Software Alternatives & Startups

PureRef VS one sec

Compare PureRef VS one sec and see what are their differences

PureRef

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

Rating
0 reviews
one sec

one sec uses Shortcut automation in order to empower you to spend more time in the real world.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, one sec seems to be a lot more popular than PureRef. While we know about 44 links to one sec, we've tracked only 4 mentions of PureRef.

social mentions
4 vs 44
Productivity popularity
30% vs 70%
alternatives listed
121 vs 185

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

PureRef
one sec
Website pureref.com one-sec.app
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

PureRef 6 features
one sec 5 features
  • 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 users’ 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

  • 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.
  • Mindful Usage
    One Sec encourages users to pause and contemplate before using certain apps, promoting mindful digital consumption.
  • Reduced Screen Time
    The app helps decrease unnecessary phone usage, potentially leading to reduced screen time.
  • Customization
    Users can customize which apps trigger the pause, tailoring the experience to their specific needs.
  • Simple Integration
    One Sec integrates easily with other apps and can be set up quickly without complex configurations.
  • Improves Focus
    By reducing impulsive phone checks, the app aids in maintaining better focus on tasks throughout the day.

Possible disadvantages

  • Subscription Cost
    Some features may require a premium subscription, which could be a barrier for some users.
  • Limited Platforms
    The app might not be available on all operating systems, limiting its accessibility for some users.
  • Dependency
    Users might become reliant on the app to manage their screen time instead of developing self-discipline.
  • Potential Delays
    There might be slight delays in accessing apps, which could be frustrating for users who need immediate access.
  • Learning Curve
    Some users may experience a learning curve in setting up and effectively using the app’s features.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

PureRef 3 videos + Add
one sec 3 videos + Add

The Best Free Tool for Artists - PureRef

More videos

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

The app that makes Elon Musk cry — One Sec app setup & review

More videos

  • - one sec app: reduces social media addiction long-term
  • - one sec app | Setup Tutorial with the Shortcuts App | New on iOS 17+

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
PureRef
one sec
30% 30%
70% 70%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

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

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

PureRef 4 mentions
one sec 44 mentions
  • 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... 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: over 4 years ago
  • Hide user name in menu bar.
    If you can’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.... Source: over 4 years ago

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  • Finland to end "uncontrolled human experiment" with ban on youth social media
    I think most users need more screen blocking control than they get out of the box on iOS. Ntools like one sec [1] have been invaluable for me. [1]: https://one-sec.app/. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Using an $8 smart outlet to avoid brainrot
    One thing that finally worked for me was using: https://one-sec.app/ It basically forces you to do a little breathing exercise before you can visit the site that you have on its block list. It has been life changing. It adds enough... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • My Struggle with Doom Scrolling
    I've tried various forms of this. As long as there's a logged in session somewhere, I have to have various tricks and extensions on my browser to manage things. Most have been only varying degrees of successful, often ending up in me... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago

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Alternatives to PureRef and one sec

When comparing PureRef and one sec, you can also consider the following products.