How to use cref character reference in Midjourney?
Add --cref plus an image URL to the end of your prompt to reuse a character's look across images. Use --cw to set character weight: 100 copies face, hair, and clothing; 0 copies just the face. Note: --cref works on V6, not V7. On the newest model (V7), use Omni-Reference (--oref) with --ow instead.
Why — the first-principles explanation
Character Reference exists because Midjourney normally reinvents a person on every prompt. --cref gives the model an anchor image: it studies that reference and pulls the character's features into your new scene, so the same person appears again.
The --cw (character weight) setting decides how much to copy, on a 0-100 scale. At 100, it grabs the whole package: face, hairstyle, and outfit. At 0, it keeps only the face, freeing you to change clothes, poses, and settings. Mid-values blend the two. This lets you keep a recognizable hero while restyling them scene to scene.
Important version note: --cref is a V6-era tool. On the current V7 model it's not supported, you use Omni-Reference (--oref) with the --ow weight instead, which the model designers built as the newer, more capable replacement. So check which model you're on: --cref for V6, --oref for V7.
An example that makes it click
Think of --cref as handing a comic artist a character model sheet and saying 'draw this same hero.' Setting --cw to 100 is 'copy everything, face, hair, and costume.' Setting it to 0 is 'keep just the face; give them a new outfit.' The model sheet keeps your hero recognizable panel after panel, while the weight dial decides how much can change.
How to do it
- Make sure you're using a V6 model, since --cref isn't supported on V7.
- Generate or upload a clear character image and copy its URL.
- Write your new prompt, then add --cref followed by the image URL at the end.
- Add --cw with a value from 0 to 100 to set how much is copied (0 = face only, 100 = face, hair, clothes).
- Submit and review; adjust --cw or the prompt to refine consistency.
- On V7 instead, use --oref plus the image URL and --ow to control strength.
Key facts
- --cref plus an image URL reuses a character's appearance across images.
- --cw (character weight) ranges 0-100: 100 copies face, hair, and clothing; 0 copies face only.
- --cref works on Midjourney V6 but is not compatible with V7.
- On V7, Omni-Reference (--oref) with --ow replaces --cref.
- A clear, high-quality reference image improves character accuracy.
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How do you use --cref, character reference, in Midjourney? It lets you reuse the same character across images. Normally Midjourney invents a new person every prompt, so --cref gives it an anchor. Just write your prompt, then add --cref and paste your character image's link at the end. The magic dial is --cw, character weight, from 0 to 100. Set it to 100 and it copies everything, face, hair, and outfit. Set it to 0 and it copies only the face, so you can change the clothes and scene while keeping your hero recognizable. One key note: --cref is a version-6 tool. On the newest model, version 7, it doesn't work, you use Omni-Reference, --oref, with --ow instead. So check your model: --cref for V6, --oref for V7. Then keep your character consistent scene after scene.
What authoritative sources say
People also ask
What's the difference between --cw 0 and --cw 100?
--cw 100 copies the face, hair, and clothing from your reference; --cw 0 copies only the face, letting outfits and scenes change.
Why is --cref not working?
You may be on V7, where --cref is unsupported. Switch to a V6 model, or use Omni-Reference (--oref) with --ow on V7.
Can I use more than one character reference?
You can supply multiple reference images with --cref, though results vary. A single clear reference usually gives the most consistent character.
Does --cref copy the art style too?
--cref focuses on the character. To also copy style, combine it with a style reference (--sref) or describe the style in your prompt.