DesktopBox vs Nimi Places
DesktopBox
github.comNimi Places
mynimi.netSide by side
| Figure | DesktopBox | Nimi Places |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop Organization Software | 7.7 (#15) | 8.0 (#5) |
| License | The repository identifies the license as MIT. | Downloading Nimi Places is subject to the Nimi projects general application license (NPGAL). |
| Privacy | The project states that DesktopBox has no telemetry and makes no network connections. | 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 | DesktopBox is a free, open-source Windows desktop organizer described as an alternative to Fences. | Nimi Places organizes the desktop into customizable containers that display files and folders from chosen locations as icons and thumbnails. |
| Support | The project asks users to open GitHub issues with reproduction steps and an error log; Chinese users can also join QQ group 657713542. | 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
DesktopBox
DesktopBox is a free, open-source organizer for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11. One-click Tidy sorts desktop files by type into a tabbed box, and later runs process only new files. Boxes store file paths rather than copies, so arranging items does not move the originals. Users can create boxes for apps, files, folders, shortcuts, and URLs, then convert, merge, or split them into tabbed containers. Tabs can be reordered by dragging. The app can hide or show desktop icons and place This PC, Recycle Bin, Control Panel, and Network in a box. A separate optional helper adds the native Windows right-click menu; the main app runs without it. Downloads include a portable executable, installer, and optional helper. The portable build includes its runtime, so a separate.NET installation is unnecessary. The project says DesktopBox has no telemetry and makes no network connections. Its repository uses the MIT license. The README lists the portable executable as 74 MB and warns that the unsigned program may trigger a SmartScreen warning on first run. The Free plan costs nothing.
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.