Parameter Reference--crefMidjourney v6.1

Character Reference (--cref)

Comprehensive Calibration Guide, Syntax & Recommended Values

Maintains facial likeness, hair color, and character identity across multiple scenes, outfits, and camera angles.

Parameter Flag

--cref

Default Setting

None (Character Weight defaults to 100)

Allowed Range

1 Image URL, Character Weight 0 - 100

Target Architecture

Midjourney v6.1

Standard Command Syntax

--cref <URL> [--cw <0-100>]

How Character Reference (--cref) Operates Internally

The Character Reference parameter (--cref) solves generative AI's longest-standing problem: persistent character continuity. By supplying an image URL of your character, Midjourney v6.1 locks facial structure, eye shape, and distinctive physical attributes. The companion --cw (Character Weight) flag allows you to preserve just the face (--cw 0) for costume/clothing changes, or preserve face, hair, and clothing together (--cw 100).

Recommended Value Calibration Matrix

Setting / Syntax	Target Scenario	Visual Result & Impact
--cref <URL> --cw 100	Total Character & Outfit Lock	Locks face, hairstyle, clothing style, and accessories across scenes.
--cref <URL> --cw 0	Facial Likeness with New Wardrobe	Locks face and facial structure only, allowing complete freedom to describe new clothes, uniforms, or armor.
--cref <URL> --cw 50	Flexible Reinterpretation	Retains facial identity while allowing slight hair variations and contextual accessories.

Common Mistakes & Syntax Errors

•Using real-world photographic celebrity portraits as reference—Midjourney works best with previously generated Midjourney character images.
•Leaving --cw at default 100 when you want the character to wear a different outfit.
•Using reference images where the character's face is obscured, in extreme shadow, or heavily turned away from the camera.

Production Prompt Examples

a young female detective walking through a rainy neon market in a yellow raincoat --cref https://example.com/detective.jpg --cw 0 --ar 16:9 --v 6.1

the same character sitting at a wooden cafe table sipping espresso --cref https://example.com/detective.jpg --cw 100 --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ready to experiment with --cref?

Launch the Visual Prompt Compiler to test real-world camera optics, lighting, and parameters in real time.

Test in Compiler Studio

Character Reference (--cref) Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine --cref and --sref in the same Midjourney prompt?

Yes. Combining --cref (for person identity) and --sref (for artistic visual style) is the gold standard for producing cohesive comic books, graphic novels, and brand campaigns in Midjourney.

Why is --cw 0 recommended for character costume changes?

At --cw 100, Midjourney attempts to replicate the character's clothing and hairstyle from the reference image. Lowering to --cw 0 isolates the facial likeness, giving full weight to your prompt's clothing descriptions.