Midjourney has introduced a groundbreaking new feature, SREF (Style Reference). This tool essentially behaves like a style training LoRA, capable of generating images in a consistent style by studying a reference image.
What makes SREF stand out is its consistency. With only a single image, it can generate identical results, making it a powerful tool for artists and designers alike.
Style References is straightforward. To use it, start with your desired itch and use the argument –sref, followed by a URL of an image (or more). Midjourney will then analyze the input image(s) and create a brand-new image that combines the aesthetics of your itch with the style of the chosen reference image. You can use this tool with both V6 and Niji V6 models.
Furthermore, SREF offers advanced settings. Users can add multiple images using the argument –sref, followed by the URLs of the images they’d like to draw style elements from. They can also adjust the weight of each style by following the URL with :: and the desired weight number (for example, urlA::2). You can also set the intensity of the stylization with –sw (with 0 turning off the feature and 1000 being the maximum setting). When using image prompts, you can still use SREF, but your images must appear before the –sref command.
In simple terms, Midjourney uses the color scheme of the provided reference image to grade the image it generates. This capability is demonstrated by generating an image using a reference image from Mad Max: Fury Road. Running the same image generation without the SREF yields a distinct aesthetic, clearly demonstrating the powerful added value of the SREF tool.
Another example was demonstrated using an image from the movie “Tenet”. The result is a perfect reproduction of the aesthetics from the reference image, proving the impressive consistency SREF offers in a creative context.
With SREF, it is easy to create consistent images that hold true to a specific visual aesthetic present in a reference image. This is helpful for those seeking a uniform look and feel throughout their work, making Midjourney a handy tool for visual creators seeking to streamline their design process.
