About
MycoMatch, also known as MatchMaker, is a free downloadable mushroom identification program developed as a non-profit educational project for mycologists, foragers, students, and nature enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest region (BC, WA, OR, ID). First released in 1999 and regularly updated—with the latest version 2.4.2 completed in November 2025—it has become a comprehensive reference for Pacific Northwest fungi. At its core, MycoMatch uses a characteristic-entry interface where users input observable traits of a mushroom (such as cap shape, gill color, spore print, habitat, and more) to narrow down and identify matching species from a database of over 4,700 descriptions covering both gilled and non-gilled mushrooms. The program's visual library includes over 7,500 illustrations representing more than 2,750 species contributed by 270 photographers. The software is primarily built for Windows PCs, with a file size of approximately 1.1 GB. A mobile companion app is available for iPhone and iPad, and a pictorial key can be loaded on smartphones for field use. Mac support via Parallels is possible, though a native Mac version is no longer actively maintained. MycoMatch is ideal for amateur and professional mycologists, foragers, university students studying biology or ecology, and regional mushroom clubs. It serves as both a field identification aid and an educational reference, offering one of the most detailed free mycological databases for the Pacific Northwest.
Key Features
- 4,700+ Species Database: Comprehensive descriptions of over 4,700 gilled and non-gilled mushroom species found in the Pacific Northwest, including BC, WA, OR, and ID.
- Characteristic-Based Matching: Users enter observable mushroom traits—such as cap color, gill type, spore print, and habitat—to retrieve a list of matching species from the database.
- 7,500+ Photo Illustrations: A rich visual library of over 7,500 photographs representing 2,750+ species, contributed by 270 professional and amateur photographers.
- Mobile Companion App: A MycoMatch Mobile app for iPhone and iPad brings the pictorial key and identification tools into the field on a smartphone.
- Continuously Updated: Actively maintained since 1999, with regular version updates—the latest (v2.4.2) released in November 2025—ensuring the database stays current.
Use Cases
- Identifying wild mushrooms encountered while foraging in the Pacific Northwest forests of BC, WA, OR, or ID.
- Studying mycology as a student or enthusiast using detailed species descriptions and photo comparisons.
- Field reference tool for mushroom club members and mycological society workshops.
- Educational resource for university ecology and biology courses covering Pacific Northwest fungi.
- Research aid for citizen scientists documenting and cataloguing regional fungal biodiversity.
Pros
- Completely Free: MycoMatch is a non-profit educational project available as a free download with no fees, subscriptions, or paywalls.
- Extensive and Detailed Database: With 4,700+ species descriptions and 7,500+ photos, it is one of the most comprehensive free mycological references for the Pacific Northwest.
- Veteran Track Record: Continuously developed since 1999 and regularly updated, giving users confidence in a well-tested, mature identification tool.
- Field-Ready Mobile App: The iPhone/iPad companion app allows foragers and researchers to use the pictorial key in the field without a PC.
Cons
- Limited Cross-Platform Support: Primarily built for Windows PCs; the native Mac version no longer works reliably, and Mac users must rely on Parallels or similar workarounds.
- Large Download Size: The installer is approximately 0.98 GB and requires 1.1 GB of disk space, which can be slow to download on limited connections.
- Region-Specific Coverage: The database is focused exclusively on Pacific Northwest species (BC, WA, OR, ID) and is not suitable for identifying mushrooms in other regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MycoMatch really free to download and use?
Yes. MycoMatch is a non-profit educational project and is completely free to download and use. There are no subscriptions or hidden fees.
What platforms does MycoMatch support?
MycoMatch is primarily a Windows PC desktop application. A mobile app is available for iPhone and iPad. It can run on Mac computers using the Windows simulator Parallels, but a native Mac version is no longer actively supported.
How many mushroom species does MycoMatch cover?
MycoMatch contains descriptions for over 4,700 gilled and non-gilled mushroom species, accompanied by 7,500+ photos representing more than 2,750 species from 270 photographers.
Can I use the photos from MycoMatch for other purposes?
No. The photographers retain full copyright over all images in MycoMatch. The photos are provided for identification purposes within the program only and may not be repurposed or reproduced.
Does MycoMatch cover mushrooms outside the Pacific Northwest?
No. MycoMatch is specifically designed for mushrooms found in the Pacific Northwest region, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It is not intended as a guide for other geographic regions.
