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ImageGlass vs PureRef

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

ImageGlass icon
ImageGlass
PureRef icon
PureRef

ImageGlass vs PureRef: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature ImageGlass PureRef
Sugggest Score
Category Photos & Graphics Photos & Graphics
Pricing Open Source Free

Product Overview

ImageGlass
ImageGlass

Description: ImageGlass is a lightweight, open-source image viewer and editor for Windows. It supports a wide range of image formats and basic editing capabilities like resizing, cropping, and rotating images.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

PureRef
PureRef

Description: PureRef is a free, lightweight application for Windows that helps artists and designers quickly view visual references without cluttering their workspace. It's useful for keeping photos, drawings, webpages, etc. easily accessible while working on graphics, illustrations, presentations, documents, and more.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

Key Features Comparison

ImageGlass
ImageGlass Features
  • Lightweight image viewer
  • Supports many common image formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF
  • Basic image editing tools like crop, resize, rotate, flip, color adjustments
  • Slideshow function
  • Printing support
  • Portable version available
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Multi-monitor support
  • Shell integration
  • Plugin support
PureRef
PureRef Features
  • Tabbed interface to organize references
  • Resizable panels
  • Zoom and pan images
  • Minimal UI
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Search references
  • Fullscreen mode
  • Portable app
  • Dark mode

Pros & Cons Analysis

ImageGlass
ImageGlass
Pros
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Open source and free
  • Clean and simple interface
  • Supports many image formats
  • Has basic image editing features
  • Portable version available
Cons
  • Lacks some advanced editing features
  • Fewer features than paid alternatives
  • Limited to Windows only
PureRef
PureRef
Pros
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Clean and simple interface
  • Easy to use
  • Good for quick reference viewing
  • Free with no ads or limitations
Cons
  • Limited features compared to full reference managers
  • No cloud sync
  • Windows only

Pricing Comparison

ImageGlass
ImageGlass
  • Open Source
PureRef
PureRef
  • Free

Related Comparisons

FastStone Image Viewer
Image Overlay Utility
Windows Photo Viewer

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