PureRef, an everyday companion

The Technology
of the Month

PureRef, an instant friend…

Our preferred tool for building reference dashboards.

Some years ago I discovered this tool from a Youtuber that was teaching its modelling workflow and defined PureRef as a must-have… I saw what he was doing and looked simple, useful and great to me!, so I downloaded it and since then I use it almost every day… and whenever I have the chance, I recommend it to everyone…I know it might be weird, but there are people out there who still do not know that this guy exists.

I normally use it to make my custom reference boards…. for instance, one day I have a new project to kickoff… then I start pulling photos to a new dashboard on PureRef simply by dragging them into the canvas, even from any explorer or Pinterest!!. I scale the ones I consider more important, and separate on another space within the same blackboard, the less representative that may help later when looking for more inspiration.

• WEB: PureRef
• Last Release: 1.11.1
• Price: You can select any amount you consider to contribute to the project.

1. Downloading the software.

Pretty much is beyond simplicity. The page to download it is this: Download | PureRef

Functional, simple and direct to the subject without artifices.

Once selected your SO, in the above section, you need to select the price you want to pay for it where zero is also an option. In my case, I downloaded it for free and after verifying its benefits I went back and I paid my contribution.

2. Features and Shortcuts.

Within the same web, you can go to the Support > Keyboard shortcuts to get an idea about the things you can do with it simply using keyboard combinations. I leave you here the link: All shortcuts | PureRef

On this other link: Features | PureRef you can also see the main features of the program like some of the ones I list below…

1. Always on top/ Always on bottom: With this option, you will have it all the time on top or behind other screens, which is good for example to work with ZBrush, Maya, Substance Painter… as will remain on top during your large modelling sessions.

2. Lock window: Just do not move it by default.

3. Transparent to the mouse: Click through PureRef.

4. Overlay mode: This will make the background disappear just leaving the photos floating on your screen. Very cool…

5. Notes: Now you can write notes on your board and scale, and rotate the text.

We can drag and drop images from any explorer directly to our canvas and use text tags to whatever crossed your mind.

6. Snapshots: Simply “Print Screen” and Control+ V to paste the captured data to your dashbord. This also is compatible with the Snagit selection.

7. Arrange Images: Select all your images on the canvas and Arrange them by Optimal, Name or Addition.

8. Crop Images: Hold “C” and crop your image!

9. Grey Scale: You can turn on Grey Scale on all your canvas by pressing Control + Alt + G

I just pointed to some of the most important features but you might find some other I forgot to mention that could be even more important than these for you.

3. Day to Day.

You downloaded PureRef and you are becoming a bit anxious as you do not know what to do with the black panel… these are the basics I normally use on a day to day basis.

Move the canvas: Drag it with RMB (Right Mouse Button).

Increase/ Decrease the size of the canvas: Get close to the end of the black canvas and you will see the arrows to change the shape, then now use them by clicking the LMB.

Zoom IN/OUT: Double Click in the picture you want to Zoom In/Out.

Resize/ Scale: Simply drag with the LMB the corners of the picture. You will see how it is offered both options.

Moving Pictures along the canvas: Drag with LMB the picture you need to move.

Selecting more than one picture and arrange them by Optimal: Drag from a point of the canvas there is no picture and you will see the bluish selection, once highlighted the desired photos click Control+P.

What do you think about this tool? …Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Miguel Angel Torio

HandyTales Founder & CEO

3D Artist & Blogger

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