Keep Your Midjourney Architecture Consistent with Cref and Sref Parameters

A Midjourney generated image using Midjourney Automation Suite

Creating architecture images in Midjourney can sometimes result in wildly different styles, even with similar prompts. If you want to maintain a consistent look for your buildings or apply specific styles, Midjourney offers powerful tools: the character reference parameter (`--cref`) and the style reference parameter (`--sref`). This post will show you how they work, especially for architectural projects.

Using Character Reference (`--cref`) for Architecture

The `--cref` parameter is typically used to keep a person's appearance consistent across different generated images. You give Midjourney an image of a character, and it tries to recreate that character in new scenes or situations.

Surprisingly, you can also use `--cref` to help maintain some consistency in architectural designs. While not its primary use, referencing an image of a building with `--cref` can sometimes help Midjourney keep similar structural elements or overall form when you change other parts of the prompt. Without it, using the same prompt multiple times can lead to very different building styles.

How to Use --cref

To use `--cref`, just add the image link at the end of your prompt, followed by `--cref`.

• Start your prompt like usual.

• Add the URL of the reference image.

• Add `--cref` after the URL.

• Your full prompt looks like: `[Your Prompt] [Image URL] --cref`

Remember, its behavior for architecture is not as strong as for characters, but it\\'s another tool in your belt for guiding Midjourney's output.

The Seed Parameter (`--seed`) for Consistency

A more reliable way to get consistent outputs, especially keeping the *structure* or *layout* of a previous generation, is using the `--seed` parameter. Every time Midjourney creates an image grid, it uses a hidden seed number. Using this same seed number with a new prompt helps the AI start from a similar visual "noise" pattern, leading to images that share structural similarities with the original seeded job.

Finding and Using a Seed Number

Here is how to get a seed number from a job you like:

• Find the finished image grid in Discord.

• React to that message with the envelope emoji (✉️).

• The Midjourney Bot will send you a direct message containing the job ID and the seed number.

• Copy the seed number.

Now, use the seed number in your new prompt:

• Write your new prompt (e.g., describe the same building but in a different environment).

• Add `--seed [the seed number you copied]` at the end of the prompt.

For example, you could use the seed of a building you liked and then add `a grassland environment --seed [your seed number]`. The result should feature buildings with a similar shape to the original, but now placed in a grassland.

You can change other things too, like lighting or materials, while keeping the core structure similar using the seed. Try changing the interior lights of a building prompt and adding the seed; you should get similar-shaped buildings with the new lighting inside. Compare this to running the same prompt without the seed – the styles will likely differ significantly.

Managing different seeds and reference images for architectural projects can be complex. A tool like the Midjourney Automation Suite from TitanXT can help streamline this process, making it easier to keep track of consistent styles and elements across multiple generations.

Applying Style Reference (`--sref`)

The `--sref` parameter is specifically designed for influencing the *style* or *aesthetic* of your generated images. This is very useful for architectural work when you want to apply specific textures, artistic styles, or environmental feels to a building.

You provide an image as a style reference, and Midjourney tries to make your generated image look like the reference image in terms of style, color, and texture, rather than content.

Ways to Use --sref

You can use an image link or an uploaded image as your style reference.

[H4]Using an Image Link:[/H4]

• Find the image you want to use for style (e.g., a texture image).

• Copy the image address (URL).

• Write your prompt (e.g., for a museum).

• Add the image URL followed by `--sref` at the end of your prompt.

• Prompt example: `a modern museum exterior [Texture Image URL] --sref`

Midjourney will then generate the museum design but apply the texture from your reference image to its facade or walls.

[H4]Using an Uploaded Image:[/H4]

• Click the plus (+) button in Discord to upload your image file.

• Send the image in the chat.

• Click on the uploaded image to open it.

• Right-click (or long-press on mobile) the image preview and select "Copy Image Address".

• Use this copied address in your prompt followed by `--sref`, just like using an image link.

This way, you can use textures or style references saved on your own computer.

Referencing Environments or Other Buildings for Style

You aren't limited to just texture images. You can use images of environments or even other buildings as style references.

• Environment Style: Use an image of a setting, like a dark cyberpunk street scene, as your `--sref`. Midjourney can then generate your building within that environment's overall mood and light, applying its *style* cues.

• Matching Interior/Landscape Style: Use an exterior building image as your `--sref` while prompting for an interior or a landscape. Midjourney will try to create an interior or landscape that matches the *style* of the exterior building.

Experimenting with different style references can lead to unique architectural visualizations. For busy architecture professionals handling many projects, managing diverse styles and references can be time-consuming. The Midjourney Automation Suite by TitanXT is designed to simplify this workflow, allowing you to manage styles and generations more effectively.

In Summary

`--cref` can sometimes help maintain architectural consistency (though it's primarily for characters), while `--seed` is highly effective for keeping the spatial structure of previous generations while changing other aspects. `--sref` is your go-to for applying specific styles, textures, or aesthetic feels from a reference image to your architectural designs.

By combining these parameters, you gain greater control over your Midjourney architecture output, moving beyond random generations to create consistent and stylized visualizations that meet your specific design needs.

To make organizing and using these techniques even easier, consider exploring automated tools built for Midjourney users. The Midjourney Automation Suite from TitanXT offers features that can help streamline your process for using reference images, seeds, and managing various styles across your projects.