A tiny reference board.
Right where you need it.

Keep your references, inspirational posts, and project notes in one flexible place.

Buy Sideref

One license covers three Mac devices. Already bought? Get your download link

Collect references
never being easier.

Bring images, links, and notes into one board.
Open a reference beside the work you’re making.

Supports:
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Google Images
+ more

Collect image references.

Drop in an image. Keep its source link when supplied.

Always within reach

Drag to the edge to save.

Drag an image to your screen’s edge. Your board opens, ready for the drop.

Supports:
  • YouTube

Save videos for later.

Keep video links with your project. Click a thumbnail to watch on YouTube.

GIFs & animated SVGs

Keep motion references.

Replay a gesture or transition in a floating preview beside your work.

Supports:
  • HEX
  • RGB
  • HSL
  • CMYK

Create color palettes.

Pick colors from an image. Save the palette with your references.

Markdown notes

Note what caught your eye.

Capture an idea or detail to try. Add a checklist as you go.

Floating windows

Sticky windows that never go away.

Keep your brief, checklist, or next idea in view while you work.

Supported formats

Images & SVGs GIFs & video PDFs Audio Links Notes

Organize by project

Give each project a workspace. Group references into sections and adjust the number of columns.

Capture part of your screen

Save a layout, color palette, or detail straight to your board as a screenshot.

Open with a shortcut

Press ⌘ ⇧ S to show or hide your board while you work in another app.

Keep your files on your Mac

Your library is stored locally. Open saved files and notes offline; web content may need a connection.

Choose where your board sits

Place the panel on the left or right of your screen, in light or dark mode.

Connect your AI assistant

Use MCP to let a compatible assistant find references and organize your board.

Made for:

Artists
Build a moodboard with pose, lighting, and color references.
Marketers
Keep an ad swipe file with campaign examples and copy ideas.
Developers
Collect UI screenshots, docs links, and implementation notes.

Pay once.
Keep it forever.

Pay once and keep using the versions you own.
Your license includes:

  • Activation on 3 Macs
  • 12 months of updates
  • Continued use after updates end

Made for macOS 14 or later. Activate with your license key.

One-time purchase

—
USD · pay once

One-time payment. Tax added where applicable.

After the first year, you can buy another 12 months of updates at your original purchase price. Renewal is optional.

Before you buy.

What's a reference board?

A reference board is a collection of images, notes, and other materials that you can use to inspire your work. It's a way to keep all of your references in one place and easily accessible.

How do I get Sideref?

Download Sideref for Mac immediately after purchase. Your license key is ready on the download page and in your purchase email. Use it to activate the app. Your license covers 3 Macs and includes 12 months of updates. You can re-download the newest version covered by your license at any time.

Which sites and files does Sideref support?

Import images from Pinterest and Tumblr, save public X and Bluesky posts, and keep YouTube links with thumbnails. You can also add images, GIFs, SVGs, notes, links, PDFs, audio, and video files. Posts with video and YouTube links open at their source; PDFs, audio, and local video files use macOS previews. If a post preview is unavailable, Sideref keeps the link.