How to Create Consistent Characters in Midjourney

Creating images with the same person or character in Midjourney can be tricky. It gets even harder when you want multiple consistent characters in one image. Midjourney has a feature called character reference (`--cref`) that helps with this. This post shares three ways you can use it to make multiple characters look similar across your images.

Method 1: Start with One, Add the Rest (Pan and Zoom)

This approach builds your image step-by-step. You create an image with your first character, then use Midjourney's tools to add space and bring in the next character.

Steps for Pan and Zoom:

• Create an image showing your first character. Use the `--cref` option for this character. You can drag the image or paste its URL after `--cref`. Adding `--cw 0` lets Midjourney change the character's clothes and hair.

• Once you have a good image, open it in the Midjourney image editor (or use pan/custom zoom in Discord).

• Use the pan feature to add space next to the first character. Or, zoom out to change the view.

• Update your text prompt. Describe the second character and where they are compared to the first one (like "character on the right").

• Remove the first character's reference image.

• Add the second character's reference image using the `--cref` option again. Make sure `--cw 0` is still set if you want clothing changes.

• Submit the job. It might take a few tries to get the characters looking right and the overall image looking good.

This method can work, but getting everything perfect might require several attempts.

Method 2: Fix Faces One by One (Vary Region)

This method is great for getting multiple characters just right. It's often easier, especially if you have more than two characters. You start with an image that has dummy characters, then replace each face using your references.

Steps for Vary Region:

• Create a base image with two or more characters in the positions you want. Describe the scene and character types, but don't use specific character references yet. Think about the setting – are they sitting together, standing, etc.?

• Once you have a good base image, open it in the Midjourney image editor (or use the Vary Region button in Discord).

• Select the face of the *first* character you want to make consistent. Use the erase tool to cover just their face.

• Add that *first* character's reference image using `--cref`. You can add text if needed, like "close up of face." Again, `--cw 0` is useful.

• Submit. Midjourney will repaint the area you erased, trying to match your reference.

• Repeat the process for the *next* character's face. Start with the new image you just made. Erase the second character's face. Remove the previous `--cref` and add the reference for the second character.

• Submit again. Continue this until all the faces match their references.

This 'repaint' method gives you a lot of control over character consistency.

Managing many image variations and character references for multiple characters can be time-consuming. Consider using the TitanXT Midjourney Automation Suite to streamline this process and keep track of your images and prompts more easily.

Method 3: Include Both References at Once

You can try adding multiple character references in your first prompt. This works best when you help Midjourney understand which reference goes with which person in the image.

Steps for Multiple References:

• Write your prompt describing the scene and the number of characters (e.g., "two people").

• Add the `--cref` parameter, followed by the URLs of your reference images. You can use one image with both characters or two separate image URLs (separate them with a space).

• In your text prompt, clearly describe which character reference relates to which person and where they are. For example, "character reference 1 is the person on the left, character reference 2 is the person on the right." This helps Midjourney map the references correctly and prevents odd blending.

• Submit the prompt.

Directly using multiple references can sometimes blend features between characters. If the results aren't perfect, you can use Method 2 (Vary Region) on the faces that didn't turn out quite right.

Tips for Character Consistency

Keeping characters consistent across images, especially when adding more, can be complex. Here are some extra points:

• More than Two Characters: The Vary Region method (Method 2) is usually the most straightforward way to handle three or more characters. It's easier to get your base image just right first, then focus on replacing faces.

• Illustrated/Non-Human Characters: `--cref` can work for drawn characters too. Non-human characters might be a bit harder to match.

• Style Consistency: Using a style reference (`--sref`) can help keep the overall look consistent across different images and character variations. You can use an `--sref` code or one of your base images as the style reference.

Handling many character references, style references, and prompt variations can become challenging. Automating parts of your Midjourney workflow can save time and effort, letting you focus on creative ideas. Find out more about boosting your efficiency with the TitanXT Midjourney Automation Suite.

Achieving consistent characters in Midjourney takes some practice with the `--cref` feature and these different techniques. Midjourney is always improving, and better character tools are expected in future updates.