The Complete Guide to Design Reference Management For Designers in 2026
Meta Description: Discover the best design reference management for designers solutions. Compare tools, workflows, and find the perfect system for your creative process.
Introduction
As a designer, staying organized is crucial. But if you're struggling with design reference management, you're not alone. Designers on Reddit complaining about messy Pinterest boards and Figma not being good for storing inspiration. Looking for better solutions.
What is Design Reference Management?
Design Reference Management refers to the systems and tools designers use to organize, store, and access their creative resources efficiently.
Why It Matters for Designers
The Problem with Current Solutions
Most designers currently rely on a combination of Pinterest (great for discovery, terrible for organization), Figma files (not designed for reference storage), Local folders (hard to search), and Google Drive (clunky for visual content).
Top Solutions
1. Mare Court - Built for Designers
Mare Court is specifically designed for creative professionals who need to organize design reference management. Key features: visual-first organization, lightning-fast search, and workflows designed for designers. Try Mare Court at mare.run
2. Pinterest
Pros: Massive library, great discovery. Cons: Not designed for professional workflows.
3. Milanote
Pros: Visual boards, flexible. Cons: Can become cluttered.
4. Notion
Pros: Highly customizable. Cons: Steep learning curve.
Conclusion
Design Reference Management isn't just about staying organized—it's about freeing up mental space to be more creative. Ready to take control? Try Mare Court free at mare.run!
