# Chess Studio Lite — For Serious Chess Players!! > Comprehensive chess database management and analysis tool for serious players. (iPhone/iPad app by Giordano Vicoli.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio-lite/id694586937 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Giordano Vicoli](https://appshunter.io/developer/460922805) - Category: Games, Entertainment, Board, Strategy - Price: Free - Rating: 4.40/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 322 MB - Languages: American English, German (Germany), Italian, European Spanish - Released: 2013-09-03 - Data updated: 2026-08-26 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio-lite/id694586937/reviews.md ## What is Chess Studio Lite? Chess Studio is the first and only application for iPhone and iPad able to completely manage chess database and games in PGN format. Chess Studio is an application designed and built for those players who really want to deepen their knowledge in the field of chess, studying chess regularly and participate in tournaments. Chess Studio allows you to: • Read database and games in PGN format (also with extended notation of moves). • Create, delete and modify folders and databases. • View games with annotations and textual comments and keep track of the displayed games. • Use a double chessboard on the same screen for better game analysis. • Visualize moves and variants in compact mode or indented mode. • Modify existing games with move annotation and textual comments. • Insert new games and positions. • Insert moves with annotations and textual comments. • Insert variation, subvariations etc. • Insert and visualize graphical annotation (colored arrows and highlighted squares). • Share Databases and Games through Airdrop. • Download chess database from internet. • Download chess database from PGN Mentor site. • Import games, database and Opening Books from other applications. • Merge two or more databases. • Copy/Paste games and positions. • Analyze games with Stockfish 18 Engine with the support of the Neural Networks (up to 5 lines of analysis simultaneously) and see the results also through the Engine Evaluation Bar. • See graphic visualization of moves suggested by Stockfish 18 engine. • See Win-Draw-Loss (WDL) probabilities during engine analysis. • Replay games automatically. • Visualize Pawn structure. • Manage Variations and sub-variatons: delete and promote variations. • Read the weekly Magazine The Week In Chess and download the games. • Uploading and Downloading PGN database to/from Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive. • Three different modes for moving pieces. • Analyse endgames with Endgame Tablebases. • Analyse and study Chess Openings. • Creation and management of Opening Books in Polyglot format. • Import and management of ChessBase Opening Books (ctg, cto, ctb format). • Automatically classify a database according to ECO code. • Replay, enter and analyze Chess 960 games (Fischer Random Chess). • Play against the engine both in standard mode and in Chess 960 mode. • Solving Puzzles. • Diagram Recognition: this feature allows the user to take and/or upload photos of chess diagrams and convert them into PGN format positions. Other features and technical details: • Modify the board size tapping on the board or through the Settings menu. • Professional chess fonts and figurines for moves notation and annotation. • Preview of the game in the board tapping the Info button. • Advanced search feature. • Visualization of ECO code and Opening during game replay or game insertion. • Visualization of Book Openings during game replay or game insertion. • Complete management of Null Moves with Tutorial. • Portrait/Landscape mode for all devices. • Support of Slide Over and Split View mode. • Function to move up within variants and subvariants. • Online manual frequently updated. • iOS 26 compatible and optimized for all the devices. • Sharing of databases across devices via iCloud Drive. • Sound option. • Support for iPad Pro Keyboard or bluetooth keyboard. • VoiceOver/Accessibility support. • Direct contact via email with the developer. • Languages: English, Italian, Spanish and German. Complete description at the following address: https://chessstudio.wordpress.com/chess-studio/ The application is continuously updated with new features and improvements. Chess Studio Lite is a smaller version of Chess Studio where some features are limited. To view the terms of service visit https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ No registration! No advertising! No sharing of personal data! If you own an iMac or a MacBook try the new Chess Lab! ## Key features - PGN database management - Game analysis with Stockfish 18 - Opening book creation and import - Diagram recognition - Cloud storage integration - Play against engine (standard & Chess 960) ## Recent user reviews (10 of 11) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio-lite/id694586937/reviews.md ### 5/5 — The Best! *2023-09-09* This is the best chess database and analysis program for iOS and iPadOS bar none. I also purchased the paid pro version (Chess Studio without the Lite in its name) by the same author that is even better and worth every penny. Once you learn to use it, you will not look back. ### 1/5 — Bad application *2023-05-09* After update my iPhone 13 , this application doesn’t work. People don’t spend money. ### 1/5 — No veo el tablero *2023-05-09, version 4.0.0* La zona del tablero se ve en verde. Una pena, funcionaba bastante bien. ### 4/5 — Great app *2021-09-12* Great app for a comprehensive chess study. I would like to know please: 1. What is the difference in Lite and Full version 2. I have some PGNs on a shared network folder at home. There should be an option to import games from the local network rather than just third parties! 3. An option to resize the board and have the text larger in terms of space would be great. **Developer response:** Hi, in the Lite version you can't run the engine for analysis and you can't insert new games. For the second question write me at chess.studio.app@gmail.com. For the third question the option you requires are already active: you can resize board and enlarge text. Regards, Giordano ### 3/5 — Trying Lite before buying .. how to import png from iMessages *2021-08-14* Please explain how to import pgn from messages of iPhone **Developer response:** Hi Giridhar, thank you for the review but this is not the right place to ask for questions. Please, write me at chess.studio.app@gmail.com and I'll answer to your questions. Regards, Giordano ### 5/5 — Beat program for a chess scholar! *2020-07-10* This is a wonderful program and it includes awesome support. If you love chess, you will love this app!! I have studied chess for almost six decades now and have never found a more powerful way to aid my study of chess than this app! Please get this app immediately and buckle your seat belt for an amazingly great ride. ### 5/5 — Muy buena App de Ajedrez *2019-10-06, version 3.1.4* Accesible para personas con deficiencia visual. Falta mejorar en cuanto a diferentes idiomas. Con los sucesivos cambios del software a iOS 13.1.2, la aplicación no se ha actualizado correctamente. Cuestión a resolver porque la app no funciona bien. La versión de pago también sufre los mismos problemas en funcionalidad. Gracias por el esfuerzo para solucionar este tema ### 5/5 — Comprehensive chess database app *2019-05-10* This looks like the real deal for managing chess databases on iOS. I still have to explore the features, but I already have a few suggestions: 1. Add an option to highlight (arrow or squares) the next move in the game. This allows comparing the game move with the engine move without taking your eyes off the board. 2. Display on the board 3-4 engine moves during analysis, it’s useful to have a few options of good moves. See ChessTiger as an example. 3. This may seem small, but the yellow background for the notation is quite distracting. Change it to gray or make it customizable. 4. Again, this may seem small, but the pawns are too big for all piece sets. Consider adding the Alpha piece set for an alternative. Thank you and congratulation, the app has a lot of potential. ### 3/5 — Great functionality *2016-08-23* This is quite a comprehensive chess database, with many nice features. The chess board is aesthetically pleasing, but the rest of the user interface needs to conform more to standard application guidelines. The fonts are mixed and inconsistent, as are the icons. If Chess Studio was updated to look like a standard iOS app, it would be a five star app. ### 5/5 — Superb! *2014-11-22* The best chess database app available. The unique and most valuable feature is the ability to edit and annotate games in the database. The search function is very versatile and easy to use. Quick and seamless access to TWIC is a great feature. It also has one of the most powerful chess engines available (Stockfish) to help you analyse the games. When I sent the developer a question I received a prompt and helpful reply. If you need a chess database, get this one! ## Frequently asked questions about Chess Studio Lite ### What is Chess Studio Lite? Chess Studio Lite is an application designed for iPhone and iPad that allows users to completely manage chess databases and games in PGN format. It offers advanced analysis tools and study features for serious chess players. ### Does Chess Studio Lite have ads? No, Chess Studio Lite is ad-free, providing an uninterrupted experience for users focused on chess analysis and study. ### What are the analysis capabilities of Chess Studio Lite? Chess Studio Lite allows analysis with Stockfish 18 Engine, supporting up to 5 lines of analysis simultaneously, and visualizing moves and Win-Draw-Loss probabilities. It also includes endgame tablebase analysis. ### Can I play against the engine in Chess Studio Lite? Yes, you can play against the engine in both standard mode and Chess 960 (Fischer Random Chess) mode within Chess Studio Lite. ### How does Chess Studio Lite handle chess databases? Chess Studio Lite can read, create, delete, and modify databases in PGN format. It also supports importing and merging databases from various sources, including cloud storage. ### What devices is Chess Studio Lite compatible with? Chess Studio Lite is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, offering a consistent experience across Apple's mobile ecosystem. ### How often is Chess Studio Lite updated? The latest version of Chess Studio Lite is 4.7.9, last updated on March 24, 2026. This indicates a history of regular updates to enhance features and stability. ### What is the age rating for Chess Studio Lite? Chess Studio Lite has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in learning and playing chess. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.8.5 — 2026-08-13 - IN THIS RELEASE (4.8.5) • A new search option has been added when searching for games in a PGN database, allowing you to specify the minimum and maximum number of moves. • A position-based search option has been added to the Data Search in the Online Unique Database. • Fixed several issues related to the handling of Chess960 games. • Minor bug fixes, general improvements and optimizations. - MAIN FEATURES INTRODUCED IN THE LATEST RELEASES • The new version of the Stockfish 18 engine with Neural Network (NNUE) support has been integrated. According to the authors, Stockfish 18 shows a consistent improvement in performance, with an Elo gain of up to 46 points and winning close to 2 times more game pairs than it loses. • The Unique online Database with over 11 million games is available. In addition to standard browsing, it is possible to perform targeted searches by data or position. The Unique Database will be updated regularly. • Added the ability to perform searches in a Database based on PGN Tags (Event, Date, White, Black, ECO, Elo, etc.). This section can be accessed from the main menu. • Diagram Recognition: this feature allows the user to take and/or upload photos of chess diagrams and convert them into PGN format positions. It is also possible to upload images containing multiple chess diagrams. • From the Help section, you can download the updated full description of the application. The same description can be viewed at the following address: https://chessstudio.wordpress.com/chess-studio-2/. • Chess Studio is enhanced with a new feature: the ability to browse an Online Database of games organized by Year and Tournament since 1560. This extensive Online Database will be updated daily with new tournaments and games. In the Lite version, access is possible but with limitations. • A new training feature has been added: the user can load a game from a database and decide whether to move for White or Black without seeing the moves to evaluate his skills. At the end a report will be produced that traces the entire training session. It is possible to use this functionality either by choosing the game to train with or by letting the application decide the game in random mode. To use this functionality, some settings are possible via an appropriate interface. You can access to this functionality from the menu at the top center of the chessboard screen. • Chess Studio can now read databases in ChessBase format. It can import cbh, cbp, cbt, cbg, cba, cbs and cbc formats, thus it is able to interpret not only the moves of a game but also the variations and comments. • New feature: Search for games by position. This new feature is found in the main menu under the "PGN Tools" section. It allows you to search for games in a database starting from a given position. The position can be set both with normal pieces but also with different symbols that have different meanings. In this way it will be possible to search, for example, all the games that have a typical pawn structure regardless of the position of the other pieces. • Possibility to choose between different layouts of the board on the screen according to the user's needs. For those using Chess Studio on the iPad, this feature allows you to scroll through the moves of a game with a tap on the right or left of the chessboard. • Possibility of playing online using the Lichess platform. For blind or visually impaired players this feature is fully supported by Voice Over. • Automatic insertion of engine analysis into games. To enter the analysis, simply touch the engine analysis line. To use this feature you need to activate it in the application settings. • From the opening section of a database it is possible to save the games relating to a single ECO code or to a single opening variant in a new database. ### 4.8.4 — 2026-07-05 - IN THIS RELEASE (4.8.4) • Fixed an issue that caused abnormal application behavior in the game data section. • Fixed an issue that occurred when managing the application settings. • Minor bug fixes, general improvements and optimizations. - MAIN FEATURES INTRODUCED IN THE LATEST RELEASES • The new version of the Stockfish 18 engine with Neural Network (NNUE) support has been integrated. According to the authors, Stockfish 18 shows a consistent improvement in performance, with an Elo gain of up to 46 points and winning close to 2 times more game pairs than it loses. • The Unique online Database with over 11 million games is available. In addition to standard browsing, it is possible to perform targeted searches by data or position. The Unique Database will be updated regularly. • Added the ability to perform searches in a Database based on PGN Tags (Event, Date, White, Black, ECO, Elo, etc.). This section can be accessed from the main menu. • Diagram Recognition: this feature allows the user to take and/or upload photos of chess diagrams and convert them into PGN format positions. It is also possible to upload images containing multiple chess diagrams. • From the Help section, you can download the updated full description of the application. The same description can be viewed at the following address: https://chessstudio.wordpress.com/chess-studio-2/. • Chess Studio is enhanced with a new feature: the ability to browse an Online Database of games organized by Year and Tournament since 1560. This extensive Online Database will be updated daily with new tournaments and games. In the Lite version, access is possible but with limitations. • A new training feature has been added: the user can load a game from a database and decide whether to move for White or Black without seeing the moves to evaluate his skills. At the end a report will be produced that traces the entire training session. It is possible to use this functionality either by choosing the game to train with or by letting the application decide the game in random mode. To use this functionality, some settings are possible via an appropriate interface. You can access to this functionality from the menu at the top center of the chessboard screen. • Chess Studio can now read databases in ChessBase format. It can import cbh, cbp, cbt, cbg, cba, cbs and cbc formats, thus it is able to interpret not only the moves of a game but also the variations and comments. • New feature: Search for games by position. This new feature is found in the main menu under the "PGN Tools" section. It allows you to search for games in a database starting from a given position. The position can be set both with normal pieces but also with different symbols that have different meanings. In this way it will be possible to search, for example, all the games that have a typical pawn structure regardless of the position of the other pieces. • Possibility to choose between different layouts of the board on the screen according to the user's needs. For those using Chess Studio on the iPad, this feature allows you to scroll through the moves of a game with a tap on the right or left of the chessboard. • Possibility of playing online using the Lichess platform. For blind or visually impaired players this feature is fully supported by Voice Over. • Automatic insertion of engine analysis into games. To enter the analysis, simply touch the engine analysis line. To use this feature you need to activate it in the application settings. • From the opening section of a database it is possible to save the games relating to a single ECO code or to a single opening variant in a new database. ### 4.8.3 — 2026-06-29 - IN THIS RELEASE (4.8.3) • Corrections and improvements in the Opening Books section: improved display of Opening Book moves. • New Celtic piece set. • Improvements in the display of diagrams within a game: compatibility with games produced by Hiarcs. • Minor bug fixes, general improvements and optimizations. - MAIN FEATURES INTRODUCED IN THE LATEST RELEASES • The new version of the Stockfish 18 engine with Neural Network (NNUE) support has been integrated. According to the authors, Stockfish 18 shows a consistent improvement in performance, with an Elo gain of up to 46 points and winning close to 2 times more game pairs than it loses. • The Unique online Database with over 11 million games is available. In addition to standard browsing, it is possible to perform targeted searches by data or position. The Unique Database will be updated regularly. • Added the ability to perform searches in a Database based on PGN Tags (Event, Date, White, Black, ECO, Elo, etc.). This section can be accessed from the main menu. • Diagram Recognition: this feature allows the user to take and/or upload photos of chess diagrams and convert them into PGN format positions. It is also possible to upload images containing multiple chess diagrams. • From the Help section, you can download the updated full description of the application. The same description can be viewed at the following address: https://chessstudio.wordpress.com/chess-studio-2/. • Chess Studio is enhanced with a new feature: the ability to browse an Online Database of games organized by Year and Tournament since 1560. This extensive Online Database will be updated daily with new tournaments and games. In the Lite version, access is possible but with limitations. • A new training feature has been added: the user can load a game from a database and decide whether to move for White or Black without seeing the moves to evaluate his skills. At the end a report will be produced that traces the entire training session. It is possible to use this functionality either by choosing the game to train with or by letting the application decide the game in random mode. To use this functionality, some settings are possible via an appropriate interface. You can access to this functionality from the menu at the top center of the chessboard screen. • Chess Studio can now read databases in ChessBase format. It can import cbh, cbp, cbt, cbg, cba, cbs and cbc formats, thus it is able to interpret not only the moves of a game but also the variations and comments. • New feature: Search for games by position. This new feature is found in the main menu under the "PGN Tools" section. It allows you to search for games in a database starting from a given position. The position can be set both with normal pieces but also with different symbols that have different meanings. In this way it will be possible to search, for example, all the games that have a typical pawn structure regardless of the position of the other pieces. • Possibility to choose between different layouts of the board on the screen according to the user's needs. For those using Chess Studio on the iPad, this feature allows you to scroll through the moves of a game with a tap on the right or left of the chessboard. • Possibility of playing online using the Lichess platform. For blind or visually impaired players this feature is fully supported by Voice Over. • Automatic insertion of engine analysis into games. To enter the analysis, simply touch the engine analysis line. To use this feature you need to activate it in the application settings. • From the opening section of a database it is possible to save the games relating to a single ECO code or to a single opening variant in a new database. ### 4.8.2 — 2026-05-17 - IN THIS RELEASE (4.8.2) • Improvements to automatic game replay. • Improvements to the Database/Folders screen. Added a button with a menu for the selected database or folder. • Improvements and new themes for displaying the chessboard and pieces. • In the Online Publications section, it is now possible to read the FIDE newsletters. • Fixed an issue that occurred during training with games. • Minor bug fixes, general improvements and optimizations. - MAIN FEATURES INTRODUCED IN THE LATEST RELEASES • The new version of the Stockfish 18 engine with Neural Network (NNUE) support has been integrated. According to the authors, Stockfish 18 shows a consistent improvement in performance, with an Elo gain of up to 46 points and winning close to 2 times more game pairs than it loses. • The Unique online Database with over 11 million games is available. In addition to standard browsing, it is possible to perform targeted searches by data or position. The Unique Database will be updated regularly. • Added the ability to perform searches in a Database based on PGN Tags (Event, Date, White, Black, ECO, Elo, etc.). This section can be accessed from the main menu. • Diagram Recognition: this feature allows the user to take and/or upload photos of chess diagrams and convert them into PGN format positions. It is also possible to upload images containing multiple chess diagrams. • From the Help section, you can download the updated full description of the application. The same description can be viewed at the following address: https://chessstudio.wordpress.com/chess-studio-2/. • Chess Studio is enhanced with a new feature: the ability to browse an Online Database of games organized by Year and Tournament since 1560. This extensive Online Database will be updated daily with new tournaments and games. In the Lite version, access is possible but with limitations. • A new training feature has been added: the user can load a game from a database and decide whether to move for White or Black without seeing the moves to evaluate his skills. At the end a report will be produced that traces the entire training session. It is possible to use this functionality either by choosing the game to train with or by letting the application decide the game in random mode. To use this functionality, some settings are possible via an appropriate interface. You can access to this functionality from the menu at the top center of the chessboard screen. • Chess Studio can now read databases in ChessBase format. It can import cbh, cbp, cbt, cbg, cba, cbs and cbc formats, thus it is able to interpret not only the moves of a game but also the variations and comments. • New feature: Search for games by position. This new feature is found in the main menu under the "PGN Tools" section. It allows you to search for games in a database starting from a given position. The position can be set both with normal pieces but also with different symbols that have different meanings. In this way it will be possible to search, for example, all the games that have a typical pawn structure regardless of the position of the other pieces. • Possibility to choose between different layouts of the board on the screen according to the user's needs. For those using Chess Studio on the iPad, this feature allows you to scroll through the moves of a game with a tap on the right or left of the chessboard. • Possibility of playing online using the Lichess platform. For blind or visually impaired players this feature is fully supported by Voice Over. • Automatic insertion of engine analysis into games. To enter the analysis, simply touch the engine analysis line. To use this feature you need to activate it in the application settings. • From the opening section of a database it is possible to save the games relating to a single ECO code or to a single opening variant in a new database. ### 4.8.1 — 2026-05-06 - IN THIS RELEASE (4.8.1) • The section dedicated to Lichess Studies has been improved. It is now possible to perform targeted searches. • Improvements in the Puzzle solving and Training sections: in the Puzzle section, a new level of assistance has been introduced. In the Training section, assistance consists of highlighting the piece to move. • Resolved an issue that, in some cases, prevented a game from loading correctly. • VoiceOver has been improved in the Lichess Opening Books section. • Minor bug fixes, general improvements and optimizations. - MAIN FEATURES INTRODUCED IN THE LATEST RELEASES • The new version of the Stockfish 18 engine with Neural Network (NNUE) support has been integrated. According to the authors, Stockfish 18 shows a consistent improvement in performance, with an Elo gain of up to 46 points and winning close to 2 times more game pairs than it loses. • The Unique online Database with over 11 million games is available. In addition to standard browsing, it is possible to perform targeted searches by data or position. The Unique Database will be updated regularly. • Added the ability to perform searches in a Database based on PGN Tags (Event, Date, White, Black, ECO, Elo, etc.). This section can be accessed from the main menu. • Diagram Recognition: this feature allows the user to take and/or upload photos of chess diagrams and convert them into PGN format positions. It is also possible to upload images containing multiple chess diagrams. • From the Help section, you can download the updated full description of the application. The same description can be viewed at the following address: https://chessstudio.wordpress.com/chess-studio-2/. • Chess Studio is enhanced with a new feature: the ability to browse an Online Database of games organized by Year and Tournament since 1560. This extensive Online Database will be updated daily with new tournaments and games. In the Lite version, access is possible but with limitations. • A new training feature has been added: the user can load a game from a database and decide whether to move for White or Black without seeing the moves to evaluate his skills. At the end a report will be produced that traces the entire training session. It is possible to use this functionality either by choosing the game to train with or by letting the application decide the game in random mode. To use this functionality, some settings are possible via an appropriate interface. You can access to this functionality from the menu at the top center of the chessboard screen. • Chess Studio can now read databases in ChessBase format. It can import cbh, cbp, cbt, cbg, cba, cbs and cbc formats, thus it is able to interpret not only the moves of a game but also the variations and comments. • New feature: Search for games by position. This new feature is found in the main menu under the "PGN Tools" section. It allows you to search for games in a database starting from a given position. The position can be set both with normal pieces but also with different symbols that have different meanings. In this way it will be possible to search, for example, all the games that have a typical pawn structure regardless of the position of the other pieces. • Possibility to choose between different layouts of the board on the screen according to the user's needs. For those using Chess Studio on the iPad, this feature allows you to scroll through the moves of a game with a tap on the right or left of the chessboard. • Possibility of playing online using the Lichess platform. For blind or visually impaired players this feature is fully supported by Voice Over. • Automatic insertion of engine analysis into games. To enter the analysis, simply touch the engine analysis line. To use this feature you need to activate it in the application settings. • From the opening section of a database it is possible to save the games relating to a single ECO code or to a single opening variant in a new database. ## Apps similar to Chess Studio Lite | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [SocialChess • Online Chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/socialchess-online-chess/id442239737) | 4.7 (7,168) | Free | Games | | [Chess ∙](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess/id311395856) | 4.5 (204,953) | Free | Games | | [Chess Online +](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-online-plus/id903978215) | 4.7 (26,407) | Free | Games | | [™ Chess](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess/id1115318362) | 4.5 (10,299) | Free | Games | | [Chess - Learn, Play & Trainer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-learn-play-and-trainer/id378161776) | 4.6 (1,523) | Free | Games | | [Chess.com - Play and Learn](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chesscom-play-and-learn/id329218549) | 4.8 (807,166) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Giordano Vicoli - [Chess-Studio](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio/id684224545) All apps by Giordano Vicoli: https://appshunter.io/developer/460922805 ## Related topics [giordano vicoli](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/giordano-vicoli) · [pgn](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pgn) · [chess pgn](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/chess-pgn) --- *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 2026-08-26.*