Midjourney Style Reference (SREF) Guide: Codes & Examples

Style Reference (SREF) is one of Midjourney's most powerful features, allowing you to apply consistent artistic styles to your generations using simple numeric codes or image URLs. With access to over 4 billion unique style references, SREF opens up endless creative possibilities.

What is SREF?

The Style Reference feature allows you to add the --sref parameter to your Midjourney prompts, applying pre-defined visual styles to your generations.

Here's the same prompt with and without style references:

Without SREF

a peaceful garden with blooming flowers

With SREF (--2653204188)

a peaceful garden with blooming flowers --sref 2653204188

Notice the distinct artistic style applied with the SREF code - the same prompt produces dramatically different results.

Three Ways to Use SREF

1. Numeric Codes

a peaceful garden --sref 2653204188

2. Image URLs

a peaceful garden --sref https://cdn.midjourney.com/7633d57c-1da2-46e0-bb06-fb9c5f4b6cc6/0_3.jpeg

3. Random Generation

a peaceful garden --sref random

Base prompt: a peaceful garden

1. Numeric Codes - Access 4 billion+ style variations. Each code represents a unique artistic style that can be consistently applied across multiple generations.

2. Image URLs - Use any image as a style reference. Reference your own images or existing artwork as style guides.

3. Random Generation - Discover new styles automatically. Midjourney will generate a random style code that you can note and reuse for consistency.

Key Parameters

--sref [number or URL]

The main style reference parameter that defines which style to apply.

Usage options:

• Numeric codes: --sref 2653204188
• Image URLs: --sref https://cdn.midjourney.com/7633d57c-1da2-46e0-bb06-fb9c5f4b6cc6/0_3.jpeg
• Multiple codes: --sref 123456 789012
• Random style: --sref random

--sw [0-1000]

Style Weight controls how strongly the style influences your image.

Default: 100

mountain landscape --sref 2653204188 --sw 150

--sv [1-6]

Style Version ensures compatibility with different Midjourney models.

• Default: 6 (for Midjourney V7)
• Use --sv 4 for legacy V6 codes
• Older codes may render differently in newer versions

close-up portrait of an elderly fisherman with weathered skin --sref 178455688 --sv 4

Advanced Techniques

Combining Multiple SREF Codes

You can blend multiple style references using weights:

Without SREF

futuristic cyberpunk city with neon lights and flying cars

With Blended SREF

futuristic cyberpunk city with neon lights and flying cars --sref 123456::2 789012::1

The ::2 and ::1 indicate relative weights. In this example, the first code has twice the influence of the second.

Using --sref random

Discover new styles by generating random codes:

vibrant abstract art with swirling colors --sref random

Midjourney will assign a random style code that you can note and reuse in future prompts.

Combining with Other Parameters

SREF works beautifully with other Midjourney parameters:

fantasy warrior in golden armor standing on a cliff edge --sref 2653204188 --sw 150 --chaos 30 --stylize 500 --ar 16:9

Explore Style Categories

Discover curated SREF codes organized by aesthetic and use case:

Photorealistic

Professional photography and lifelike imagery with perfect lighting and detail.

portrait of a professional business woman in a modern office --sref 178455688 --sw 140

Quick Codes:

• --sref 178455688 - Studio portrait photography
• --sref 3928471650 - Natural light photography
• --sref 1847293560 - Golden hour outdoor shots

Explore Photorealistic Styles

Cinematic

Hollywood-quality film aesthetics with dramatic lighting and composition.

intense action scene with a car chase in a rainy urban setting --sref 3847362891 --sw 130

Quick Codes:

• --sref 3847362891 - Epic blockbuster style
• --sref 1437169138 - Film noir with dramatic shadows
• --sref 2940173856 - Sci-fi futuristic cinematography

Explore Cinematic Styles

Anime

Japanese animation styles from classic cel animation to modern digital techniques.

anime character portrait of a magical girl with glowing staff --sref 4281957360 --sw 120

Quick Codes:

• --sref 4281957360 - Studio Ghibli style
• --sref 1928473650 - Modern anime aesthetic
• --sref 3847162950 - Retro 90s anime

Explore Anime Styles

Artistic

Traditional art movements and painting techniques from impressionism to expressionism.

serene landscape painting of a rolling countryside at sunset --sref 2847193560 --sw 150

Quick Codes:

• --sref 2847193560 - Impressionist brushwork
• --sref 1947382650 - Oil painting texture
• --sref 3829471650 - Watercolor wash effects

Explore Artistic Styles

Abstract

Non-representational art with geometric shapes, fluid forms, and conceptual designs.

abstract composition with geometric shapes and primary colors --sref 2938471650 --sw 140

Quick Codes:

• --sref 2938471650 - Geometric minimalism
• --sref 1847293651 - Fluid organic shapes
• --sref 3928471651 - Colorfield abstraction

Explore Abstract Styles

Minimalist

Clean, simple aesthetics with focus on essential elements and negative space.

minimalist living room interior with white furniture and large windows --sref 2847193560 --sw 125

Quick Codes:

• --sref 2847193560 - Scandinavian simplicity
• --sref 3928471652 - Japanese Zen aesthetic
• --sref 1847293652 - Modern minimalism

Explore Minimalist Styles

Vintage

Historical photography and retro aesthetics from various decades.

vintage portrait of a 1920s jazz musician with a saxophone --sref 2938471653 --sw 130

Quick Codes:

• --sref 2938471653 - Victorian photography
• --sref 1847293653 - 1970s analog film
• --sref 3928471654 - Retro polaroid style

Explore Vintage Styles

Next Steps

Explore each category page for more detailed examples, use cases, and advanced techniques.