Best PureRef Alternatives for 2D & 3D Artists (2026)
If you're a 2D or 3D artist looking for PureRef alternatives, you probably need a reference board that works across all your devices—not just Windows. Whether you're doing concept art, 3D modeling, digital painting, or illustration, modern artists work on iPads, MacBooks, and PCs, and need their references to sync seamlessly across platforms.
This guide compares the best PureRef alternatives for artists, starting with DarkRef—the only free reference board app that truly works everywhere with cloud sync across iOS, iPad, Windows, and MacOS.
Quick take
DarkRef (recommended)
Best for artists who work across multiple devices and need cloud sync. The only reference board that works on iOS, iPad, Windows, and MacOS.
- Free to download and use on all platforms
- Cloud sync keeps references in sync across all devices (premium)
- Images, GIFs, notes, folders, and automatic organization
- Native apps for iOS, iPad, Windows, and MacOS
Learn more: DarkRef overview
PureRef
Best if you only work on Windows and don't need mobile or Mac support. Official site: PureRef.
Eagle
Best for extensive asset management with tagging and search, but no mobile apps. Official site: Eagle.
Best for discovering new references and public boards, but limited organization and privacy. Official site: Pinterest.
Comparison table
Below is a comparison of the most popular alternatives to PureRef.
| App | Platforms | Cloud Sync | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DarkRef | iOS, iPad, Windows, MacOS | ✅ Yes (premium) | Artists working across multiple devices |
| PureRef | Windows only | ❌ No | Windows-only workflows |
| Eagle | Windows, MacOS | ⚠️ Limited | Extensive asset libraries |
| Web, iOS, Android | ✅ Yes | Discovery and public boards |
Why look for a PureRef alternative?
PureRef is a solid reference board for Windows users, but modern artists often need more:
- Mobile and tablet support: Many artists sketch on iPad or work on the go and need their references available.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Working on both Windows and Mac means needing references accessible on both.
- Cloud sync: Starting work on one device and continuing on another requires automatic synchronization.
- Modern organization: Folders, automatic organization, and search make managing large reference libraries easier.
1) DarkRef
DarkRef is the only reference board app designed for the way modern artists actually work—across multiple devices with seamless cloud sync.
Why it's the best PureRef alternative
- True cross-platform: Native apps for iOS, iPad, Windows, and MacOS. Work on any device, anywhere.
- Cloud sync: Your references automatically sync across all your devices. Start on iPad, continue on desktop.
- Free to use: All core features are free. Only cloud sync requires a Sync subscription ($1.99/month or $9.99/year).
- Rich features: Images, animated GIFs, notes, folders, and automatic organization.
Best for
Artists who work on multiple devices and platforms. Perfect if you sketch on iPad, design on desktop, or switch between Mac and Windows.
Get started
Download DarkRef for free on all platforms. No credit card required.
2) PureRef
PureRef is a minimalist reference board that's great for Windows users who don't need mobile or cross-platform support.
Pros
- Clean, minimal interface
- Fast and lightweight
- Free with optional donations
Cons
- Windows only—no Mac, iOS, or iPad support
- No cloud sync between devices
- Limited organization features
3) Eagle
Eagle is a comprehensive asset management tool that works on Windows and Mac, but lacks mobile support and true cloud sync.
Pros
- Powerful tagging and search
- Good for large reference libraries
- Windows and MacOS support
Cons
- No mobile apps (iOS/iPad)
- One-time purchase ($30), but no cloud sync in base version
- More complex than a simple reference board
4) Pinterest
Pinterest is great for discovering new references and creating mood boards, but it's not designed as a private reference board for artists.
Pros
- Excellent for discovery
- Available everywhere (web, iOS, Android)
- Free with cloud sync
Cons
- Primarily a social platform, not a private reference tool
- Limited organization for serious work
- Can't add private notes or annotations easily
Decision checklist
Use this to pick the right reference board for you:
- If you work across iOS, iPad, Windows, and/or MacOS and want cloud sync: DarkRef.
- If you only work on Windows and don't need mobile: PureRef.
- If you need extensive asset management on desktop: Eagle.
- If you want discovery and public mood boards: Pinterest.
Ready to try DarkRef?
Download DarkRef for free on iOS, iPad, Windows, and MacOS. Upgrade to premium for cloud sync across all your devices.
FAQ
What is the best PureRef alternative?
If you work across multiple devices, DarkRef is the best choice. It's the only reference board with native apps for iOS, iPad, Windows, and MacOS, plus cloud sync to keep everything in sync. If you only work on Windows, PureRef itself is still a solid option.
Why choose DarkRef over PureRef?
DarkRef offers cross-platform support (iOS, iPad, Windows, MacOS) and cloud sync, which PureRef doesn't have. This means you can start sketching on your iPad with references, then continue on your desktop PC or Mac—all your references sync automatically. PureRef only works on Windows without any cloud sync.
Is DarkRef free?
Yes! DarkRef is free to download and use on all platforms. All core features—images, GIFs, notes, folders, organization—are completely free. The only paid feature is cloud sync across devices ($1.99/month or $9.99/year).
Does DarkRef work on iPad and iPhone?
Yes! DarkRef has native apps for both iOS (iPhone) and iPad. This makes it perfect for artists who sketch on iPad and want their references easily accessible. With cloud sync (Sync subscription), your references automatically sync between your iPad, iPhone, and desktop.