Trying to organize your inspiration? Struggling to clarify your design vision?
Great moodboard software makes it easy to curate and showcase your ideas in a way that is quick and easy to understand.
Whether you’re a professional interior designer needing to create beautiful moodboards for your clients or you’re looking for a fun moodboard app, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of the 15 best choices available online, and tips on how to select the right software for you.
What’s in this guide:
Table of Contents
What is moodboard software?
Moodboard software allows you to create visual representations of a creative concept or design project. Moodboards are great for communicating a specific design plan or for guiding an upcoming project.
Digital moodboards are used in several creative industries, including graphic design, web design, interior design, fashion, advertising, and marketing.
The primary purpose of a moodboard is to collect and organize visual elements, such as products, color palettes, textures, and other design elements in order to convey a particular mood or style.
Moodboard example
Here’s an example moodboard created with DesignFiles. This moodboard features a mix of realistic placements, creative placements, and swatches.
Types of moodboard software
There are a few different types of moodboard software.
- Moodboard design software – Many free graphic design apps include moodboard templates and features to make it easy for anyone to develop a moodboard, whether to guide a DIY renovation project or serve as a vision board with dreams and goals.
- Moodboard apps with shopping lists – You can also find moodboard apps that will auto-generate shopping lists based on your design. This is great for both professional and personal use.
- Industry-specific platforms that include moodboards – Professional design platforms often offer moodboard creation alongside other business-critical features. You can find moodboard features inside of platforms built for interior designers, personal stylists, wardrobe designers, wedding planners, event planners, and filmmakers.
Best moodboard software for 2024
Check out the very best moodboard platforms.
1. DesignFiles
DesignFiles is an easy-to-use platform for professional interior designers who are looking to manage their entire interior design business from one place. It contains everything from moodboards to 3D floor plans, client communication, invoicing, task management and beyond.
Built for: Professional interior designers
Moodboard features:
- Ability to brand moodboards with brand colors and logos
- One-click image background removal tool
- Ability to scale, distort, crop and layer product images
- Built-in product library with 750K products from well known vendors
- Ability to upload your own images
- Built-in paint library including Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Dulux, and Farrow and Ball
- Browser extension product clipper to save items from anywhere online
- Auto-generate product lists and total costs from moodboards
- Easy moodboard feedback (comments and product approvals)
Other features:
- Floor planner
- 3D renderings
- Browser extension product clipper
- Customizable design questionnaires
- Client portal
- Client and team communication
- Quotes
- Invoices and retainers
- Online credit card and ACH payments
- RFQs and purchase orders
- Spec and tear sheets
- Branded PDF presentations
- Product tracker
- Task management and project calendar
- Time tracker
- Client / vendor contact list
- Activity log
- Digital contracts
- QuickBooks integration
- Financial reports
Pricing:
DesignFiles also offers a free trial with an unlimited time period for up to one project. The e-Design plan costs $49 per month and the Full Service plan costs $69 per month. Both plans include access to the moodboard creator.
Reviews: DesignFiles has an average rating of 4.6 stars (out of 525 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web
2. Milanote
With Milanote, you get a ton of flexibility to create collaborative moodboards, where you can add notes, images, videos, wireframes, and other resources. This platform can be used for any sort of creative project, from filmmaking to marketing.
Built for: Any creative professional
Moodboard features:
- Save text, images, and links from the web
- Upload images and videos
- Collaborate with team members on the same board
Other features:
- To-do lists
- Storyboards
- Whiteboards
- Creative briefs
- Note-taking
- Project management
- Mind-mapping
Pricing:
Milanote offers a free plan that works for up to 100 notes and 10 file uploads. To unlock unlimited notes and uploads, you’ll pay $9.99 per user per month.
Reviews: Milanote has an average rating of 4.7 stars (out of 56 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
3. Canva
Canva is a very popular graphic design platform that lets anyone create beautiful moodboards, flyers, social media posts, and other assets—even if you have no previous design experience or skills. You can upload your own photos or search their photo library.
Built for: Anyone
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard templates
- Upload photos and graphics
- Store files for future use
- Animations
- Free and premium stickers and graphics
- Free and premium stock photos
- Store brand logos, colors, and fonts
- Built-in photo and video editing
Other features:
- Thousands of graphic design templates for other purposes
- Great for creating social media content
Pricing: You can use Canva’s free plan to create a moodboard. If you want to store your brand colors, fonts, and logos for future use, select the Canva Pro plan, which costs $119.99 per year or $14.99 per month (per user on your team).
Reviews: Canva has an average rating of 4.7 stars (out of 11,449 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
4. Pinterest
Sure, Pinterest is a social media platform, but it’s also a great resource when it comes to making moodboards. Create digital moodboards simply by making Pinterest boards and adding different pins to them over time, or use the platform to store inspiration and later add your favorite photos to a moodboard software program.
Built for: Anyone
Moodboard features:
- Private or public boards
- Board collaboration
- Pin images and videos from the web
- Upload your own files
Features:
- Search and explore all sorts of content
- Follow other users for inspiration
Pricing: Pinterest is free to use.
Reviews: Pinterest has an average rating of 4.7 stars (out of 225 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
5. Adobe Express
Adobe Express (formerly known as Adobe Spark) is the software giant’s Canva competitor. Unlike InDesign, Illustrator, and other Adobe programs, Adobe Express is made for people who are not professional graphic designers. You can easily create all sorts of graphics from scratch or start with a template.
Built for: Anyone
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard templates
- Integrates with Adobe Stock
- Upload photos and graphics
- Photo and video editing
Other features:
- Thousands of graphic design templates
- AI image generation
- Ability to import Photoshop and Illustrator files
Pricing: The free plan is extensive enough for making moodboards, but you can opt for the Premium plan at $9.99 per month if you want to be able to resize your images and pull from the entire Adobe Stock collection.
Reviews: Adobe Express has an average rating of 4.6 stars (out of 1,114 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
6. Niice
Niice is a unique sort of project management tool that lets you organize your work in moodboard format. Use it to collaborate creatively with marketers, writers, graphic designers, videographers, and other brand marketing professionals.
Built for: Brand marketers
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard templates
- Chrome extension to gather inspo
- Upload your own files
- Save files for future use
Other features:
- Collaborative workflows
- Approval processes
- Storyboard creator
- Brand guideline creator
- Project collaboration templates
- Digital asset libraries
Pricing: The free plan gives you up to 5 boards and 100 uploads. The lowest-cost plan is the Starter plan, which offers unlimited usage for up to 10 users for $83.25 per month. For larger teams, enterprise plans are available.
Reviews: Niice has an average rating of 4.6 stars (out of 17 reviews) on G2.
Platform: Web
7. Mural
Mural is a collaborative whiteboard and moodboard software that’s great for engineering, UX design, product, or marketing teams.
Built for: Remote teams
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard template
- Blank whiteboard
- Upload your own files
- Add colors and textures
Other features:
- Dozens of other diagram and brainstorming templates
- Project collaboration templates
- Strategy planning
- OKR tracking
- Diagrams, flowcharts, and process mapping
Pricing: The free plan offers up to 3 murals (boards). To unlock unlimited murals, you’ll pay $9.99 per team member per month.
Reviews: Mural has an average rating of 4.6 stars (out of 119 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
8. StudioBinder
StudioBinder is an all-in-one solution for filmmakers. It offers tons of useful features to help you map out every stage of production, from scriptwriting to shot lists to post-production. A moodboard app is included as part of the platform.
Built for: Filmmakers
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard templates for filmmaking (spaces for characters, costumes, props, locations, and more)
- Upload photos and videos
- Built-in image editing
Features:
- Storyboard software
- Call sheet templates
- Shooting schedules
- Production calendar
- Film crew management
- Script breakdowns and tagging
- Shot list management
- Music and sound effects
Pricing: StudioBinder offers a Starter plan for $29 per month, an Indie plan for $49 per month, and a Professional plan for $99 per month.
Reviews: StudioBinder has an average rating of 4.0 stars (out of 14 reviews) on G2.
Platform: Web
9. Moodzer
With Moodzer, you get a grid-style moodboard that you can easily update and add to over time. The free and affordable pricing makes it a great fit for any type of project, from DIY home renovations to artistic projects and wedding plan services.
Built for: Anyone
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard maker with swappable grids
- In-app image editing
- Image effects and filters
- Multiple fonts to choose from
- Image uploader
- Export boards
Pricing: On the free plan, you can create one board with a Moodzer watermark. You can upgrade to the paid plan for $5 per month to remove that watermark and create unlimited boards.
Reviews: No ratings available
Platform: Web
10. SampleBoard
Because it auto-generates purchase lists based on your moodboard design, SampleBoard is great for professional use by personal stylists, wedding planners, designers, and other creatives who recommend products for purchase.
Built for: Stylists, wedding planners, and interior designers
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard creator
- Purchase list generator
- One-click image background removal tool
- Web clipper for saving products
- Add text overlays
- Trending stock photos
- Color palette maker
Other features:
- Explore the creations of other users
Pricing: SampleBoard offers four plans ranging from $12 to $79 per month. If you want to unlock the purchase list feature, you’ll need the Professional plan for $49 per month.
Reviews: No ratings available
Platform:
11. Morpholio Board
Morpholio Board is a fun-to-use moodboard app for DIY interior design. Use it to make moodboards, discover great furniture brands, and organize your shopping list.
Built for: Interior design DIYers
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard creator
- AR furniture
- AR color capture
- Color palette creator
- Image markup
- Auto-generate shopping lists
- Create a personal product and image library
- Pinterest integration
Pricing: The Essentials plan gives you access to the moodboard creator for $4.99. Choose the Premium plan for $7.99 to export your moodboard as a PDF or PSD file.
Reviews: Morpholio Board has an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 365 reviews) on the Mac App Store.
Platform: iOS and Mac
12. Programa
With its focus on project spec sheets and schedules, Programa is a fit for architects and interior designers who offer home renovation services.
Built for: Professional architects and interior designers
Moodboard features:
- Product library
- Web clipper
Other features:
- Construction project spec sheets and schedules
- Project management
- Purchase order management
- Client invoices
Pricing: Programa charges $39 per user per month. Custom pricing is available for large studios.
Reviews: Programa has an average rating of 4.7 stars (out of 21 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web
13. ShopLook
ShopLook is a fun moodboard creator for pro stylists or anyone who wants to up their fashion game. If you’ve been missing Polyvore since it shut down, this is the app for you.
Built for: Stylists and fashionistas
Moodboard features:
- Auto-remove backgrounds from any image
- Make product images shoppable with affiliate links
- Add text overlays
Other features:
- Follow other users and comment on their designs
Pricing: ShopLook is free. There is a Premium plan for $3.99 per month that gives you access to additional fonts and editing features.
Reviews: ShopLook has an average rating of 4.7 stars (out of 4,500 reviews) on the Apple App Store.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
14. PicMonkey
Like Canva, PicMonkey is a photo editing and graphic design app that’s easy enough for anyone to use. However, the lack of a free plan as well as the advanced collaboration features make this a better fit for professional use cases.
Built for: Any professional
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard templates
- One-click background removal
- Built-in image editing
- Brand kit (save your logos, colors, and fonts)
- Upload your own fonts
- Digital asset management with file tagging
- Real-time collaboration and co-editing
Other features:
- Thousands of graphic design templates for any purpose
Pricing: PicMonkey doesn’t offer a free plan, but you can start with a free trial. The Basic plan is $7.99 per month and gives you access to all templates. To be able to save your brand kit, choose the Pro plan for $12.99 per month, and to collaborate with your team, you’ll need the Business plan for $23.00 per user per month.
Reviews: PicMonkey has an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 1,101 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
15. Fotor
Fotor is an online photo editor that’s great for professional photographers, content creators, and artists. It offers the perfect mix of easy-to-use software and pro editing features. However, if you don’t plan on editing the images you add to your moodboard, you’re better off choosing something simpler, like Canva.
Built for: Creative professionals
Moodboard features:
- Moodboard and collage maker
Other features:
- Built-in photo editing
- Automated photo enhancing and retouching
- Automated background removal
- Photo filters and effects
- Text overlay
Features:
- Hundreds of graphic design templates
- NFT creator
- AI text-to-image generator
Pricing: Fotor offers a generous free plan. The Pro plan costs $8.99 per month and the Pro+ plan costs $19.99 per month. Both paid plans give you access to more storage, fonts, and templates.
Reviews: Fotor has an average rating of 4.3 stars (out of 85 reviews) on Capterra.
Platform: Web, iOS, Android
How to choose the right moodboarding app
Use these tips to choose a platform that will save you time and make the creative journey more enjoyable.
Consider your design workflow
To choose the right moodboard app, consider your entire workflow. What sorts of images and products do you want to add to your moodboard? How do you plan to use and share your moodboard after you make it? If you just want to create a quick grid-style or collage-style board for inspiration, use Pinterest or Canva.
But if you want to pull in products, add affiliate links, and auto-generate shopping lists, try a platform built for your industry, which leads into our next point.
Choose a design platform that fits your industry
And lastly, if you’re looking to bring more of your creative workflow under one roof, opt for an all-in-one software platform designed for your specific industry. For example, StudioBinder helps filmmakers manage movie projects while DesignFiles makes it easy to manage interior design projects for clients.
The top moodboard apps for every use case
So…which app should you choose?
We’ve made it super easy by hand-picking the very best depending on your use case or industry.
- DIY design: Canva or Pinterest
- Interior designers: DesignFiles
- Stylists: ShopLook
- Wedding planners: SampleBoard
- Filmmakers: StudioBinder
- Graphic designers: Mural
- Web designers: Milanote
- Marketers: Niice
Frequently asked questions about moodboard software
Get answers to the most common FAQs.
How do you make a moodboard online for free?
If you’re looking to create a quick and easy moodboard online for free, use a simple graphic design platform like Canva or Snappa.
If you want to engage with other users and share your creations, try making your moodboard with Pinterest or ShopLook instead.
What software is best for making moodboards?
For interior designers, DesignFiles is the best platform for making moodboards because you can handle client communication, shopping lists, and project management in one place. ShopLook is the ideal platform for stylists because it offers shopping lists with affiliate links. Meanwhile, digital teams can use Mural, Milanote, or Niice to create moodboards that guide project collaboration and creative work.
Looking for moodboard software? DesignFiles is the top-rated interior design platform, offering all the tools you need to create stunning designs and interact with clients. Start your free trial.
