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How to create consistent characters on Midjourney

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
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.

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Prerequisites

  • Active Midjourney subscription
  • Basic understanding of Discord commands
  • Familiarity with prompt writing
  • Understanding of Midjourney parameters

Step-by-Step Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Build a library of character poses that you can reference for future projects or storytelling sequences.

Common Issues & 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.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Midjourney website before purchasing.
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