Having a docker where I can easily view reference images, in the UI, separated from my canvas where I'm drawing, is essential. I need to be able to zoom in as much as I want, and still be able to see the reference image. The docker was absolutely perfect and was frankly, one of the main reasons I even used krita.

Just casting my vote of disapproval. I understand it caused issues, but I'd really like to not see this feature go. It's a dealbreaker for me and I'll be sticking with an older version of krita or migrating to another piece of software until it's addressed. :c sorry.

Krita 4.1 will have a new Reference Images tool which seems to be very powerful and flexible.
You can try it by downloading the nightly builds which are quite stable now and are easily available.
Or wait until the formal release sometime in May(?).

For Linux: https://binary-factory.kde.org/job/Krit ... age_Build/
For Windows: https://binary-factory.kde.org/job/Krit ... ows_Build/

okay, I'll give it a proper shot and see how it goes.

You can try to use program called pureref, its free and cross platform. With it you can create reference wall without loosing quality, and use it in overlay mode on top of krita.

There's also someone who wrote a python docker that functions much like the old reference docker.

https://github.com/antoine-roux/krita-plugin-reference

https://docs.krita.org/Introduction_to_ ... on_scripts

Yet another way is to use Krita in windowed mode, open another document for reference pics only, make it always on top, and you will have a window that can be placed similar to a docker on top of the working document, Like this, zooming, panning, etc. will not affect the reference and you will still be able to use the new tool.
I do so myself, here is an example, right bottom, document with ref pics using the new reference-images-tool:

Note: on that document, I only have ref images, nothing else, I can then zoom, rotate, move, etc. and place as many as I need without disturbing my actual working document.