Card Sort
Card Sort: A focused web card-sort tool for developers who want open-source studies. Ranked #13 of 39 in Card Sorting Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers wanting an open-source card-sort tool.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers wanting an open-source card-sort tool
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Remote participant modeYes
- Facts checked13 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Supports open, closed and hybrid sorting studies.
- Randomized cards and participant category-editing controls.
- Auto-merge and similarity highlighting aid category refinement.
Where it doesn't
- Analysis tooling is still in development.
- No integrations are provided.
- Web-only deployment limits platform choices.
Our verdict on Card Sort
Card Sort is a browser-based tool for running virtual card-sorting studies. It suits developers and small research teams that want an open-source, cloud-deployed option for online studies. Researchers enter card text one per line or separated by commas, optionally define category names, decide whether participants can edit those categories, and generate a shareable study link. Participants then drag cards into categories through the web interface and can share or export completed results.
The study workflow covers open, closed and hybrid sorting. Card order can be randomized for each participant, helping vary presentation across a study, while image URLs can add visual content to cards. Category refinement is the standout analysis capability: auto-merge and similarity highlighting support review of how cards cluster. These controls give a focused workflow from card preparation through participant collection and category review, without requiring registration or subscriptions.
Card Sort is free and open source, making it a practical fit for solo developers and small teams that prefer a self-directed web tool. The trade-off is a narrow ecosystem: it runs on the web, and no integrations are provided. Analysis work is still in development, so teams needing a mature analysis environment or connected research stack should consider an alternative. Choose Card Sort for straightforward remote studies with flexible sorting modes and open-source access; look elsewhere when integrations or fully developed analysis are central requirements.
Your product? Our editors can test Card Sort in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →
Card Sort pricing
Card Sort fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Open card sorts | Yes |
| Closed card sorts | Yes |
| Hybrid card sorts | Yes |
| Remote participant mode | Yes |
| Participant limit | Not verified |
| Card limit | Not verified |
| Analysis features | Advanced |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | indigane.github.io |
| Facts checked | 13 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to Card Sort
- OptimalSortA purpose-built card-sorting workspace with advanced analysis and a paid, web-only model.8.9
- DecodeAdvanced card sorting with recruitment, analysis and wider user-research tools.8.8
- Free Card SortA focused card-sorting workspace with generous free response collection and deeper paid analysis.7.9
See all Card Sort alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
Card Sort is listed in our Card Sorting Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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