Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
To create a recurring character in Midjourney V6, start with a clear single-character reference, select V6 explicitly, then use --cref with --cw to control how strongly the character carries into new scenes. Add --sref separately when you also need a consistent illustration style.
This produces recognizable continuity—not a perfectly locked 3D model or identical face in every image. Midjourney’s current default is V8.1, so the V6 flag matters.
What “consistent” means in Midjourney
Character consistency can mean several different things:
#1 Best Overall
- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
- Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
- Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
- Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse
- Identity: similar facial structure, eyes, hair, skin tone, age, and distinctive features.
- Wardrobe: repeated clothing, colors, accessories, or props.
- Silhouette: broadly similar height, build, hairstyle, and proportions.
- Art direction: recurring palette, lighting, medium, texture, and rendering style.
- Continuity: remaining recognizable across poses, locations, camera distances, and expressions.
Character Reference mainly helps with recognizable character traits. It does not guarantee identical facial geometry, hands, clothing construction, or continuity from image to image. Midjourney describes references as guidance for new creations rather than exact copies. See the official Character Reference documentation.
Why you must select V6 explicitly
Midjourney’s current default is V8.1 as of June 10, 2026. V6 uses Character Reference with --cref; V7 uses Omni Reference with --oref instead. If you are following this workflow, include:
--v 6Use the model/version selector on the website if available, or include the flag in Discord. Do not assume that a new prompt is running V6 automatically. Check the official version documentation when the interface or available models change.
1. Create a strong master reference
Before generating story scenes, create several candidate portraits or character sheets and choose one reliable reference. A good source image usually has:
- One clearly visible character.
- An unobstructed, well-lit face.
- A recognizable hairstyle and silhouette.
- Minimal competing props, people, or background detail.
- The desired outfit if wardrobe continuity matters.
- A straightforward pose rather than extreme perspective or motion blur.
For example:
/imagine a fictional character design portrait of Maya, 28-year-old South Asian woman, oval face, short curly black hair, distinctive gold-rimmed glasses, small scar through the left eyebrow, mustard yellow utility jacket, blue scarf, expressive brown eyes, front-facing portrait, neutral studio background, cinematic concept art --v 6 --ar 2:3 --style rawA single-character portrait is generally a better primary reference than a group scene. Multiple subjects, heavy occlusion, unusual lighting, or a highly stylized face can cause Midjourney to preserve the wrong details.
For a stronger continuity set, build easy views first: a front portrait, three-quarter portrait, neutral full-body pose, side profile, action pose, and finally difficult lighting or occluded views.
2. Use Character Reference in Discord
Upload and copy the reference URL
- Upload the reference image to a Midjourney Discord channel or direct message.
- Open the image and copy its image address or URL.
- Start a new
/imagineprompt. - Place the URL after the scene description and add
--cref.
Discord’s parameter workflow requires a usable online image URL. Uploading the image to Discord is the standard way to obtain one. Accepted reference formats include PNG, GIF, WEBP, JPG, and JPEG when used with a text prompt.
Rank #2
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
/imagine Maya standing in a rainy Tokyo alley at night, full-body shot, red neon reflections, realistic cinematic photography --v 6 --cref CHARACTER_URLThe text prompt still controls the new scene. The reference does not replace instructions about action, location, camera, lighting, or clothing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Control carryover with Character Weight
Use --cw from 0 to 100:
| Goal | Setting | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Preserve face, hair, outfit, and accessories | --cw 100 |
Maximum reference carryover; this is the default. |
| Preserve mainly facial identity | --cw 0 |
More freedom to change clothing and styling. |
| Test a compromise | --cw 25, --cw 50, or --cw 75 |
Useful for experimentation, but not guaranteed percentages of identity or clothing retention. |
Use --cw 100 when a signature uniform, costume, or accessory is part of the character’s identity:
/imagine Maya walking through a crowded outdoor market, wearing her mustard yellow utility jacket and blue scarf, three-quarter view, natural morning light, graphic novel illustration --v 6 --cref CHARACTER_URL --cw 100 --ar 2:3Use --cw 0 when the face should remain recognizable while the wardrobe changes:
/imagine Maya, a 28-year-old South Asian woman with short curly black hair, gold-rimmed glasses and a small scar through her left eyebrow, wearing a white astronaut suit, repairing a rover on Mars, medium shot, dusty sunset, cinematic science-fiction concept art --v 6 --cref CHARACTER_URL --cw 0 --ar 16:9--cw 0 reduces the emphasis on clothing; it does not guarantee that every non-face detail will disappear. A reference outfit can still influence the result.
3. Use Character Reference on the Midjourney website
The website’s labels and control placement can change, but the documented workflow is:
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Open the Imagine bar.
- Add or upload an image.
- Place it in the Character Reference area.
- Enter the scene prompt.
- Select V6 if a model/version selector is available.
- Generate the image.
- Pin the uploaded reference if you plan to reuse it.
For reproducibility, Discord syntax is easier to save and copy. The official Character Reference guide documents the current website workflow.
4. Keep the visual style consistent with Style Reference
Character Reference and Style Reference solve different problems:
Rank #3
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
--crefcarries character traits.--srefcarries visual treatment such as palette, medium, lighting, texture, and overall aesthetic.- A normal image prompt influences composition and content, but is not a reliable character lock.
For a recurring illustrated world, combine them:
/imagine Maya riding a bicycle through a coastal village, short curly black hair, gold-rimmed glasses, yellow raincoat, storybook illustration, soft gouache textures, muted teal and ochre palette --v 6 --cref CHARACTER_URL --cw 0 --sref STYLE_URL --ar 3:2Use --cw 0 when the outfit should change, or --cw 100 when the reference costume should remain closely associated with the character. Style Reference is intended to transfer the feel of an image, not its people or objects. See the official Style Reference documentation.
Style references can overpower identity. If the face changes, test the character reference without --sref, simplify the style language, choose a style sample with similar subject framing, or test a V6 style-reference version such as --sv 1 through --sv 4.
Character Reference versus a normal image prompt
| Tool | Best for | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Normal image prompt | Composition, layout, pose, subject matter, and general visual content. | Can import unwanted elements and does not provide the same character-specific control. |
| Character Reference | Recognizable identity, hair, facial traits, and recurring clothing. | Does not guarantee exact copying or perfect continuity. |
| Style Reference | Color, medium, lighting, texture, and visual language. | Does not preserve a character’s identity. |
Start with --cref alone. Add a normal image prompt only when you need stronger control over layout or pose. For example:
/imagine CHARACTER_REFERENCE_URL Maya climbing a lighthouse staircase during a storm, dynamic low-angle composition, wind-blown coat, dramatic lighting --v 6 --cref CHARACTER_REFERENCE_URL --cw 0A reusable prompt template
Keep a stable identity block unchanged across the series:
Maya, 28-year-old South Asian woman, oval face, short curly black hair, gold-rimmed glasses, small scar through the left eyebrow, expressive brown eyesChange only the scene, action, pose, camera, lighting, wardrobe, or aspect ratio:
/imagine [CHARACTER DESCRIPTION], [POSE OR ACTION], [LOCATION], [CAMERA SHOT], [LIGHTING], [STYLE], [WARDROBE INSTRUCTIONS] --v 6 --cref [CHARACTER URL] --cw [0 or 100] --sref [STYLE URL] --ar [RATIO]Stable wording improves repeatability, but it is not a guarantee. Midjourney normally produces a unique image for each prompt; see its Repeat documentation.
Build a practical continuity workflow
- Generate a master reference. Prefer a clean portrait or character sheet over an accidental frame from a busy scene.
- Test easy views. Try front, three-quarter, full-body, and side views before extreme angles.
- Choose your weight intentionally. Compare
--cw 0and--cw 100rather than using maximum weight automatically. - Keep the model fixed. Do not mix V6, V7, and V8.1 in one continuity project without expecting different behavior.
- Keep the identity block unchanged. Edit one major variable at a time.
- Document your prompts. Save the character URL, style URL, model, weight, seed, aspect ratio, and selected results.
- Refine carefully. A strong generated result can become a new reference, but changing references repeatedly can also change the character’s identity.
Seeds can make comparisons easier:
--v 6 --cref CHARACTER_URL --cw 0 --seed 12345Use the same seed to compare weights, style references, or small wording changes. A seed is not an identity system and does not guarantee reproduction across changed prompts, aspect ratios, references, or model versions.
Rank #4
- Work for both hands - Huion Artist Glove with two fingers; The package includes one unit of glove which can be used on both hand, free size; 20cm in length, 8cm in width.
- Anti-fouling design - It can prevent smudges from your hand on a Graphic Tablet, Graphics Monitor or some other items, leaving no more scratch. Note: The glove cannot prevent accidental touching from the touch screen, it just can reduce the friction between your hand and the tablet surface.
- Comfortable Material - Made from Soft Lycra and Nylon, extremely flexible, comfortable to work with; It can reduce friction between your hand and the surface.
- Classic color - The glove is black, peaceful and charming color; And the most important point is that this color is soiling resistant so you do not need to wash it frequently.
- Flexible using - Works perfectly for sketching, inking, coloring and digital drawing on graphics tablets.
Troubleshooting
The face keeps changing
- Use a clearer, front-facing reference.
- Temporarily test
--cw 100. - Repeat stable facial traits in the text prompt.
- Use medium shots before extreme wide shots.
- Generate several candidates and select the closest one.
- Avoid changing model versions.
The old outfit keeps returning
- Lower Character Weight to
--cw 0. - Describe the new clothing clearly in the prompt.
- Use a neutral-clothing portrait as the reference.
- Remove a Style Reference that reinforces the old costume.
- Create a new neutral character reference if necessary.
The style is right but the character is wrong
- Test
--crefwithout--sref. - Reduce stylized wording.
- Choose a style reference with similar subject framing.
- Try another documented V6 style-reference version with
--sv. - Use a simpler style reference.
The reference is copied too literally
A normal image prompt can import unwanted composition, pose, or background details. Test the Character Reference by itself first, then add a separate image prompt only when its layout influence is needed.
The character works in portraits but not wide shots
Extreme distance, occlusion, unusual camera angles, masks, helmets, sunglasses, motion blur, and radically different lighting make identity harder to preserve. Build from close, easy views toward difficult scenes. Changing from a portrait reference to a wide cinematic aspect ratio can also introduce drift, so test with a consistent ratio first.
My prompt uses the wrong workflow
Check that the prompt contains --v 6 and --cref. V7 uses Omni Reference with --oref and --ow, not the V6 Character Reference workflow. V8.1 is the current default as of June 2026. See the Omni Reference documentation.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →V6, V7, and V8.1 at a glance
| Model | Character workflow | Relevant controls |
|---|---|---|
| V6 | Character Reference | --cref, --cw |
| V7 | Omni Reference | --oref, --ow |
| V8.1 | Current default as of June 10, 2026 | Do not assume V6 reference behavior carries over unchanged. |
A V6 workflow remains useful for an existing project or for anyone specifically needing Character Reference. Do not mix versions casually: reference behavior and style results can differ between models.
Limitations, rights, and privacy
Character Reference is more dependable for fictional or stylized characters than for exact photographic identity replication. It guides a new creation rather than copying a real person exactly. Do not present a generated likeness as an authentic photograph.
Upload only images you have permission to use, especially client characters, unreleased brand assets, licensed artwork, proprietary concepts, and photographs of real people. Review Midjourney’s current Terms of Service before using the workflow commercially. Ownership, commercial use, submitted-content licensing, public visibility, and privacy can depend on the applicable law, your plan, and the service’s current terms. Stealth Mode is available only on Pro and Mega according to the documented plan comparison.
Quick Recap
Final checklist
- ☐ I selected
--v 6. - ☐ My reference shows one clear character.
- ☐ I used
--cref. - ☐ I tested both
--cw 100and--cw 0. - ☐ I separated character control from style control.
- ☐ I kept the stable character description unchanged.
- ☐ I changed one major variable at a time.
- ☐ I saved the best reference and prompt.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
