CreavFlow

In Archviz, PDFs are convenient for sharing building plans, but not always the best format for viewing and working with. PureRef is great for organising visual references, but doesn't support PDFs.

CreavFlow bridges the gap by converting PDFs into images that can be easily used alongside your visual references and moodboards. Made to solve a small but frustrating workflow problem that I've had, hopefully it helps others in the creative industry too.

Privacy

CreavFlow processes your files locally on your computer. No account or upload required. Your PDFs and exported images are not uploaded to a server.

Features

• Import PDF pages straight into a new .pur and open it
• Optional grouping by PDF bookmarks hierarchy (if any)
• PureRef custom layout (images per row, spacing)
• Layout preview before import into PureRef
• Export pages as PNG, JPEG, or WebP (lossy or lossless)
• Create subfolders based on PDF bookmarks hierarchy (if any)
• Never overwrites existing .pur or image files unless enabled
• Cancel mid-run; works fully offline on your computer

Use

1. Choose a PDF.
2. Type the pages to capture (1-4, 9), or click All pages.
3. Set the max side (longest side in pixels).
4. Choose an action:
   • Import to PureRef (.pur) — builds a PureRef board and opens it. Optional bookmark grouping, custom layout, layout preview, and overwrite of an existing .pur.
   • Export to PNG / JPEG / WebP — saves images to a folder. Optional name prefix, overwrite of existing images, and Create folders from PDF bookmarks.
5. Click Run. If PureRef is not detected for Import, choose Run anyway or Cancel. Use Cancel on the main window to stop mid-run.

Run from source

python -m venv .venv
.venv\Scripts\activate
pip install -r requirements.txt
python app.py

Windows exe

Prebuilt binaries (when provided) are attached to GitHub Releases.

Build locally:

pip install pyinstaller
python -m PyInstaller --noconfirm CreavFlow.spec

Output: dist\CreavFlow.exe

Windows Defender may flag an unsigned PyInstaller exe. Prefer builds from this repo’s Releases, or restore/allowlist if you built it yourself.

Disclaimer

CreavFlow is an independent tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by PureRef or its creators. PureRef is a trademark of its respective owners. CreavFlow can create .pur files for use with PureRef; PureRef itself is separate software you install on your own.

License

CreavFlow is free software under the GNU Affero General Public License v3 (LICENSE).

PDF rendering uses PyMuPDF (AGPL). Distributing CreavFlow (including a compiled .exe) with the free PyMuPDF build requires offering corresponding source under AGPL. For proprietary distribution without AGPL obligations, obtain a commercial PyMuPDF license from Artifex (or replace PyMuPDF).

Third-party credits: see NOTICE.txt.

Support

CreavFlow is free. If you enjoy the app and find it useful, your support would mean a lot. buy me a coffee