Multi-Image Prompts in Edit Model: Up to Four References
Midjourney AI Team · September 1, 2026 · 4 min read
Why Multi-Image References Belong in Edit
The V8.2 Edit Model can generate with up to four attached images at once. Midjourney frames this as the modern path for “generate with other images,” covering work many teams previously forced through Omni Reference alone.
This tutorial is about reference packing and priority, not instruction inpaint (see instruct / inpaint / expand). For character-only history on --cref / --oref, keep character consistency workflows bookmarked.
Reference pack rules
Step 1 — Assign a Job to Every Slot
Never attach four similar portraits “just because.” Give each image a role:
| Slot | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identity | Clean face or product hero, neutral light |
| 2 | Style | Approved lookboard still or --sref donor |
| 3 | Prop / wardrobe | Bag, bottle, jacket detail |
| 4 | Scene plate | Location plate or lighting sketch |
If you only need identity + style, use two references. Empty slots beat contradictory ones.
Step 2 — Write Priority Into the Prompt
The model does not magically know which attachment is law. State it:
Use image 1 for the person’s face and hair only. Use image 2 for color grade and fabric sheen only. Place her in a sunlit ceramic studio matching image 4’s window light. Ignore any logos from the references.Patterns that reduce fights:
- “Image N for X only”
- “Do not copy background from image 1”
- “Match material from image 3, not silhouette”
Step 3 — Climb From One to Four
Run a ladder so you can blame the right attachment:
- One ref — identity alone + text scene.
- Two refs — identity + style.
- Three refs — add prop.
- Four refs — add scene plate.
Stop climbing when coherence drops. Many campaigns peak at two references.
Step 4 — Combine With Taste Tools Carefully
Edit supports Personalization, Moodboards, and --sref. Stacking a Moodboard and a style reference image and four attachments often muddies intent.
Studio rule of thumb:
- Pick either a moodboard/
--por a style reference image as the aesthetic boss. - Keep identity reference separate and verbally protected.
- Raise
--stylizeonly after identity survives a low-stylize pass.
Edit Multi-Ref vs V7 Omni Reference
| Need | Prefer |
|---|---|
| Flexible scene changes with a likeness hint | Edit Model multi-image |
| Up to four mixed refs (person + prop + plate) | Edit Model |
| Hard product bottle / prop geometry for catalog | Pin V7 + Omni (--oref) per your Studio preset |
| Legacy character weight habits on older docs | Re-read Omni guides; do not assume Edit equals --ow |
When legal requires “this exact SKU silhouette,” do not pretend four lifestyle refs replace a controlled Omni or composite pipeline.
Failure Modes and Fixes
- Face morphs every reroll — drop scene/prop refs; lock identity-only for three jobs.
- Style ref overrides face — swap order, restate “image 1 face only,” lower taste strength.
- Prop melts into hand — isolate prop ref with a tighter crop; describe grip explicitly.
- Four refs, zero progress — reset to two; your pack is noisy.
Studio Packaging
Store packs as folders:
ref-identity/ref-style/ref-prop/ref-scene/
Name jobs edit-4ref-v01 with a one-line priority sentence in the note field. That audit trail matters more than the fourth attachment.
Try Midjourney in MidassAI Studio to build a two-ref pack first, then climb to four only when the brief demands it.