Card Sorter
Card Sorter: A focused free tool for running simple open card-sorting exercises in a browser. Ranked #19 of 39 in Card Sorting Software by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Free; best for individuals needing a simple visual sorting exercise.
At a glance
- Editor score6.3 / 10
- PricingFree
- Best forIndividuals needing a simple visual sorting exercise
- Paid fromFree
- Remote participant modeYes
- Facts checked13 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Free web tool with cloud and self-hosted deployment options.
- 46 predefined cards with editable, collapsible categories.
- Timer and downloadable PNG screenshots support the exercise.
Where it doesn't
- Supports open sorting only; closed and hybrid modes are unavailable.
- No participant-management or statistical-analysis workflow is provided.
- Support is limited to documentation.
Our verdict on Card Sorter
Card Sorter is a free, browser-based React application for usability experiments and task-based web research. It presents a predefined set of 46 cards that participants can arrange into categories. The tool fits individuals and small teams who need a straightforward visual sorting exercise rather than a full research administration suite. It runs on the web and can also be self-hosted from the project repository.
Its main strength is a focused open-sorting workflow. Participants drag cards into category containers, add categories with a plus control, rename headings inline, and collapse or expand category contents. A start-and-pause elapsed timer helps track an exercise, while a page-capture control saves the current view as a downloadable PNG screenshot. These controls keep the activity centered on arranging and documenting a sort without adding unrelated study-management features.
Card Sorter is best suited to simple, individual sessions where the predefined card set and open sorting model match the research task. It does not provide closed or hybrid sorting, participant-management services, hosted study administration, or a statistical-analysis workflow. Teams needing those capabilities should choose a broader card-sorting platform. Documentation is the listed support channel, so organizations seeking managed support or a larger collaboration layer may also prefer another option.
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Card Sorter pricing
Card Sorter fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Open card sorts | Yes |
| Closed card sorts | No |
| Hybrid card sorts | No |
| Remote participant mode | Yes |
| Participant limit | Not verified |
| Card limit | Not verified |
| Analysis features | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 13 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to Card Sorter
- 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 Sorter alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
Card Sorter 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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