What is SREF? Start with a visual language, not a copied subject

Separate the subject from its treatment

A useful way to read a reference is to ask two questions: what is depicted, and what makes its treatment distinctive? Color relationships, surface, edges and light belong to the second question. A reference is not a promise to transfer the same person or object.

The botanical archivist and miniature bridge below share a reference, with cool ceramic-like color and fine detail across different subjects. Their content and formats differ. They are works to observe, not a controlled parameter experiment.

A practical first attempt

Start with one subject, its action or state, its setting and any essential spatial relationship. A short, unambiguous scene makes it easier to notice the reference’s contribution.

1. Choose a readable subject, such as one ceramic cup beside a window.
2. Compare palette, edge quality and surface in the atlas before selecting a reference.
3. Apply the reference in Midjourney and check the model and reference versions. Keep the complete settings with the result.
4. Inspect whether the subject works first, then compare visual treatment. Change one thing for the next attempt.

Keep more than a code

Midjourney accepts numerical style codes and image references. A code points to a visual direction in its style library. Model and reference versions can affect interpretation, so keep those settings as well as the aspect ratio.

Use these public guides to build a comparison method. Sign in to explore full prompts, settings and style notes according to your account’s access level.

Read the result at three scales

First shrink it to check focus and major color areas. Then inspect edges and surface. Finally look for local failures in hands, geometry and small objects. A pleasing treatment does not guarantee sound details.

Write down the quality you want to keep, such as muted blue-green shadows, rounded highlights or wandering fine lines. This makes the next subject easier to assess.