PureRef

PureRef is a desktop workspace for assembling image references into boards, particularly for artists and 3D modelers. It suits people who want a board alongside their main application, rather than a shared planning space. Its local-first, flexible window behavior is compelling; the main caveat is that commercial use requires a paid license.

Overview

Images can come from a computer, a paste, or a browser drag-and-drop, then be arranged into a board for inspiration or ongoing work. Presentation mode and exports as JPG, PNG, BMP, or the original image format make boards usable beyond the editing workspace. PureRef’s focus is deliberately visual: it helps organize references, but offers no collaboration, so it is a poor fit when several people need to build or manage a board together.

The FAQ says image files and image data remain on the user’s machine rather than being sent to or stored online. Usage statistics and crash reports are opt-in; anonymized crash reports are uploaded to Sentry. Idyllic Pixel says it handles personal information under the EU GDPR and Swedish tax and accounting laws.

Key features

Keep references close to the work

PureRef can remain above a chosen application, while transparent-to-mouse mode lets clicks pass through to the application beneath it. Always-on-top, always-on-bottom, and overlay modes give users other ways to position the board. This is useful for artists who need to consult references without repeatedly switching windows, though it remains a companion workspace rather than a collaborative one.

Build and annotate boards

Tools to arrange and align images, quick notes, and desaturation turn a collection into a more deliberate working board. A pen tool adds freehand marks and shapes, and animated GIFs have playback controls. Supported formats include AVIF, GIF, HEIC, JPEG, PNG, PSD, SVG, TIFF, WEBP, and EXR, a broad mix for varied reference material.

Pricing

Personal use is free through the Personal plan, a single-user license for hobbyist or educational use. The download page invites users to try PureRef before buying and support future development if they choose. For commercial use, PureRef 2.0 and later require a per-seat license.

Business annual subscription: $8 a year, billed $10 $8 / seat per month with a 20% discount. It includes commercial use, a per-seat license, and priority support. This is the subscription option for commercial users willing to commit annually.

Business monthly subscription: $10 a month, billed $10 / seat per month. It includes commercial use, a per-seat license, and priority support, and avoids an annual commitment at the higher listed rate.

Small business: $49, paid once. This commercial-use license is capped at three users per studio and includes free updates for version 2.x. It suits a small studio within that seat limit; larger teams need a different option.

The small-business license trades the subscription’s priority support for a one-time payment and version-specific updates. Personal is not a commercial-use shortcut: it is limited to hobbyist or educational use.

Platforms

PureRef runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. That desktop coverage suits users working across the major computer platforms, but does not provide a mobile version.

Who it's for

PureRef is best for individual artists, painters, and 3D modelers who want to collect images, arrange them into a visual reference board, and keep that board near their main application. It is less suitable for teams that need shared boards, or for commercial studios that cannot fit the three-user small-business cap and do not want per-seat subscriptions.

Pros and cons

Pro: Flexible window modes, including transparent-to-mouse, let users consult references while interacting with the application underneath.

Pro: Local image storage and broad format support suit a reference workflow built around varied visual material.

Pro: Free personal use gives hobbyists and learners a single-user way to build boards.

Con: There is no collaboration, limiting PureRef to individual workflows rather than shared board-making.

Con: Commercial users must license the software, and the one-time small-business option stops at three users per studio.

Con: The EULA says there is no specific support beyond what it and the website state, despite the availability of a handbook, FAQ, forum, and contact form.

Alternatives

For a broader set of options, browse Mood Board Software. Choose Adobe Firefly if you want a freemium product with a limited daily-generation free plan and platforms including web and mobile. Moodis is worth considering for local mood boards and unlimited boards on its free, personal non-commercial plan, with a listed Pro option at €5 a month. Rayon offers a free plan with full editing and limited PDF and DWG export, a different fit for users who need those design-oriented exports. Milanote may suit users who want shared boards, with its free plan allowing unlimited shared boards but limiting notes, images, links, and uploads. Mattoboard has a web-based free plan with capped board images and AI credits. ShootVision pairs moodboards with basic shoot planning on its free plan. ShopLook keeps its creative canvas and existing features free. HomeBoard is another option, with Pro features on monthly and yearly plans.

Verdict

Choose PureRef if you want a focused desktop reference board that stays close to your art or 3D application, and your use is personal or you can license commercial seats. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of local image handling and window modes built for side-by-side work. Look elsewhere if collaboration is central, or if a commercial team exceeds three users and prefers to avoid per-seat subscriptions.