# Artist Tools — Reference tools for artists

> Objective reference analysis and drawing tools for artists to improve accuracy. (iPhone/iPad app by Hessam Emami.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artist-tools/id6756378078 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Hessam Emami](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860351783)
- Category: Graphics & Design, Photo & Video
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 34 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-12-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-18
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artist-tools/id6756378078/reviews.md

## What is Artist Tools?

Artist Tools is the missing piece that will take your drawing to the next level. Import any reference image and instantly see its true value structure, check your proportions, and train your eye using the same techniques taught in traditional art schools.

Run a value study on any reference and instantly see where your darks, midtones, and lights actually are — not where you think they are. Your tonal accuracy improves the moment you start using it.

Your eyes lie to you. Artist Tools gives you objective tools to catch what your perception misses — the same methods classically trained artists rely on every day.


VALUE TOOLS

• Value Study
Analyze the tonal values in your reference. See exactly which areas are light, mid-tone, and dark. Tap individual values to highlight where they appear in the image.

• Simplify
Reduce your reference to fewer colors. Strip away detail to see the essential value structure — just like squinting at your subject.

• Black Mirror
Compress the value range to see subtle value relationships more clearly. A digital version of the traditional artist's black mirror.

• Invert
Flip values to check your work from a fresh perspective.

• Flip
Mirror your reference horizontally to spot mistakes and asymmetry.


DRAWING TOOLS

• Line Tool
Draw straight lines at any angle. Perfect for measuring proportions and finding alignments in your reference.

• Plumb Line
Vertical and horizontal guides that help you check alignment. Essential for accurate figure drawing and portraiture.

• Box Tool
Create rectangles to frame compositions, measure proportions, or isolate areas of your reference.

• Envelope Tool
Draw multi-point shapes around complex forms. Trace the outer contour of any subject to understand its basic shape.

• Grid Tool
Overlay rule-of-thirds, golden ratio, or custom grids for composition and proportion checking.


BUILT FOR ARTISTS

• Works completely offline — no internet required
• Built-in tutorial to learn each tool
• Organize guides in layers — toggle visibility, delete, rearrange
• Auto-saves your work as you go
• Export finished studies to your gallery
• Dark interface that won't strain your eyes in the studio
• Clean, minimal design that stays out of your way


WHO IS THIS FOR?

• Figure drawing students learning proportion and anatomy
• Portrait artists checking alignments and value structures
• Plein air painters simplifying complex scenes
• Students practicing classical drawing techniques
• Anyone serious about improving their observational drawing skills


These are the same tools hanging on the wall of every traditional art school — the plumb line, the measuring stick, the black mirror, and the squinted eye. Now they fit in your pocket.

Study any reference with precision. See values clearly. Draw with confidence.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Value study analysis
- Color simplification
- Black mirror tool
- Invert and flip reference
- Line and plumb line guides
- Grid overlay (rule of thirds, golden ratio)
- Offline functionality

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly Subscription - Promo | $24.99 | per year |
| Monthly Premium - Promo | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Subscription | $1.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Full App | $8.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artist-tools/id6756378078/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Never thought I’d need this!

*2026-02-10*

It made referencing the image so much easier to me.
.

**Developer response:** Thank you Pedro! Making referencing easier is exactly what we hoped for. Happy drawing.

## Frequently asked questions about Artist Tools

### What is Artist Tools?

Artist Tools offers objective reference analysis and drawing aids for artists. It helps users improve tonal accuracy, check proportions, and understand value structures using traditional art school techniques.

### Does Artist Tools have ads?

No, Artist Tools does not contain advertisements. It provides an ad-free experience for users.

### What are the subscription options for Artist Tools?

Artist Tools offers a Premium Subscription at $1.99/month, a Monthly Premium - Promo at $3.99/month, and a Yearly Subscription - Promo at $24.99/year.

### Can I use Artist Tools offline?

Yes, Artist Tools works completely offline, meaning no internet connection is required to use its features.

### What drawing guides are available in Artist Tools?

Artist Tools includes a Line Tool, Plumb Line, Box Tool, Envelope Tool, and Grid Tool (for rule-of-thirds, golden ratio, or custom grids) to assist with drawing and composition.

### How does Artist Tools help with value studies?

Artist Tools allows you to run a value study on any reference image, instantly showing light, mid-tone, and dark areas. You can tap individual values to highlight their location in the image, improving tonal accuracy.

### What devices is Artist Tools compatible with?

Artist Tools is available for iPhone and iPad devices.

### How often is Artist Tools updated?

The latest version of Artist Tools is 1.2.12, and it was last updated on May 1, 2026. Updates typically occur to improve features and reliability.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.20 — 2026-08-11

Fresh update! We've polished things up to keep your creative flow uninterrupted.
Enjoy!

### 1.2.17 — 2026-07-12

Fresh update! We've polished things up to keep your creative flow uninterrupted. Enjoy!

### 1.2.16 — 2026-07-06

We're always working to improve your experience. This update brings refinements and fixes to help you create with ease. Happy drawing!

### 1.2.15 — 2026-06-22

Keep creating! This update includes improvements to help you focus on what matters most, your art.

### 1.2.14 — 2026-06-16

Fresh update! We've polished things up to keep your creative flow uninterrupted.
Enjoy!

## Apps similar to Artist Tools

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Doodle Grid for Artists](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/doodle-grid-for-artists/id6448245026) | 4.8 (58) | Free | Graphics & Design |
| [ChromaMagic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chromamagic/id6479220262) | 4.8 (51) | $19.99 | Graphics & Design |
| [Color Study: Simplify Painting](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/color-study-simplify-painting/id6755313672) | 4.9 (326) | Free | Graphics & Design |
| [Value Study: art reference](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/value-study-art-reference/id1546616127) | 4.8 (3,228) | Free | Graphics & Design |
| [Values at Play](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/values-at-play/id6449201350) | 5.0 (5) | Free | Graphics & Design |
| [Art Reference: Easel Assistant](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/art-reference-easel-assistant/id6752580673) | 4.7 (3) | Free | Graphics & Design |

## Related topics

[artist tools](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/artist-tools)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-18.*