How To Use Reference Photos In Midjourney?

How to use reference images in midjourney

Do you want to use image as a prompt in midjourney? It is always difficult to write new creative prompts in midjourney . In midjourney, you can upload image as a reference to get the desired results.

Midjourney analyzes the reference photo and generates similar types of images based on the style , composition and mood of reference photo  .

This guide will explain how to use a reference photos in midjourney to achieve the style you want.

Why Use Reference Images in Midjourney?

Giving MidJourney a reference image simplifies the process of generating new images with the same concept. It is difficult to write the exact prompt of any reference photo. Midjourney analyzes itself and generates the same type of image by a reference. For example, if you have a photo with specific styles like color tone, lighting, and background, writing a prompt might not replicate the same style. Using this photo as a reference will generate similar types of images. Moreover using reference photo with the prompt makes the consistent character styles.

Steps To Use Reference photos In Midjourney?

It is very simple to replicate any image by using a reference photo in midjourney. Make sure you have a midjourney paid subscription. Here are the key steps to use a reference image in midjourney.

Step 1: Choose your reference image

First of all choose your photo which you want to use as a part of the prompt. Midjourney will receive any of the image format. Make sure it would be present in jpg,png and doc and webp format.

choose your image

Here is an example of a reference photo that we will use for this . This is the image of white dog and we create new images with little variations with the same style of background and sitting style.

Step 2 : Go to the midjourney

Now open your midjourney discord server . You have two options either go through the website or  directly a discord app. In both cases you have to reach the server.

Step 3 : Upload your photo

If you are using an external image, upload the reference photo into MidJourney. In the command line of midjourney there is a small + icon . Click on it and pick your reference photo from the folder where you keep it. Press on it and drop it to the midjourney command line. Make sure you have to press the enter otherwise it would not be fed to the midjourney. Check your image whether it is loaded or not by pressing the right click.

upload reference photo

Step 4 : Copy image address 

The next process is to copy the url of the uploaded reference image. Right click on the mouse and select the copy link. We paste this image link in the next step with the prompt.

copy image link

Step 5 : Give prompt with reference image

 In the command box , give the imagine command by / imagine. Paste the copied link of the source image by control V. Then press comma and space. Now type your prompt like a dog is playing with a kid in the park. In this step you inform your referenced photo to Midjourney.

After writing your prompt press the spacebar twice. Then type double dash and 2 like this –iw 2. Iw is the Image weight parameter that sets the weight of image relative to text while adding value 2.

prompt with reference photo

Once you have given the prompts to the midjourney with the source photo , press the enter button to start processing the image. This will take a few minutes to make the complete image.If you are given a complex prompt maybe it delayed your output.

Step 7 : Review your images

The Midjourney will generate the four images in the section. See all the images and compare with your reference image. You will notice many similarities in the generated images. If it further needs improvement , regenerate it again.

review your images

Step 9 : Save your image

Select your favorite photo from the 4 options. Tap twice on it to open in a browser. Then click right to save this image on the device.

save your image

I hope you will easily understand the process of using reference photo without any confusion.

How To Use Multiple Reference photos in Midjourney?

It is possible to use the multiple type of images as a reference . You can mix styles, composition and elements present in multiple images. For example you can make yourself as a superhero. You can also make your own parrot as a cyber parrot. This trick helps you to get very interesting result. The steps are same as previous single images but with little changes.

Step 1: Choose multiple reference images

The first step is to choosing multiple reference images that you’d like to use together. A clean, high-resolution image with clear details is preferred. Make sure these are not copyrighted images.

In this tutorial we will make the Albert Einstein drinking coffee in a restaurant. So we need two images one is Einstein and second one coffee shop.

albert einstein
coffee shop

Step 2 : Upload the reference images

Click on small (+) icon present in the bottom left side of midjourney discord server. Pick both these images from your storage folder and upload it into the midjourney.

upload both input images

Step 3 : Copy both image urls

copy the image 1 address by right click on the mouse . Now type imagine command and paste the address of image 1. Then press space and paste the url of image 2. Copy both of these url.

Copy image url
20240709 132639

Step 4 : Give prompt with urls

To use the imagine command, start by typing the forward slash ( / ). Next, paste the copied URL of the first image, then press space and paste the URL of the second image. After another space, type the prompt. For example, in the prompt box, add a description like “Einstein is sitting in a coffee shop.” Finally, press enter and add some parameters at the end of the image.

Give prompt with reference photos

Step 5 : Review your images

Midjourney will generate the four images. You can view all of your generated images and see the amazing results.

review your images

Now, see there is the same table and Einstein look in the final pictures

Conclusion

Reference image technique is a good way to copy the specific style in your mind. If you use an example image you will get new types of creations and visulas from the midjourney. You can experiment with different types of photos and generate a new look. The way of prompting is much better than manual prompting and generates quality images. One thing is that do not copy all the images, use these as prompts by changing ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes you can use any of the images in mid journey.

You can use one or more reference image per prompt in midjourney.

The reference image should be in jpg/jpeg , webp and png format. If you have another format convert in any of these first.

Midjourney will self generate the new image . You can do some changes in the prompt that doesnot feel like a copy from google.