Refbox

Refbox is a visual reference manager for artists and designers that keeps source material in floating windows above other applications. Instead of repeatedly switching to a browser or a separate mood board, users can keep images and other media alongside their drawing, design, or 3D workspace.

Floating references while you work

Refbox organizes material into project-based Boxes, with collapsible Sections and an automatically adapting layout. Individual references can open as resizable, always-on-top Frames, or multiple items can be grouped together. Users can control which applications the floating content appears over, annotate or crop images, and switch between references with keyboard shortcuts.

More than image boards

• Images and GIFs: Zoom, rotate, inspect pixel art, and step through animated frames.
• Video and audio: Play media with speed controls; audio includes waveform visualization.
• 3D models: Inspect objects with materials, wireframes, and automatic rotation.
• PDFs and links: Read multipage documents or keep useful web resources nearby.
• Notes, sketches, and palettes: Add formatted Markdown notes, draw sketches, and collect colors with reference materials.

Boxes can be exported as .refbox files for backup or transfer to another device. Imported media is copied into Refbox's local storage, and boards work offline. However, there is no built-in cloud sync, and Refbox can display on only one monitor at a time. Some operations, including license management and importing webpage screenshots, need an internet connection.

Refbox is available for Apple Silicon Macs, with a seven-day free trial. A $39 one-time personal license covers three devices and both Mac and Windows; the developer advertises lifetime updates. The Mac download is distributed directly from the Refbox website.