Beyond Reference Images: Design with Your Real Objects
PureRef is great for collecting inspiration. Canvi takes the next step: turn your own photos into design-ready cutouts and build actual spatial layouts in minutes.
PureRef (also known as Preref) is a popular tool for artists and designers who collect and organize reference images during the creative process. But reference images are just the starting point. Canvi lets you take photos of real objects you're working with, remove the backgrounds automatically, and arrange them into actual design layouts, taking you from inspiration to execution in one tool.
Canvi vs PureRef: feature comparison
| Feature | Canvi | PureRef |
|---|---|---|
| Works with your own real photos | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI background removal | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spatial layout / design canvas | ✓ | ✗ |
| Web-based (no install) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Export design as PNG | ✓ | Screen capture only |
| Object resizing and rotation | ✓ | Basic |
| Place objects on room/space photos | ✓ | ✗ |
| Interior & landscape design | ✓ | ✗ |
| Mood board creation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free to use | ✓ | ✓ |
Why designers choose Canvi over PureRef
- From reference collection to actual design: PureRef helps you collect images for reference during your creative process. Canvi goes further: take photos of real objects, remove backgrounds, and arrange them into actual design layouts.
- No desktop software to install: PureRef is a downloadable desktop application. Canvi runs entirely in your browser on any device and any operating system with no install required.
- AI background removal built in: Getting clean cutouts in PureRef requires external tools. In Canvi, photograph any object and the AI removes the background automatically with no Photoshop and no manual selection.
- Designed for spatial visualization: Canvi is built for placing and arranging real objects in space, on a room photo, a yard photo, or a blank canvas. See exactly how things look together before you commit to any arrangement.
How Canvi works
- Photograph your real objects: Take photos of the physical items, materials, or design elements you're working with.
- Instant AI background removal: Canvi strips the background automatically with no editing software or manual selection required.
- Arrange on your canvas: Drag, rotate, and scale objects on a blank canvas or a photo of your real space.
- Export your layout: Download the final arrangement as a PNG image to present, print, or share.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Canvi a replacement for PureRef / Preref?
- Canvi serves a different but complementary purpose. PureRef is for collecting reference images during the creative process. Canvi is for taking your own real photos and building actual design layouts, going from reference to finished design plan.
- Does Canvi work without installing anything?
- Yes. Canvi is fully web-based and runs in any modern browser on desktop or mobile. No download, no installation required.
- Can I collect reference images in Canvi like I do in PureRef?
- Canvi is optimized for your own photos of real physical objects. If you're looking for a pure reference image organizer, PureRef remains excellent for that workflow. Canvi shines when you're ready to build spatial layouts from your own material photos.
- Is Canvi free like PureRef?
- Canvi has a free tier with no credit card required. Advanced features and higher scan limits are available on paid plans.
- What kinds of projects is Canvi best for?
- Interior design layouts, landscape and outdoor design, mood boards with real objects, furniture arrangement planning, flagstone and patio design, and any creative project where you need to visualize real physical items in a spatial layout.