + icon next to the prompt box or selecting ‘Upload a File.’ After you choose the correct file, hit enter to upload it.
Step 2: On desktop, click the image, choose ‘Open in Browser,’ and copy the URL from the address bar. The link should end with .jpg or .png.
When using the Discord mobile app, tap and hold the image and choose ‘Copy Media Link’ or tap ‘Share’ and copy the URL.
Step 3: Type /imagine in the text bar and write your prompt. At the end of your prompt, type the parameter –cref and paste the image URL. The URL will be shortened after you hit enter.
Make sure there is a space between the parameter and the URL, like in the example below:
A gorgeous model wearing a pink dress --cref urlA.png How to use Midjourney Character Reference on the Web Alpha
Drag or paste the image into the Imagine bar. You will be presented with three options: use the image as a character reference, style reference, or image prompt. Press Shift+Select to use an image for multiple categories.
How to modify Reference strength
The –cw parameter allows you to modify the reference strength from 100 to 0. Strength 100 (–cw 100) is the default setting and will reference the face, hair, and outfit.
At strength 0 (–cw 0), it mostly focuses on the face and adds different outfits and hairstyles.
You add the –cw parameter after the reference parameter like so:
A gorgeous model wearing a pink dress --cref URL1.png --cw 100TIP: Turn on Remix for easy experimenting
Make sure to turn on the remix setting via /settings. This will allow you to edit the prompt before rerunning it and easily apply the reference style to different subjects without copying and pasting the reference URL.
Examples of Midjourney Style Reference
I’ve posted three Character References below that you can download and use as examples to play around with the new –cref function.
I can’t wait to discover what you make with these reference styles! Please tag me on Instagram @sprinkleofai so I can see it!
Character Reference Style: Marc
Download the image below and upload it to Discord to use as your Midjourney Character Reference.
a photo of a handsome brunette man with glasses wearing a black glitter suit, sitting on a leather couch in an industrial setting --ar 2:3 --v 6.0Examples Using Midjourney Character Reference
For this set, I’ve used –cw 100. This setting is best used when you don’t change the prompt and creates a character dressed in a similar outfit, with a matching haircut and glasses.
Character Reference Style: Abby
Download the image below and upload it to Discord to use as your Midjourney Character Reference.
a photo of a gorgeous model, vintage 90s anime style, Barbie red hair, cute red latex outfit, y2k fashion, in a pastel green bedroom --ar 2:3 --v 6.0Examples Using Midjourney Character Reference
For this set, I’ve used –cw 50. This setting is best used when you want to change your prompt slightly and creates a character dressed in a similar fashion style in different colors, with a matching haircut.
For this image set, I changed the prompt for the images of Abby to be created with Niji 6.
Character Reference Style: Anh
Download the image below and upload it to Discord to use as your Midjourney Character Reference.
a closeup portrait photo of a Mongolian woman with pink lipstick and a pink sparkly glitter blouse, in front of a white wall --ar 2:3 --v 6.0Examples Using Midjourney Character Reference
For this set, I’ve used –cw 0. This setting is best used when you want to use a different prompt and creates a character dressed in a different outfit, in different colors, in a different setting (optionally), with a matching haircut.
Limitations for Character Reference
This new feature works best when using characters created with Midjourney images. It is not designed to be used for real people and images (and will most likely distort them).
The technique’s precision is limited and won’t copy facial features such as dimples, freckles, tattoos, piercings, or (T-shirt) logos.
Tips to Optimize Your Consistent Characters in Midjourney
Here are my best tips for the new character reference option and how to create consistent characters in Mijdourney.
- Use upscaled images that show the model’s full face with eyes open, preferably looking into the camera.
- Change the parameter from the default—- cw 100 to lower values to experiment with the strength of the reference image.
- The new–cref feature works for both Niji and normal Midjourney models and can be combined with the recently released Style Reference feature. This means you can turn photorealistic images into Niji anime-inspired images or 3D dolls while maintaining a consistent style.
Learn more: How To Use The New Midjourney Style Reference
How to use multiple Character references in one prompt
You can use multiple character reference images and blend them together in one prompt. Here’s an example of how to add multiple image URLs to your prompt:
--cref URL1 URL2That’s a Wrap!
I hope this Midjourney Character Reference guide has been helpful to you! Please add me on Instagram @sprinkleofai to ask me any questions you still have, and don’t forget to tag me in all your wonderful AI Art!
NEXT GUIDE: Learn how to use the Midjourney Style Reference
Learn how to use the Midjourney Style Reference with examples to copy aesthetics across a set of images easily.
Learn how to get started with Midjourney
New to Midjourney? Check my handy free guides for beginners to set up Midjourney in just 10 minutes and learn how to write the perfect Midjourney prompt to get started right away!
Free Midjourney Prompt Sets
Discover my free Midjourney Prompt Sets and level up your creativity! I can’t wait to see what you’ll make with them. Check my Instagram for more examples!
MORE MIDJOURNEY GUIDES & PROMPTS
About the author
My name is Marloes Ratten, and I love to make things. During the day, I’m a Macrame teacher, and at night I love to go a little crazy in Midjourney.
If you would like to see more of my AI artwork, follow Sprinkle of AI on Instagram or check out more posts on my blog sprinkleofai.com!
For more info about me or my handmade items, check my blog macrameforbeginners.com, or browse my Etsy Shop for beginner-friendly step-by-step patterns.
This website features a collection of fictional characters and products crafted with Midjourney. All images are purely imaginative, and any resemblance to actual persons or products is entirely coincidental.
