How to use Style Reference in Midjourney

Midjourney’s V6 update introduced a powerful feature called “Style Reference.” This allows you to use an image as a reference, influencing the artistic style of the image that Midjourney will generate.

Step 1: Get your reference image's URL ready

1. If your image is from Midjourney, upscale your chosen image by clicking the upscale buttons [U1, U2, U3, U4] at the bottom. 
   
2. If your image is a personal photo or from an external source, upload it using the “+” button next to the prompt box. 
   
3. Click on the upscaled or uploaded image. In the bottom left corner of the image, click the "Open in Browser" link to open the image in a new tab.
   
4. Copy the image URL from the new browser tab
   

Step 2: Apply the style reference code (--sref) to your prompt

1. In the prompt box, type "/imagine" and press "Enter" 
   
   
2. Describe what you want Midjourney to create (e.g., "A portrait of a woman with flowing hair")
3. Leave a space after your prompt text
4. Add the style reference code (--sref) after your prompt description)
5. Paste the URL you copied in step 1.4 after the space
6. For multiple references, separate URLs with commas. 
   
   
   

Here are some images we generated using Style Reference:

Right image prompt: Futuristic tech male elven --sref https://s.mj.run/raHWwNmC2sE --ar 4:5 --v 6.0



Right image prompt: a collage of a Mother, son running towards a house with solar panels, grass, --ar 4:5 --sref https://s.mj.run/pQYMYTvl14Q --v 6.0

Right image prompt: Man in the future, half human, half robot, bright, clean and modern --ar 2:1 --sref https://s.mj.run/6VZdwFU2NWc, https://s.mj.run/rfFxCD-hOps --v 6.0

For even more tips and insights, download our Midjourney Inspiration Guide or follow us on LinkedIn. We share daily prompts, inspiration, and ideas to help you elevate your visual journey.