# DrawRef — Drawing references in PiP mode > Picture-in-picture drawing reference viewer for artists. (iPhone/iPad app by Vasilii Sverchkov.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drawref/id1446586198 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Vasilii Sverchkov](https://appshunter.io/developer/638740211) - Category: Utilities, Productivity - Price: Free - Rating: 4.70/5 from 70 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 1 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2018-12-29 - Data updated: 2026-11-02 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drawref/id1446586198/reviews.md ## What is DrawRef? DrawRef suits your needs perfectly if you use references while drawing. The app is designed to save your time and effort by focusing on what really matters in your art process. With DrawRef you can finally stop using a split screen mode and enjoy a picture-in-picture view of your drawing references. DrawRef allows you to save screen real estate for reference images while drawing. You can access the gallery instantly from the app, choose an image for the reference and put it into picture-in-picture mode. Then open your favorite drawing app and enjoy the process. Move the image to any corner, scale it and temporarily hide it by swiping it to the side of the screen. You can also select a part of the image to use it as a reference in the pic-in-pic mode. This utility app will help you in your daily art routine. DrawRef is rather minimalistic, so you don’t need tutorials to start using it and benefit from saving screen real estate. In case you have any questions or app related offers, please, write us on drawrefapp@gmail.com. Features: - instant gallery access; - picture-in-picture image view; - using a part of the image as a reference in pic-in-pic mode; - moving an image by dragging it to other corners of your screen; - pinching/unpinching the image to scale it. ## Key features - Picture-in-picture reference display - Instant gallery access - Selectable reference image parts - Adjustable reference image position - Scalable reference image ## Is DrawRef safe? DrawRef appears safe based on user ratings. The AppsHunter Safety Score for DrawRef is 89 out of 100. This assessment is based on 70 user ratings, with an App Store average of 4.7 out of 5. Of 70 App Store ratings, 94.3% point to a safe experience, 2.9% suggest some concerns, and 2.9% point to a risky experience. ## Is DrawRef legit? DrawRef appears to be a legitimate app. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for DrawRef is 83 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data. ## Recent user reviews (10 of 12) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drawref/id1446586198/reviews.md ### 4/5 — New glitch? -Rainypawz *2026-06-22* I absolutely love this as it is useful for when I do comm and stuff and I can’t any good apps to show refs I can draw while on a app but I found this it was decent and it was easy to use, and no ads and it is free! But lately when I’ve been using the app the photos start becoming fully black I even got rid of app and downloaded it again but still so I can’t see the references, I have lots of commssions to do but I usually like having the reference but I can’t find any other app that does it like this one so know I’m kinda worried what to do.. ### 3/5 — I love this app…but *2026-05-09* I love this app, but I hate that I can’t freely move the reference pop up. The reference is always covering at least some part of my art program and it is very annoying to use while drawing. That being said it’s much better than the one built into procreate, just wish I could use multiple references at once, but hey you can just make a collage of references and use that. ### 4/5 — I got this needing references and it delivered *2026-01-09* Very nice I have been envy of other apps that can put references inside the app but this does the same thing for completely free I love it the only reason it isn’t a 5star service is because the video isn’t as moveable as id like but is still amazing! ### 5/5 — Exactly what I needed *2022-10-14* You guys need to team up with VizRef! Your app is doing exactly what I hope viz ref could do, having it resizable floating window for drawing references it’s so perfect ### 5/5 — Amazing *2020-05-15* This is te best art reference app ### 4/5 — Pure ref in alpha stage *2020-03-24, version 1.4.0* This is actually pretty good. Keep working on it, vizref is probably much better right now as it lets you handle many pictures but there is plenty of room for a free version of pure ref on iPad and you could achieve this with not too much work from what I see, I guess (a Patreon could be an idea if you want to keep the app free as it gets better). Carry on! ### 5/5 — Why not. *2020-03-06, version 1.4.0* It’s like « pure ref » for artists but with only 1 picture and you can’t let her where you want it’s only in the corners. So why not, but we need more améliorations and customizations for a perfect use. ### 5/5 — Super Helpful! *2020-03-02* Does what it says. Gives you a pop out of the image you choose from your saved photos to utilize as a floating reference. The only complaint I have is that I can only position the image in one of the four corners of my screen, but this is really not a big issue. Awesome app. I'll be using it for as long as it's available! ### 5/5 — Awesome to use with Procreate! *2019-12-29* Love using this with Procreate. I can keep my reference photo outside my canvas area without split screen. You can also scale it up or down. Handle tool. ### 5/5 — so good and useful *2019-10-13* an amazing ref app, i don’t have to open my photos app every time to look at a photo :D although i wish the developer updated it more often :(( some really cool stuff could’ve been added like multiple ref photos at once but this is a really great app overall!! ## Frequently asked questions about DrawRef ### What is DrawRef? DrawRef is a utility app designed to display drawing references in a picture-in-picture mode. It helps artists save screen real estate by overlaying reference images while they use their favorite drawing applications. ### How does DrawRef help artists? DrawRef allows artists to view reference images in a floating window that can be moved, resized, and temporarily hidden. This eliminates the need for split-screen modes, providing a more focused and efficient drawing experience. ### Can I use only a part of an image as a reference in DrawRef? Yes, DrawRef allows you to select a specific portion of an image to use as your picture-in-picture reference, giving you more control over what you see. ### What devices does DrawRef support? DrawRef is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible to a wide range of Apple users. ### Is DrawRef free to use? Yes, DrawRef is completely free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements. ### How often is DrawRef updated? The latest version of DrawRef is 1.5.0, and it was last updated on November 1, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing support and development. ### What is the age rating for DrawRef? DrawRef has an age rating of 4+, meaning it is suitable for users of all ages. ### How can I contact the DrawRef developer? You can contact the developer of DrawRef with any questions or offers by writing to drawrefapp@gmail.com. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 1.5.0 — 2026-11-01 It's been awhile! I remembered the password and releasing an update that allows to browse albums. ### 1.4.0 — 2019-10-22 Minor improvements Feel free to share feedback about the app! ### 1.2 — 2019-02-08 If you don’t need to use a full pic as a reference for your artwork then use a part of it instead. It's simple. Choose a saved image in DrawRef, select the needed part and go to picture-in-picture mode. Save your work realm for what really matters. ### 1.1 — 2018-12-20 No release notes. ## Apps similar to DrawRef | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [FilePiP: PDF, Timer, Photos …](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filepip-pdf-timer-photos/id1593145001) | 4.7 (102) | Free | Utilities | | [Manikin](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/manikin/id1020666956) | 4.6 (4,420) | Free | Utilities | | [HandModel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handmodel/id1551114365) | 2.8 (22) | Free | Utilities | | [Shortcut Remote](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shortcut-remote/id6615065841) | 1.5 (19) | Free | Utilities | | [How to Draw - Drawing Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/how-to-draw-drawing-guide/id1428780100) | 4.4 (4,468) | Free | Utilities | | [Easy Pose -Best Posing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/easy-pose-best-posing-app/id1335872207) | 4.0 (1,117) | Free | Utilities | --- *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 2026-11-02.*