In late 2022, Apple introduced a new tool to users on iOS 16 and macOS Ventura. Known as Freeform, it has become a handy app for bringing your creative ideas to life. You can use it to conceptualize projects you're working on, and it's also handy for brainstorming initial ideas.

Many users have turned to Freeform to make mood boards. You might have already been using a different tool to create these beforehand, and Pinterest is one of the most popular places to do so.

If Pinterest is your current go-to platform for making mood boards, knowing how it compares to Freeform is a good idea before you consider switching. The same is true if you don't use either, but you're assessing your options. We'll compare the two apps today.

What Is Freeform?

Freeform is an app that allows users to sketch ideas on a blank sheet and customize their work however they want. Apple released the app in December 2022, and it's free to use for anyone with an Apple device that meets its software requirements.

To use Freeform, you must have an iPad, iPhone, or Mac. Your device must run on at least iOS/iPadOS 16.2 or macOS Ventura 13.1.

Download: Freeform for iOS (Free)

What Is Pinterest?

Whereas Freeform is in its early days, Pinterest is an established social media app. The platform lets users "pin" their ideas and share them with the world, along with providing links to external websites—such as blog posts. In fact, there are many benefits of using Pinterest as a blogger.

Pinterest launched in 2008 and—according to Statista—had 445 million monthly active users in the third quarter of 2022.

Download: Pinterest for iOS | Android | Windows (Free)

How Do Freeform and Pinterest Compare When Creating Mood Boards?

Let's now look at how the two apps compare to one another for creating mood boards. We've broken down the most important aspects into different subcategories.

1. Cross-Device Use

Photo of the Pinterest app on an iPad

One of the biggest differences between Pinterest and Freeform is where you can use the apps. Pinterest is available across all Apple devices, though you'll need to use the platform in a browser if you're on your Mac.

If you're not an Apple user, you can still use Pinterest. The app is available for download on the Google Play store, meaning you can access it on your Android device. And unlike macOS, you can download a standalone Pinterest app if you use a Windows computer.

On the other hand, Freeform is not available outside the Apple ecosystem. But if you use more than one Apple device, we've got some good news. If you sign in with the same Apple ID, your changes will sync—and you can continue where you previously left off.

2. Creative Freedom

Freeform and Pinterest also vary significantly when it comes to creative freedom. When you create a mood board in Freeform, you can use as much space on your canvas as possible. If things get too crowded, you can zoom out and move everything around.

Screenshot Showing a Canvas on Freeform

Another benefit of using Freeform is that you can add multiple elements to your mood board. For example, you can import videos and photos from your camera roll. You also have access to various shapes and symbols. Freeform lets you add text wherever you want, and you can also add sticky notes on your canvas.

When you create mood boards with Pinterest, you'll need to do a lot of your creative work externally. You can use several tools to make your posts look nicer, including image-editing tools like Lightroom and Photoshop. Canva is another place to consider doing creative work for your mood boards.

Screenshot showing different boards on Pinterest

Once you've signed into Pinterest, you can add links and change descriptions. You also have control over the titles you use. See more on how to make your Pinterest boards stand out.

3. Sharing

Once you've finished making your mood boards, you can share them with others. If you use Freeform, you can actually save your creations directly to Pinterest. To do this, hit the share icon in the top right-hand corner and select Save to Pinterest.

Screenshot showing different export options in Freeform

Freeform also lets you share your mood boards with people on platforms like Slack and Messages. On top of that, you can invite people to edit and view what you've put together—along with letting them invite others.

Note that if you invite people directly to your Freeform mood board, they must have Apple devices with the software requirements mentioned earlier in this article.

When you share your mood boards on Pinterest, you can make them available to all users. People can then look at what you've put together and save any pins and such that they like. If they're interested in your work, they can also follow you for more posts in the future.

You can also share links to your Pinterest profile on your personal website, YouTube channel, and more.

Who Should Use Freeform?

Freeform and Pinterest have different uses, and knowing when to use each will help you make the most of these apps. Since you can stick everything on an open-plan canvas, you might find it easier to map out your thoughts.

Use Freeform for mood boards that you don't plan on sharing with people who don't have an Apple device. While Freeform is good for using on your own, it's also a great tool if you want to collaborate with others that use Apple devices. You can use the app to bring your ideas together and decide how to move forward.

Who Should Use Pinterest?

If you don't have an Apple device, you can't use Freeform—and you might want to stick with Pinterest for putting your mood boards together. Pinterest is also a better option if you want to share your work with a broader pool of people, and you can even save your Freeform projects to the platform.

Use Pinterest if you want to create multiple mood boards and keep everything organized. Moreover, it's better if you want to share links to external websites with others.

Two Very Different Tools for Creating Mood Boards

Freeform and Pinterest have different uses, and you should consider pairing them together rather than picking one or the other. Pinterest is better for sharing your mood boards with a broader audience, whereas Freeform is ideal if you're working with a smaller group of people or on your own.

Think about what you want to achieve so you can make your decision accordingly.