PureRef (64-bit)

PureRef is a lightweight photo manager and organizer application for Windows PC that was built from the ground up to provide streamlined and fast photo library management to painters, web designers, and anyone who has built a large collection of photos.

PureRef is a versatile and lightweight software application designed for creatives, artists, designers, and anyone in need of an efficient way to organize and visualize their reference materials. It serves as a digital mood board that allows users to collect, arrange, and manage images, notes, and reference files seamlessly. Whether you're working on art projects, graphic design, 3D modeling, or simply need a visual inspiration board, it aims to streamline your creative workflow.

It promotes fast photo discovery, fast access to a wide array of basic and useful tools, and an easy way to access photos no matter how many albums and libraries are accessed. Developed by Idyllic Pixel, this graphics utility has received numerous updates that have made it one of the most useful tools for home users, students, and professionals who want to organize their inspiration and speed up their creative process.

By optimizing the process of photo management, the PureRef 64 bit app enables artists and professionals to move away from finding inspiration in dozens of browser tabs and move to a more streamlined experience where inspiration is just one look away.

The app design is not what you may initially expect. Upon starting it, it shows on your desktop as a featureless dark floating area. To create your new photo library or mood board, the user simply needs to drag and drop pictures on it, and then arrange them into the desired position. The pictures can be zoomed, moved, rotated and the entire canvas area can be reduced in intensity by lowering its opacity.

This simple approach of making mood boards and photo walls can greatly help artists in helping them organize their inspirations and always keep them close in the view. To make the process of art creation as easiest as possible, users can even drag and drop photos from PureRef mood bard directly into the editor app (such as Photoshop).

The interface of PureRef is minimalistic, unobtrusive, and in fact, it appears only when you actively want to interact with it. In general use, the dark canvas is empty and hosts only images. If you do want to interact with these tools, they are always available via the right mouse click dropdown menu. The app allows adding quick notes, desaturation toggle, align image tools, and a wide variety of image sorting modes.

Itcomes in a small installer, but once installed it becomes a portable application that can be easily copied to any other storage device. This makes it perfect for users who want to bring their mood boards and image albums with them on an external HDD or USB stick.

The program is 100% FREE and does not feature any locked features. The app is optimized for all modern versions of Windows OS (7, 8, 10, or 11 both 32-bit and 64-bit).

Features

Infinite Canvas: With the tool, you're not limited to a fixed canvas size. You can expand your workspace infinitely in any direction, accommodating as many reference images as you need.

Drag and Drop: Adding reference images is a breeze. Simply drag and drop files from your computer directly onto the canvas, and the app will instantly place them where you want.

Zoom and Pan: Effortlessly zoom in and out or pan across your canvas to focus on specific details or view your entire mood board.

Snap and Grid: Align and organize your references precisely using snap and grid features, ensuring a clean and organized layout.

Customizable Workspace: Tailor your workspace by arranging, resizing, and grouping references, as well as adding labels and notes to each image.

Overlay and Transparency: Adjust the transparency of your references or overlay one on top of another for easy comparison.

Export and Save: Save your mood board as a project file or export it as an image for easy sharing with others or for use in your creative projects.

Cross-Platform: The app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring compatibility with various operating systems.

User Interface

The software boasts a clean and intuitive user interface that minimizes distractions, allowing you to focus on your creative process. The canvas is the central element, with a minimalist toolbar and options located around the edges for quick access. The interface is highly customizable, enabling you to create a workspace that suits your workflow.

Installation and Setup

Visit the official website or FileHorse and download the version compatible with your operating system.

Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Launch the app after installation.

You're ready to start creating your digital mood boards.

How to Use

Adding References: Drag and drop image files onto the canvas, or use the "Add Image" button in the toolbar.

Organizing References: Resize, move, and arrange references as desired. Use the snap and grid features for precise alignment.

Customizing: Add labels, notes, or change the transparency of references by right-clicking on them.

Zoom and Pan: Use your mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and out, and click and drag to pan across the canvas.

Exporting: Save your mood board as a project file (.pur) or export it as an image (.png, .jpg, etc.) via the File menu.

FAQ

Is PureRef free to use?
Yes, it offers a free version with a generous set of features. However, there is also a paid version available, PureRef Plus, which offers additional features and supports the development of the software.

Can I use PureRef offline?
Yes, PureRef is a standalone desktop application, and it doesn't require an internet connection for its core functionality. You can use it offline to create and manage your mood boards.

Are there any limitations on the number of references I can add to a canvas?
It does not impose a strict limit on the number of references you can add. However, the performance may vary depending on your computer's capabilities and the complexity of your mood board.

Can I import references directly from the web?
It primarily relies on local image files, but you can download images from the web and then drag and drop them onto your canvas.

Alternatives

If you are looking for an excellent alternative to this product, we recommend Eagle - a better way to collect, search and organize your design files in a logical way and all in one place.

Pricing

(Free): The free version of the app includes the core features needed to create and manage digital mood boards.

Plus (Paid): Plus plan is available for a one-time purchase fee, which grants you access to additional features and supports the continued development of the software. The pricing may vary, so check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

PROS

Intuitive and customizable interface.
Infinite canvas for limitless creativity.
Lightweight and efficient performance.
Cross-platform compatibility.
Free version available with essential features.

CONS

Free version may lack some advanced features available in the paid version.

Conclusion

PureRef is a valuable tool for creatives and professionals who rely on visual inspiration and reference materials in their work. Its simplicity, customizability, and cross-platform compatibility make it a strong contender in the realm of digital mood board software. Whether you're an artist, designer, or anyone seeking a streamlined way to manage visual references, the app is worth trying out.

With a free version offering core features and a paid option for those who need more, it provides flexibility for a range of users. Keep an eye on updates and improvements, as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the creative community.

Also Available: PureRef (32-bit) and PureRef for Mac