PureRef (32-bit)

PureRef is a lightweight Windows PC application designed to efficiently manage and organize photos. It has been tailor-made for painters, web designers, and individuals with extensive photo collections.

This application prioritizes swift photo discovery, quick access to essential tools, and effortless navigation through multiple albums and libraries. Developed by Idyllic Pixel, it has undergone frequent updates, establishing itself as an invaluable tool for home users, students, and professionals seeking to streamline their creative processes and inspiration organization.

It revolutionizes photo management, allowing artists and professionals to shift from sifting through numerous browser tabs for inspiration to a more streamlined experience where inspiration is just a glance away.

PureRef's PC interface may not match initial expectations. Upon launch, it appears as a simple dark floating canvas on your desktop. To create a photo library or mood board, users can effortlessly drag and drop pictures onto it and arrange them to their liking. These images can be zoomed, moved, rotated, and the canvas's opacity can be adjusted.

This straightforward method of creating mood boards and photo collections proves immensely helpful for artists in organizing their inspirations and keeping them readily accessible. To further facilitate the art creation process, users can seamlessly drag and drop photos from PureRef's mood board directly into editing applications like Photoshop.

The PureRef 32bit interface is minimalistic and unobtrusive, only appearing when users actively engage with it. In everyday use, the dark canvas remains uncluttered, displaying only images. For those who require tools, they are easily accessible via a right-click dropdown menu. The application offers features such as adding quick notes, toggling desaturation, image alignment tools, and various image sorting options.

PureRef is initially installed via a small installer but becomes a portable application after installation, allowing easy transfer to other storage devices. This portability makes it ideal for users who wish to carry their mood boards and image collections on external HDDs or USB sticks.

Notably, the app is entirely free and lacks any locked features. It is optimized for all modern versions of Windows OS, including 7, 8, 10, or 11 in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

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.

Also Available: PureRef (64-bit) and PureRef for Mac