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PureRef VS Figma

Compare PureRef VS Figma and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

PureRef logo PureRef

The simple way to view and organize your multiple reference images.

Figma logo Figma

Team-based interface design, Figma lets you collaborate on designs in real time.
  • PureRef Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-23
  • Figma Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-19

PureRef features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    PureRef offers a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to organize and manage reference images. The minimalistic design allows users to focus on their work without unnecessary distractions.
  • Lightweight and Portable
    The software is lightweight and does not require installation, making it highly portable. Users can run PureRef from a USB drive or any location on their computer.
  • Flexible Canvas
    PureRef provides a flexible canvas that can be easily resized and adjusted to fit usersโ€™ needs. This allows for seamless scaling of images without quality loss and the ability to organize the workspace freely.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    PureRef is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing users to maintain a consistent workflow across different operating systems.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can customize keyboard shortcuts to fit their workflow, which increases efficiency and speeds up navigation within the software.
  • Multiple Image Formats
    PureRef supports a wide range of image formats, ensuring compatibility with most reference images beyond basic formats like JPG and PNG.

Possible disadvantages of PureRef

  • Limited Editing Tools
    While PureRef excels in organizing and displaying reference images, it lacks advanced editing tools, which means users need to rely on other software for image adjustments or annotations.
  • No Cloud Integration
    PureRef does not offer built-in cloud storage or syncing options, which could be inconvenient for users who work across multiple devices and want seamless access to their reference boards.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic functionalities are easy to grasp, some advanced features and keyboard shortcuts may require time to learn and master, particularly for users new to PureRef.
  • Not Free for All Users
    Although PureRef offers a pay-what-you-want pricing model, users may face ethical dilemmas or budget constraints when deciding what to pay, especially if they plan to use it for professional purposes.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users report occasional lag or performance issues when handling extremely large collections of high-resolution images, which can disrupt workflow.

Figma features and specs

  • Real-time Collaboration
    Figma allows multiple users to work on a design simultaneously, making it easy for teams to collaborate and provide real-time feedback without the need for constant file exchanges.
  • Cloud-Based
    Being cloud-based means that designers can access their projects from any device with an internet connection, enhancing flexibility and ensuring that the latest versions of files are always available.
  • Cross-Platform
    Figma is accessible on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, which makes it versatile for teams with diverse software environments.
  • Prototyping and Design in One Tool
    Figma integrates both design and prototyping features, reducing the need for additional tools and streamlining the design process from concept to final product.
  • Easy Handoff
    Developers can easily inspect elements, get CSS properties, and export assets directly from the design files, making the handoff process to development smooth and efficient.
  • Frequent Updates
    Figma regularly introduces new features and improvements, ensuring that users have access to the latest tools and functionalities in design.

Possible disadvantages of Figma

  • Internet Dependency
    Since Figma is cloud-based, a stable internet connection is necessary to access and edit projects. This can be a constraint in environments with poor internet connectivity.
  • Performance Issues
    With large files or complex projects, Figma can sometimes exhibit performance lags or slowdowns, which can impact productivity.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities
    Although some offline features are available, they are limited. Users may find it challenging to work without an internet connection, especially for collaborative efforts.
  • Cost
    While Figma offers a free tier, advanced features and higher usage limits require a paid subscription, which might be a barrier for freelancers or small teams with limited budgets.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    New users, especially those transitioning from other design tools, might face a learning curve to fully grasp Figma's interface and functionalities.
  • Limited Advanced Vector Editing
    Compared to more specialized vector graphic tools like Adobe Illustrator, Figmaโ€™s vector editing capabilities might seem limited for complex, intricate designs.

Analysis of Figma

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Figma is considered a highly effective and versatile design tool that caters to the needs of designers, developers, and project managers alike. Its robust set of features and cloud-based architecture make it a top choice for many teams.

Why this product is good

  • Figma is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration features, and powerful design tools that allow for seamless teamwork and efficient design processes. It operates entirely in the browser, which means no installation is necessary and it works across different operating systems. Figma is also praised for its extensive library of plugins and the ability to easily share design systems and prototypes.

Recommended for

  • UI/UX designers
  • Product teams
  • Remote design teams
  • Web and mobile app developers
  • Design educators and students

PureRef videos

+ Add

The Best Free Tool for Artists - PureRef

More videos:

  • Tutorial - PureRef tutorial: a free, cross-platform virtual board for artists!
  • Review - PureRef Review

Figma videos

+ Add

Figma UI Design Tutorial: Get Started in Just 24 Minutes!

More videos:

  • Demo - What is Figma

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PureRef and Figma)

PureRef

Figma

Productivity
17 17%
Productivity
83% 83
Design Tools
0 0%
Design Tools
100% 100
Digital Drawing And Painting
100 100%
Digital Drawing And Painting
0% 0
Prototyping
0 0%
Prototyping
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using PureRef and Figma. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare PureRef and Figma

PureRef Reviews

We have no reviews of PureRef yet.
Be the first one to post

Figma Reviews

  1. Maksym Moskalenko
    ยท Founder at Mixcode.io ยท
    Everything you need for design

    My favorite tool right now.

  2. Olaniyan Samuel
    ยท Content writer at Saas2biz.com ยท
    Figma: An Essential Tool for Web Designers and Collaborators

    Figma, a versatile cloud-based design software, stands out among design tools due to its real-time collaboration feature. It caters not only to web design but also to print projects. Offering an intuitive interface and powerful features, it allows simultaneous editing, eliminating the hassle of file sharing. Figma's adaptability covers website, mobile app, and print layout design, supported by an array of customizable templates.

    Beyond designers, collaborators benefit from Figma's capabilities too. Project managers and clients can offer real-time feedback, streamlining reviews and expediting project progress. Its pricing model, featuring a free version with limited features and a paid option, suits various budgets, ensuring accessibility to freelancers and larger agencies alike.

    Core features like real-time collaboration, prototyping, and reusable design elements distinguish Figma. These features facilitate efficient design iterations, ensuring consistency and enabling users to test ideas before development. The tool's emphasis on seamless collaboration makes it a valuable asset for teams, fostering clear communication through comments directly on the design file.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Adobe XD, Framer, Sketch, Moqups
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Real-time collaboration|Versatility|Intuitive user interface|Feedback and communication|Prototyping capabilities|Accessibility
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Learning curve|Internet dependency|Limited free version|Security concerns|Complexity in large projects
  3. Hussain Raza
    ยท Design at Fiverr.com ยท
    The best designing app for your website!

    It is user friendly app with alot of modern features which give your website a cool look

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Adobe Illustrator
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Easy to use|User friendly interface
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Expensive
Top 6 Figma Alternatives: Prototyping and UI/UX Tools
Figma is a tool that almost everyone has heard about, whether you are a designer, programmer, or marketer. However, for those unfamiliar with Figma, it is a flexible web design platform that allows real-time teamwork to create interactive user interface prototypes. Due to Figma's high accessibility and browser compatibility, designers can work from anywhere. Figma provides a...
Source: fronty.com
10 Best Figma Alternatives in 2024
Figma is the preferred tool of many professionals in the field of interactive design, real prototyping and graphic design. Figma simplifies and speeds up the brainstorming process with its online whiteboards and loaded frames. There are other collaborative design and prototype platforms available except Figma, which is definitely among the best. Itโ€™s too difficult for some...
Source: www.geeksforgeeks.org
Top 10 Figma Alternatives for Your Design Needs | ClickUp
Whatever your reason for seeking a Figma alternative, there are plenty of options that can help you ace the design game. In this article, weโ€™ll introduce you to the top 10 Figma alternatives, discuss their pros and cons, and help you find the best solution for your design workflows.
Source: clickup.com
9 Best InVision Alternatives to Switch to in 2024
Siterโ€™s official Figma plugin makes it easy to import Figma designs directly to the platform.
Source: designmodo.com
Figma Alternatives: 12 Prototyping and Design Tools in 2024
Prototyping is a concept where you and your team draft a version of a product. For many designers, Figma is the go-to design platform to do this. However, if youโ€™re looking for an alternative to Figma, look no further, as weโ€™ll list 12 of the best prototyping and design tools available in 2023.
Source: mockitt.wondershare.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Figma seems to be a lot more popular than PureRef. While we know about 114 links to Figma, we've tracked only 4 mentions of PureRef. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

PureRef mentions (4)

  • how do u guys organize your visual inspiration/refs digitally?
    I mainly use offline means: organising all my files in a hierarchy of folders and using pureref (which I highly recommend) to make moodboards, and ofc an external hard drive to save backups. The only online means I use is google drive for online backups. Source: about 4 years ago
  • HELP! So I want to trace this Image(704x702) into a Pixel art (32 x 32 or 40 x 40) but when I resize it, it gets like this (2nd picture) and if I don't, then the pixels are too small, What do i do?
    If you just want the image to be a transparent overlay while you draw 'through the image'(with it being unchanged) you can use something like Pureref(pureref.com) to set the image as always on top + turn opacity down a bit. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Hide user name in menu bar.
    If you canโ€™t get it to work inside of max, I thought of a free easy workaround you could try. I use the software pureref to manage and quickly access reference images. You could just resize an empty pureref window to cover your username. Change the color and opacity to whatever you want, lock the window and switch turn on the transparent to mouse option and you should be good to go! Source: over 4 years ago
  • Hello Reddit! this is my 1st time posting and i'm excited to share some of my sketches with you guys. I like drawing dynamic poses, it's a really fun exercise!. These 4 girls are from reference pics out of Pinterest. Suggestions are welcome :D. Have a great day!
    The high kicking girl on the right is in a PureRef board I keep to practice gesture. Source: almost 5 years ago

Figma mentions (114)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing PureRef and Figma, you can also consider the following products

Eagle App - Unify your creative inspiration in one place. Store anything โ€“ inspiring images, design mockups, illustrations, screenshots and more.

Adobe XD - Adobe XD is an all-in-one UX/UI solution for designing websites, mobile apps and more.ย 

Milanote - Milanote is a note taking app for creative work.

Canva - Canva is a graphic-design platform with a drag-and-drop interface to create print or visual content while providing templates, images, and fonts. Canva makes graphic design more straightforward and accessible regardless of skill level.

Pinterest - Pinterest is a visual discovery tool that you can use to find ideas for all your projects and interests.

Sketch - Professional digital design for Mac.

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