Intermediate
How to create consistent characters on Midjourney
Quick Answer
Create consistent characters on Midjourney by using the --cref parameter with character reference images, maintaining detailed character descriptions, and utilizing the --cw parameter to control character weight. Combine with seed values and consistent prompting techniques for best results.
Prerequisites
- Active Midjourney subscription
- Basic understanding of Discord commands
- Familiarity with prompt writing
- Understanding of Midjourney parameters
1
Create Your Initial Character Reference
Start by generating a high-quality character image with detailed prompts describing physical features, clothing, and style. Use specific descriptors like
25-year-old woman with auburn hair, green eyes, wearing a blue denim jacket. Save the best result as your primary character reference image.Tip
Use multiple angles and poses in your initial generation to have variety in your reference library.
2
Upload and Use Character Reference
Upload your character reference image to Discord and copy the image URL. In your new prompt, add
--cref [image_URL] parameter. Set the character weight using --cw 100 for maximum consistency or lower values like --cw 50 for more variation.Tip
You can use multiple character references by separating URLs with spaces in the --cref parameter.
3
Maintain Consistent Character Descriptions
Always include the same core character features in every prompt, even when using --cref. Write consistent descriptions like
Sarah, auburn-haired woman with green eyes at the beginning of each prompt. This reinforces the character reference and improves consistency.Tip
Create a character sheet document to copy-paste consistent descriptions for each character.
4
Use Seed Values for Additional Control
Add
--seed [number] to your prompts to maintain consistency in style and composition. Find successful seed values by reacting with the envelope emoji on generated images to get the seed number. Reuse these seeds for similar poses or scenes.Tip
Different seeds work better for different poses - keep a list of your best seeds for various scenarios.
5
Apply Style Reference for Consistent Artwork Style
Upload a style reference image and use
--sref [style_image_URL] to maintain consistent artistic style across all character generations. Combine with --sw 100 for maximum style adherence or adjust the style weight as needed.Tip
Use the same style reference across all your character images to create a cohesive visual series.
6
Utilize Vary Region for Fine-tuning
Use the Vary (Region) button on generated images to modify specific parts while keeping the character consistent. Select the area you want to change and provide targeted prompts for adjustments without affecting the overall character appearance.
Tip
Vary Region works best for small adjustments like changing expressions or minor clothing details.
7
Create Character Variations Systematically
Generate multiple poses and expressions using the same
--cref and core description while varying only the action or scene. Use prompts like [character_name] walking, sitting, laughing while maintaining all reference parameters for a complete character set.Tip
Build a library of character poses that you can reference for future projects or storytelling sequences.
Troubleshooting
Character features keep changing despite using --cref
Increase the character weight to
--cw 100 and ensure your reference image is high-quality with clear, unobstructed view of the character's face and key features.Character reference not working with complex scenes
Simplify your prompts and focus on the character first. Use
--cref with --cw 80-100 and avoid conflicting style descriptions that might override the character reference.Inconsistent art style across character images
Add a consistent style reference using
--sref [URL] --sw 50-100 and use the same model version (V6 or V6.1) for all generations in your character series.Character looks different in different poses or angles
Create multiple reference images showing different angles of your character and use them in rotation, or use
--cref [URL1] [URL2] [URL3] to provide multiple character references simultaneously.Ready to get started with Midjourney?
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