Idyllic Pixel, an indie game studio and tools developer, has released PureRef 2.1, the latest version of its popular lightweight reference image organization tool. This update brings a range of new features and improvements to enhance the user experience for concept artists and illustrators.
A More Powerful Organization Tool
PureRef 2.1 offers a more efficient way to manage reference images compared to traditional mood boards in apps like Photoshop. Users can now snap images to a background grid, making it easier to align and organize their work. This feature, along with the ability to batch-process images and add text notes and annotations, streamlines the reference image management process.
Enhanced Drawing Tools
Building on the drawing toolset introduced in PureRef 2.0, the latest version allows users to draw geometric shapes such as ellipses, rectangles, and straight lines. This expansion of the drawing capabilities further empowers users to create detailed and precise annotations on their reference images.
New Background Grid and Arrange Randomly Option
The new background grid feature provides a visual reference for aligning images, with options for full or dotted grids. Additionally, the 'Arrange Randomly' command introduces an element of creativity by randomly placing images across the canvas, fostering unexpected and unique compositions.
Other New Commands and Workflow Improvements
PureRef 2.1 introduces six new commands for image manipulation, including tools for duplicating, parenting, and normalizing image areas. Existing tools have also been enhanced, such as the Comment dialog supporting rich text and the Crop tool's aspect ratio locking option. The addition of an image management tool for batch processing further streamlines the workflow.
New Language Editions and Accessibility
PureRef 2.1 is now available in Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, making it more accessible to a global audience. The software is compatible with Windows 10+, Ubuntu 20.04 Linux, and macOS 10.14+, ensuring a wide range of users can benefit from these improvements.
Pricing and Licensing
PureRef 2.1 offers different licensing options. A Small Business license costs $49 and supports up to three users, while full Business subscriptions are available at $10 per month or $96 per year. Non-commercial Personal licenses are pay-what-you-want, with a minimum contribution of $7. Users can explore the full list of new features on the product blog and learn more about PureRef on the official website.
Community Engagement
CG Channel encourages readers to engage with the community by following their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). This allows users to stay updated with the latest news, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content, fostering a vibrant and supportive community around the tool.
