On macOS, refern adds a searchable visual catalog and spatial canvas around normal workspace folders without requiring a managed media-copy setup.
Good fit when
You want Finder-visible workspace files plus richer organization.
You work across a library and reference canvases on one Mac.
Consider another tool when
You require automatic iCloud-style sync between devices.
You need a photo developer or broad design-file preview catalog.
Verified product facts
Desktop platforms
Desktop builds are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
File handling
A normal workspace reads your files where they are. Imports and copy actions can create new files.
Workspace data
The catalog uses SQLite and generated thumbnails in a workspace-associated or configured data location.
Canvas
Arrange images, add notes, and draw on a canvas. Keep it above your art app. Window transparency and click-through controls are available on Windows and macOS; current Linux controls are limited.
Before you download.
Everything you might want to know, answered.
Yes. $35 once, updates included, and no subscription. Try the whole app free for 30 days before you pay.
Your files and data stay in their folders on your disk. You can still get to them. After 30 days, you need to buy a license to keep using refern.
When you add a folder, refern reads the files where they are. It does not move them or make extra copies. Imports can add files. For example, Eagle import copies each file once. If it belongs in more than one folder, refern uses links to that copy.
Yes. Copy files or drag them into another app or a folder. You get the original files. You can also open a file in your usual app or choose a different app.
Yes. Open Settings, then Import. Eagle imports keep your folders, tags, ratings, and source links. Files can still appear in more than one folder. Only file types allowed in your workspace are brought in. PureRef 2.x boards become canvases you can edit. Allusion imports keep your tags. Your old libraries stay as they are.
Yes. Open Settings > Import and paste full public board links. Each board goes into a separate folder. You can queue several boards, follow progress, and review or resume previous imports. Private boards and links to individual pins, profiles, or sections are not supported. Some pins may not transfer; check the import report.
No. You can download Auto Tagger models to suggest tags and read text in images. They run on your device and can use your graphics chip. You can also set up Search by meaning to find images without adding general tags. To add your own tags, hover over an image and press T for Quick Tags.
No. Images and videos are on by default. You can turn on PDFs, design files, 3D files, fonts, archives, code, or all file types. You can preview PDF pages and open them in refern. AVIF previews keep clear backgrounds. Files that cannot be previewed show an icon for their file type.
You do not need an account to use the desktop app. You can browse, search, make boards, view files, and practice offline. Your library stays on your device. You need the internet to activate a license, check for updates or trial time, download optional models, send feedback, or save images from the web.
Three, on any mix of Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Try the whole app free for 30 days, with no card needed. Since you can try it first, purchases are final. A refund may still be possible in limited cases if you email within 5 days of buying. See the refund terms you agree to before using the app.