Referencing while you paint or model
- embeddd
- Open the board in a browser window beside your software.
- PureRef
- A borderless, always-on-top canvas designed exactly for this.
Comparison · reviewed September 2026
embeddd vs PureRef
PureRef is a favourite among artists for keeping reference images on screen while they work. embeddd is an online library of references you can open on any device and share. Many people could use both.
No credit card · Free to start · Private by default
embeddd
An online library: boards and projects in the browser, on any device, shareable by link.
PureRef
A desktop canvas: arrange, scale and overlap images freely, stored as files on your computer.
A lightweight desktop app for arranging reference images on an infinite canvas, saved as files on your computer.
embeddd and PureRef, side by side
| Feature | embeddd | PureRef |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Collecting and organizing your own references | Keeping reference images on screen while you work |
| Layout | Masonry grid of cards; boards inside projects | Infinite canvas: move, scale and overlap images freely |
| Reels and TikToks | Instagram, TikTok and YouTube posts saved as their own photos and videos | Images; not built for Reels or TikToks |
| Where it runs | Web app for desktop and mobile browsers; iPhone share-sheet Shortcut | Desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Privacy | Private by default; no public feed, no ads | Files stay on your computer |
| Notes | Rich-text note cards on the board; titles and descriptions on every card | Text notes on the canvas |
| Search | Across all boards by text, tag and colour | Not a searchable library across files |
| Sharing | View-only links for boards and projects; editors and viewers by invite | Share the saved file |
| Price | Free plan with unlimited boards and 5 GB; Pro $7/month for 50 GB | Pay what you want (see pureref.com) |
Details about PureRef are based on its public website, reviewed September 2026. Plans and features change — check pureref.com for current details.
The same job, two ways
How common tasks look in each.
Sending references to someone
- embeddd
- Share a view-only link; it opens on their phone.
- PureRef
- Send the saved file; they open it in PureRef.
Online vs. offline
PureRef files live on your computer and work offline. embeddd lives online, so your boards are on your phone and laptop and can be shared, but need a connection.
Freeform vs. grid
PureRef lets you scale and overlap images anywhere. embeddd arranges cards in a grid and adds notes, tags, search and saved video.
Who each is for
embeddd makes sense if…
- You want references on every device
- You share boards with clients or a team
- You collect Reels and TikToks too
PureRef makes sense if…
- You want an always-on-top canvas beside your software
- You need to work offline
- You want to scale and overlap images freely
Where PureRef shines
- Artists who keep references open beside their software
- Freely arranging, scaling and overlapping images
- Working offline with local files
Questions
Can I open embeddd offline?
No. embeddd is an online service.
Keep reading
Related
Try embeddd alongside what you use now.
Save a few references this week and see where they end up.
No credit card · Free to start · Private by default