DeskBox vs Nimi Places
DeskBox
deskbox.funNimi Places
mynimi.netSide by side
| Figure | DeskBox | Nimi Places |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop Organization Software | 8.6 (#2) | 8.0 (#5) |
| License | Current releases use the GPL-3.0-only license; earlier MIT releases remain available and were not relicensed retroactively. | Downloading Nimi Places is subject to the Nimi projects general application license (NPGAL). |
| Privacy | DeskBox requires no account or cloud synchronization; configuration, notes, tasks, history, layouts and managed files remain local by default. | 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 | DeskBox organizes files on the Windows desktop using file boxes, folder mapping, stacks, groups, and desktop cleanup. | Nimi Places organizes the desktop into customizable containers that display files and folders from chosen locations as icons and thumbnails. |
| Support | The maker directs users with questions or suggestions to the feedback channel and its 大雨实验室 public account. | The maker provides an online help page with answers to 35 questions and says users can ask if they cannot find an answer. |
| What it does | DeskBox adds movable desktop widgets for organizing files, folders and everyday tools while leaving Windows Explorer and ordinary files in place. | Nimi Places organizes the desktop into customizable containers that display files and folders from chosen locations as icons and thumbnails. |
Plans
In their own words
DeskBox
DeskBox is a free Windows app for organizing desktop files in boxes, mapped folders, stacks, and groups. File boxes support drag and drop, renaming, deletion, opening, and locating items in File Explorer. Mapped folders appear on the desktop without changing the original folder location. Similar files can be stacked manually or automatically, and grouped boxes can be switched with the mouse wheel or Ctrl+Tab. A cleanup flow lets users select files individually, include the public desktop, and resume an interrupted cleanup. Built-in boxes cover files, to-dos, notes, and music controls. DeskBox says files, to-dos, notes, and cache remain on the computer and are not uploaded to the cloud by default. Its built-in boxes have no feature restrictions, ads, or subscriptions; the app is listed as GPL-3.0-only with free personal use. It supports Windows 10 version 21H2 or later and Windows 11, with some materials and animations reduced on Windows 10. Direct installers support x64 or ARM64.
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.