# RefCanvas — Reference Board

> Visual reference board organizer for artists and designers. (iPhone/iPad app by youcef boukit.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refcanvas/id6447381089 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [youcef boukit](https://appshunter.io/developer/1681171051)
- Category: Graphics & Design, Productivity
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 2.50/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 131 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2023-04-11
- Data updated: 2026-07-05
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refcanvas/id6447381089/reviews.md

## What is RefCanvas?

RefCanvas is an intuitive tool for artists and designers who need a comprehensive reference app to bring their creative vision to life.



Key Features:
- Import images and gifs.
- Notes - Add text notes.
- Move, scale and rotate references to create the perfect layout.
- Multi selection - edit multiple references at one.
- Nodes - Useful for grouping references.
- Drag and drop - Drag and drop files from others apps like the gallery.
- Paste files from the clipboard.
- Supports split screen and pop-up view: Use it as a companion app with your favorite drawing app like Ibis Paint or Infinite Painter.
- Save your progress as boards for future use.
- Auto set thumbnails for boards after saving.
- Eye dropper - Tap and hold to pick a color from your references as a hex code.
- Drawing.




Animated GIF support:
- Reference your favorite animated gifs.
- Pause animation and play frame by frame to better understand referenced animations.
- Animation timeline gives you an interactive visual breakdown of all the frames.



Easy to use reference tools:
- Grayscale toggle.
- Flip horizontally and vertically.
- Add link - allows you to visit the source of your reference.



Export:
Export boards to share.
Export board as SVG.
Export Images/Gifs as files.




Using RefCanvas to make reference boards & mood boards is easy, simply import your images or gifs, and move them around the canvas to arrange them in the layout that works best for your project. You can adjust their size, rotation and position to your liking, giving you maximum control over your creative process.

## Key features

- Import images and GIFs
- Add text notes
- Move, scale, and rotate references
- Group references with nodes
- Supports split screen and pop-up view
- Export boards as SVG or images

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro version | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pro version | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pro version | $2.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refcanvas/id6447381089/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Highly recommended for artist

*2025-10-05, version 1.10*

Although the app’s icon can put people off due to it being ai generated, the app itself is very good. Though I do wish that when I move the node (as I like to categorise them to make things easier to group in) doesn’t overlap with other node and thus causing them to go into one of the box and have to organise them again. Hopefully the creator fix this by us being able to stabilise it so it doesn’t clip with other node.

### 1/5 — It’s very limited

*2025-02-03, version 1.10*

I got this app to work on an art project, and found out really quickly that the amount of pictures that you could upload were very few, and were not enough for me to do some basic reference work.

Of course you could buy the upgraded version, but it feels like a waste of money, especially if you’re just using it to compile pictures.

### 5/5 — Great free alternative

*2024-10-19*

Hated scrolling through reference images saved on my phone and just wanted it all in one place to look at while I draw. Great to have them all organized by board too so I can come back when I need to. Not sure why other ratings are low. There are limitations and paywalls, but for average use, this app is perfect.

### 1/5 — Does not work correctly with current iOS

*2024-06-06, version 1.10*

Paste doesn’t work. Import from gallery goes through an extra privacy dialog. I suspect the app has not been updated to trigger/request privacy permissions, and is thus blocked from the clipboard and direct access to the gallery.

### 5/5 — ‼️🗣️🗣️ we drawing daily with this one

*2024-05-24, version 1.10*

one complaint is the ai thumbnail, it’s not that hard just to commission an artist to draw a logo for you. 
it makes your app look more professional too. js would draw u a logo if u pinky swore to never use ai !!
but anyway ‼️‼️‼️‼️ this app is really good, reminds me exactly of pure ref and that was what I was wanting!
you can shrink and grow your images, and links to them and ofc you must save b4 u leave the canvas.
just started using the app so no issues so far, but if I turn up dead in a few days lmk gang <3

## Frequently asked questions about RefCanvas

### What can I import into RefCanvas?

RefCanvas allows you to import images and animated GIFs. You can also paste files from your clipboard and drag and drop files from other apps like your gallery.

### Can I use RefCanvas with other drawing apps?

Yes, RefCanvas supports split screen and pop-up view, making it ideal for use as a companion app with your favorite drawing applications such as Ibis Paint or Infinite Painter.

### What export options are available in RefCanvas?

You can export your boards to share them with others. Specific export options include exporting the board as an SVG file, or exporting individual images and GIFs as files.

### Does RefCanvas have ads?

No, RefCanvas does not contain advertisements. It is a free app with optional in-app purchases.

### How does RefCanvas handle animated GIFs?

RefCanvas supports animated GIFs, allowing you to reference them directly. You can pause animations and play them frame by frame, and an animation timeline provides a visual breakdown of all frames.

### What are the basic editing tools in RefCanvas?

Basic editing tools include the ability to move, scale, and rotate references. You can also select multiple references for simultaneous editing, and group them using nodes.

### How is my progress saved in RefCanvas?

Your progress is saved as boards, which you can access for future use. The app also automatically sets thumbnails for your boards after saving, making them easy to identify.

### What is the age rating for RefCanvas?

RefCanvas has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users including younger artists and designers.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.30 — 2026-02-03

Packing:  Optimally/Vertical/Horizontal (optional packing on import)
Export references: separately (multiple in zip)
Export board as SVG (or selected only)
Better Nodes - More customization.
Added webp support.
Fixed order saving.
Added connections - connect references/nodes etc.
Drawing. (experimental)
Multiple bug fixes and improvements.

### 1.10 — 2023-04-14

Added Nodes - nodes adjust their size automatically to fit near references.
-Nodes have a title and description (optional).
-Nodes move their contents when moved.




Links in notes are highlighted and clickable.
References can have links now - link is auto assigned when dropped from certain websites.



Some improvements and new settings.

### 1.09 — 2023-04-11

No release notes.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-05.*