Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PureRef VS Google Keep

Compare PureRef VS Google Keep and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

PureRef logo PureRef

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

Google Keep logo Google Keep

Capture notes, share them with others, and access them from your computer, phone or tablet. Free with a Google account.
  • PureRef Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-23
  • Google Keep Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-02-13

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.

Google Keep features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Accessibility
    Google Keep is available on various platforms including Android, iOS, and web browsers. This makes it easy to access and edit your notes from any device.
  • Integration with Google Ecosystem
    As a part of Googleโ€™s suite of applications, Keep integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Gmail. This helps in creating a more cohesive workflow.
  • Real-Time Collaboration
    Google Keep allows you to share your notes with others for real-time collaboration, making it ideal for team projects and shared lists.
  • Voice Notes
    The app allows for voice notes, which are particularly useful for quickly capturing ideas on the go without the need for typing.
  • Reminders and Labels
    Google Keep includes features like reminders and labels to help you stay organized and ensure you donโ€™t miss important tasks.

Possible disadvantages of Google Keep

  • Limited Formatting Options
    Compared to other note-taking apps, Google Keep has limited formatting options, which may not be suitable for complex note-taking or document creation.
  • No Rich Text or Markdown Support
    The platform does not support rich text or Markdown, making it less appealing for users who require advanced text editing features.
  • Not Suitable for Large Projects
    Google Keep is most effective for short notes and to-do lists. It lacks the depth and structure needed for managing large, intricate projects.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities
    While some features are available offline, the app relies heavily on an internet connection for full functionality, limiting its usability where connectivity is an issue.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any Google product, there are concerns about data privacy and how user information is stored and used within the Google ecosystem.

Analysis of Google Keep

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Google Keep is considered a good option for those seeking a straightforward and accessible note-taking application, especially if they are already integrated into the Google ecosystem.

Why this product is good

  • Google Keep is a widely used note-taking service that offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to capture and organize their thoughts, ideas, and to-do lists. It integrates seamlessly with other Google services, allowing for efficient workflow management. The application supports various input formats such as text, lists, images, and voice notes, and offers features like color-coding and labels for better organization. It also provides real-time collaboration, making it an effective tool for group projects or shared planning.

Recommended for

    Google Keep is recommended for individuals who need a basic, user-friendly note-taking tool without excess features. It is particularly beneficial for users who are frequent users of other Google services, as it offers seamless integration. It's an ideal choice for students, professionals, or anyone needing to keep quick, organized notes and lists.

PureRef videos

The Best Free Tool for Artists - PureRef

More videos:

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

Google Keep videos

Google Keep, Simple and Clean Note-taking App 2018

More videos:

  • Review - Google Keep Android App Review!
  • Review - Google Keep - A Detailed Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PureRef and Google Keep)
Productivity
22 22%
78% 78
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
Digital Asset Management
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

PureRef Reviews

We have no reviews of PureRef yet.
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Google Keep Reviews

11 Best Google Keeps Alternatives for 2024
No, Google is not discontinuing Google Keep. They ended support for the Google Keep Chrome app in early 2021 and encouraged users to migrate to the web version of Keep.
Source: upbase.io
20 Obsidian Alternatives: Top Note-Taking Tools to Consider
Google Keep has most of what you need in a note-taking app; to-do lists, audio notes, a web clipper, and images. In addition, you can archive notes to achieve a cleaner interface.
Source: clickup.com
8 Best Free Google Keep Notes Alternatives for Easy Note-Taking
Google Keep Notes has long been a popular note-taking app for its simplicity and versatility. However, if you're looking for something different or need additional features, there are several free alternatives that might suit your needs. In this article, we'll explore some of the best Google Keep Notes alternatives available.
The 6 best note-taking apps in 2024
If you use Google Keep, when you open Gmail in your browser, there's a little lightbulb icon in the right sidebar. Click it, and you have quick access to all your Google Keep notes. You can see any notes related to the thing you're working on, your most recent notes, search for something from a while ago, or create a new one. But here's the thing: that same sidebar is there...
Source: zapier.com
The best note-taking apps for collecting your thoughts and data
Google Keep started out as a fairly simple note-taking app, and while it has added a few features since it began, itโ€™s still a good, straightforward way to record your thoughts. Because it is so interconnected with other Google apps (for example, you can access it directly from Google Calendar, and you can convert a Keep note to a Google Doc), it works especially well if...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, PureRef seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 4 times since March 2021. 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: almost 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

Google Keep mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Google Keep yet. Tracking of Google Keep recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing PureRef and Google Keep, 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.

Evernote - Bring your life's work together in one digital workspace. Evernote is the place to collect inspirational ideas, write meaningful words, and move your important projects forward.

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

OneNote - Get the OneNote app for free on your tablet, phone, and computer, so you can capture your ideas and to-do lists in one place wherever you are. Or try OneNote with Office for free.

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

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.