BentoDesk vs Nimi Places
BentoDesk
github.comNimi Places
mynimi.netSide by side
| Figure | BentoDesk | Nimi Places |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop Organization Software | 7.4 (#24) | 8.0 (#5) |
| Automation | Live folders synchronize a bound directory with its Zone, while local rules support repeatable organization without an online service. | Rules can duplicate, move, or create links to files or folders matching selected conditions. |
| License | The source code is licensed under GNU AGPL-3.0-or-later. | Downloading Nimi Places is subject to the Nimi projects general application license (NPGAL). |
| Organization | Features include filtering and cross-Zone search, selectable smart-grouping suggestions, live folders, and local organization rules. | Files and folders can be labeled, searched by typing, manually arranged, and automatically sorted. |
| Privacy | BentoDesk says it has no account system, telemetry, analytics, advertising, cloud storage, or crash uploads, and does not upload desktop file names, paths, icons, or contents. | The license says the maker does not receive or access personal data during normal operation and that the software does not automatically exchange information with the maker without an explicit opt-in action. |
| Purpose | BentoDesk organizes ordinary Windows files into desktop Zones that open as grids and can be combined into Stacks. | Nimi Places organizes the desktop into customizable containers that display files and folders from chosen locations as icons and thumbnails. |
| Requirements | BentoDesk requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or Windows 11, and an x86-64 processor. | The download page lists a requirement compatible with framework 2.0 or newer. |
| Security | The maker describes update-package digest or signature verification and local encryption options including DPAPI or a passphrase. | The feature list includes digital signing, navigation request confirmation, and update tampering protection. |
| Support | The maker asks users to report security issues through GitHub's private reporting channel rather than a public issue. | The maker provides an online help page with answers to 35 questions and says users can ask if they cannot find an answer. |
Plans
In their own words
Nimi Places
Nimi Places organizes a Windows desktop into customizable containers that display files and folders from chosen locations as icons or thumbnails. Files stay in their original locations while the containers provide desktop access. Views include grids and single- or multi-column lists, with optional details. Items can be labeled, searched by name and sorted by type, size or dates. Containers can use individual item sizes, accent colors, themes and smooth scrolling. Rules can duplicate, move or link files and folders that match selected conditions, and containers can appear only under conditions such as time, location or foreground window title. Supported media can be previewed through a built-in multimedia front end. The application is free for non-commercial use under the Nimi projects general application license. It can run portably, including from removable storage, without installation on a specific computer. The Windows download is a multilingual installer with optional portable mode and a built-in uninstaller. The download page lists a requirement compatible with framework 2.0 or newer. Its license says personal data must not be used with the software and assigns users responsibility for information they choose to process.