Midjourney New Features Complete Guide: Omni-Reference & Sketch Mode Hands-On

Midjourney has rolled out several major updates, from smarter image references to an efficient sketch creation mode, taking AI art to the next level. This article gives you a quick walkthrough of these new features and practical tips to help you produce high-quality work more smoothly.

Deep Dive: Omni-Reference & V7 Style Reference System

The most eye-catching update is the "Omni-Reference" feature. It no longer limits you to character references—you can now incorporate any object, vehicle, or creature's characteristics into a new image. Paired with the V7 Style Reference system, simply drag an image into the style reference area in the prompt field, or type --sref URL, to instantly apply the chosen style.

To further enhance image quality, try the experimental "exp" aesthetic parameter. Add --exp 0 to 100 after your prompt for more detailed and vibrant visuals, especially in highly artistic scenes.

"Sketch Mode": Quick Concepting & Low-Cost Image Generation

Midjourney's "Sketch Mode" is a productivity booster for business users and creatives. It dramatically lowers generation costs, allowing you to quickly produce a large number of rough drafts when you don't have a clear direction. Whether you're exploring character poses, scene compositions, or design iterations, it significantly shortens the creative validation cycle.

Use cases include surreal mashups like "a delivery rider piloting a starship" or designing different outfits for a game character. Combined with the "Smart Expand" feature, even users without a clear concept can get high-quality auto-generated prompts, lowering the entry barrier.

"Smart Selection" & Theme Contest Participation Guide

The new "Smart Selection" feature makes local editing incredibly easy. Just click on the area you want to modify in the image to quickly select it and enter a new keyword. If you're happy with part of the result, use the "Keep" function to lock the elements you don't want to change, greatly improving post-processing precision.

Additionally, Midjourney's "Discover Picks" section regularly hosts themed contests. For example, the recent "Autumn Letter" contest encouraged users to create around elements like ginkgo leaves, wheat waves, and osmanthus flowers, with winners receiving high-speed generation credits. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned user, these contests can spark inspiration and help you test your grasp of new features.