Getting started with Midjourney’s new features: Sref style reference, the exp parameter, and referencing anything

This round of Midjourney updates is more “actionable”: you don’t have to write very long prompts to get the style and details you want more consistently. This article breaks down the three most useful new capabilities, explains them clearly, and provides copy-and-paste-ready usage. After reading, you’ll be able to control “style,” “texture/feel,” and “subject consistency” separately in Midjourney.

Sref style reference: bring a style you like straight into Midjourney

Sref style reference (--sref) now feels more like Midjourney’s “style slot”: you provide a reference image, and it carries over the brushwork, color palette, and lighting/shadow tendencies from that image into the new work. The usage is straightforward: on the web, drag the image into the “Style Reference” area in the prompt bar, or add “--sref image URL” at the end of your prompt.

For more control, it’s recommended to write the subject and composition first, then add Sref—for example: “city-night portrait, wet reflections after rain, close-up half-body, cinematic lighting --sref your image link”. If you often use a personalization model, you can also stack --p with --sref, so Midjourney stays closer to the reference style on top of your personal preferences. Just don’t cram in too many reference images at once; starting with one image is more reliable.

exp experimental parameter: push Midjourney’s “fineness and energy” to the max

exp is an experimental aesthetic parameter. Add “--exp” after your prompt to enable it, and it supports an intensity range from 0 to 100; by default it’s effectively off. Its effect is closer to “making the image more delicate, more energetic, and more creative,” while also producing a more noticeable tone-mapping look.

A practical approach is to treat exp as the “final polish”: first get the subject right with a normal prompt, then gradually increase exp and compare results. You can also use --exp together with --stylize, but both increase stylization. For product images and realistic portraits where restraint matters, it’s recommended to start with a lower exp in Midjourney to avoid the texture going too far and making details look “oily.”

Omni-Reference: Midjourney can reference more than just characters

The idea of referencing anything is simple: “put this thing into my image.” It can reference not only people, but also objects, vehicles, and even non-human creatures, making it easier to keep key elements from drifting in Midjourney.

When using it, first prepare a clear reference image with the subject as complete as possible and minimal occlusion; in the prompt, be specific about “where it should appear and from what angle.” For example, if you want the same motorcycle to appear repeatedly across different posters, use Omni-Reference to lock in its shape, then vary the scene and camera language via the prompt—Midjourney’s stability will improve noticeably.

Recommended Midjourney combo workflow: set the style first, lock the subject next, add exp last

A handy order is: first use --sref to establish the overall style; then use Omni-Reference to keep the character/props consistent; finally use --exp to enhance texture and atmosphere. With this separation, you change only one variable at a time, making Midjourney outputs easier to “reproduce.”

If you’re making a series (avatar packs, brand key visuals, e-commerce main images), this workflow is especially hassle-free: the style doesn’t drift, elements don’t get lost, and the overall texture stays consistent. Once you find the “sweet spot” for Sref, Omni-Reference, and exp respectively, Midjourney shifts from luck-based prompting to a controllable creative tool.