# Simile - Paint Like a Master — Painting Game with Grid Method > Gamified painting app using grid and right-brain techniques for art creation. (iPhone/iPad app by Save The Machine.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simile-paint-like-a-master/id1250576687 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Save The Machine](https://appshunter.io/developer/1250576686) - Category: Games, Photo & Video, Casual, Family - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 3.90/5 from 90 App Store ratings · 27 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 104 MB - Languages: American English, Catalan, Croatian, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese and 11 more - Released: 2018-12-22 - Data updated: 2026-06-22 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simile-paint-like-a-master/id1250576687/reviews.md ## What is Simile? With Simile's patent-pending process you can paint like a master. By applying the best painting techniques like the “Grid Method” and “Right Brain Drawing” with the benefits of gamification, a killer toolset, and advanced image processing, Simile turns painting a masterpiece into child’s play. Choose from the many built-in paintings covering still lifes, portraits, landscapes and more. Even better, you can paint your own photos and make them as simple or as complex as you want. Simile also makes painting a social activity. You, your family and your friends can collaborate on paintings. When you’re done you can share these masterpieces online, order high-quality prints and canvases right from within the app, or if a t-shirt is more your style, you can wear your art on your sleeve. Grid Method: Borrowing a technique first used in ancient Egypt and mastered by Leonardo Da Vinci, M. C. Escher, and Vincent van Gogh, Simile uses the Grid Method. It divides the painting into a grid and, as a result, changes a challenging painting into a series of smaller, easier paintings. The technique ensures that results are accurate and have proper proportions. Right Brain Drawing: A challenge for anyone learning to draw is to turn off the symbolic part of their brain, that part that tries to interpret the world around it. This makes it difficult to draw what is seen and not draw the “meaning” of what is seen. For example, when trying to draw a person, most beginners will draw something that resembles a stick figure. Simile only presents one small part of the entire image at a time, hiding the rest. The intent here is to make it unclear what part of the image you are drawing, which in turn, switches off the brain’s symbolic processing so that it won’t get in the way. Gamification: People often do better at a task when it’s made into a game. So why not apply that to painting. Simile scores your painting in real time as you work. By trying to maximize your score, you’ll be improving your painting. Simile’s arcade mode also adds timing to the mix; not only do you have to paint well, but you also have to do it fast. This challenge is surprisingly fun, and the results are far better than you might think. I’ve gotten much better the more I’ve played. I bet you will too. Killer Tools: Simile has the standard tools, like paintbrushes, a paint bucket, undo, and supports the Apple Pencil (types 1 and 2) on the iPad. It also has a False Color tool which makes it much easier to distinguish between two shades of the same color (with extra options for color blind people). Simile's Grid tool further extends the Grid Method to each tile, and if you’re really stuck, you can turn on outlines which shows you the boundaries of each color. Simile rounds out the toolset with a pipette to help pick the right color. Advanced Image Processing: Another challenge for beginning artists is to represent the real-world (which has an infinite variety of colors) with a finite set of paint colors. Simile’s advanced image processing simplifies images to keep things looking real, without being too hard. Multiplayer: Simile’s masterpiece mode supports up to 100 people collaborating on one painting. This feature is great for making a grandmother’s day present from her grandkids or for a group of friends that want to complete a painting together. No In-app purchases are required to use this feature, so the sky’s the limit on who you invite to join you. Also, because Simile uses iCloud for collaboration, there is no sign-in needed. High-Quality Prints: Simile has partnered with Kite.ly to help turn your virtual art into real-world art. You can order canvas prints, framed prints, posters, t-shirts, mugs, magnets, and phone cases of your artwork. Music: We’ve included background music made exclusively for Simile by Leonty Music. It's designed to subtly change as you touch the screen when painting. We also recommend painting to your favorite songs, books or podcasts. ## Key features - Grid Method painting technique - Right Brain Drawing exercises - Gamified real-time scoring - Arcade mode with timed challenges - Killer toolset including Apple Pencil support - False Color and Outline tools - Paint own photos or built-in images ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Grid/Outlines Tool | $0.99 | one-time | | Baby Painting | $0.99 | one-time | | Big Ben | $2.99 | one-time | | Kitten Painting | $1.99 | one-time | | Undo Redo Tool | $0.99 | one-time | | Custom Painting | $2.99 | one-time | | Unlock Your Personal Photos | $14.99 | one-time | | Pipette Tool | $0.99 | one-time | | Chameleon | $2.99 | one-time | | Launch Collection | $24.99 | one-time | | Tree | $0.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 27) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simile-paint-like-a-master/id1250576687/reviews.md ### 3/5 — Good, but not $25 good. *2024-09-19, version 1.0.11* This is a great way to kill time, and it could even be used to practice drawing from a reference (or at least i'm sure it is, I'm no artist). The ability to use your own pictures is very good too, and that feature alone is probably worth five or so dollars. But of course, there's the pricing. You only get two images to draw for free, and they're images you don't get to choose. Everything else (even a few of the tools) costs a bit of money. I understand monetizing games like this on the AppStore, devs gotta eat too, but for everything, it costs $25. That's the kind of price you'd pay for some kind of professional tool for your phone, not for a game in the same device. I did buy the full package, mostly because I knew this game had potential and I wanted to support the devs. Unfortunately, the game is now dead. You can't even play with your friends anymore. I still pick it up every now and then, (I did spend a bit on it after all), but for new players, I wouldn't expect much from this game, since it hasn't been updated in a very long time. ### 1/5 — Great App, However………. *2022-12-10, version 1.0.11* I love the app, and love the concept behind it. It’s fun and relaxing. However, it’s way overpriced. I didn’t realize at first that you have to pay for each individual picture. I tried a free one first, thinking that there were a couple of free pictures to try to see how you liked it, then you could purchase the app. Well, I liked it, went to look to find where to purchase a full version of the app, and learned that it’s a pay by picture. Sorry, but that’s crazy. If the app is ever available for a one time purchase, I would definitely buy it, but, I’m not paying by picture. ### 3/5 — Wonderful idea *2022-01-31, version 1.0.11* I love this app but the price is just way too high for the additional features… Especially when the app isn’t updated regularly. ### 5/5 — Elegant Five Star App *2019-02-25, version 1.0.9* I’ve been using Simile since it first came out and I love it. The collaboration feature is my favorite – I am working on my third picture with friends and relatives. Working on a team to complete a painting is rewarding and fun. There’s even a feature that lets you see who’s working on what section! I paid $14.99 to use my own photo gallery which was a terrific investment since every picture I have on my phone has the potential to become a work of art to display or give as a gift (think vacation photos with family and friends turned into gifts or even artsy Christmas cards – priceless)! Also up to six family members can use those pictures through family sharing. That’s a great deal! It’s a way better value than a single movie ticket with a small popcorn. I have to mention that it’s addictive, and I can hardly wait to jump in when I have some free time. I like to listen to music or audiobooks while I’m painting. It’s a calming journey. This is an elegant app that produces beautiful results. Love, love, love it! ### 5/5 — Addictive! *2019-01-16, version 1.0.4* OCD me wants it perfect but I learned to let it go if it’s 900 or close to it. Very addicting. Really wish there were more free pics. Could use basic pics or free and the more attractive ones to pay for. ### 5/5 — Five Stars *2019-01-14, version 1.0.3* This app is really a welcome change from its competition. Instead of having the software revise pictures in what some software engineer would deem to be “clever” way, each person gets to generate and discover their own art from their personal photos; a feature which makes it much more satisfying. The collaborative feature also makes it fun to compose family pictures as a family or group of friends. This app is quite a lot of fun on an iPhone, but is practically addicting on an iPad with the Apple Pencil - definitely 5 stars! ### 5/5 — Cool app.... *2019-01-14, version 1.0.3* I am no artist—more of an adrenaline junkie. However, this game did allow me to be artsy fartsy which is new for me. Got to make some rad stuff and still move my digits. Cool app! ### 3/5 — More Information *2019-01-11, version 1.0.2* I didn’t see a way to contact the developer on the app, but since they respond to reviews I hope they see this. There needs to be more explanation and instructions, especially for the “arcade” mode. Questions - -Is there a zoom feature I haven’t discovered? -The reference picture is “pixely” with blocky edges. Is my drawing supposed to also be blocky so that it matches better? -In Arcade mode, are you playing alone or can you invite people somehow? -Is it considered a game just to see how fast you can do it? Or is there a one-on-one challenge with other players somehow? -What determines the amount of time you get? -Can you add an audible countdown so you don’t have to take your eyes off the drawing to check the time? Every second counts so it would help to keep your eyes on what you are drawing. - Explain how adding a person works. I understand that you can invite others to collaborate, but they don’t have to buy the picture, right? (Assuming it’s a premium one) -Do invitees have to individually purchase the specialty tools themselves, or does that transfer to them once you invite them to collaborate? Please add this extra info! I’m giving 3 stars for now but may update it if improvements are made. ### 4/5 — Lovely, but can be difficult *2019-01-11, version 1.0.2* Honestly leaving a review only because reviewers that insist on an app being free and complaining about the price is a huge pet peeve considering the amount of time and effort an independent developer has put into it. The app itself is pretty fun, though I usually play in short snippets rather than large areas at a time because I find myself getting a little frustrated because I can’t see under my finger (hah). It’s probably much easier and much more fun with the iPad Pro and the Apple pencil (which I have neither, unfortunately). If it’s possible, I think having a list of the IAPs in the settings section (in addition to where they normally are) would be convenient, because I got a bit lost trying to find out how to buy the extra tools. ### 1/5 — Way overpriced *2019-01-10, version 1.0.2* I know you need money, and I understand that. But forcing customers to pay to paint their own photos while having like two free photos of your own is a stretch. And the prices of said photos are crazy high. If you're gonna do that, you may as well make it a paid app altogether so that people don't feel ripped off. If you want more money, I suggest ad banners at the bottom and a system where people can paint several of their own photos per day. If they want more, they can pay. Until something happens though, I'm staying at 1 star. ## Frequently asked questions about Simile ### What is Simile and how does it help me paint? Simile is a painting game that utilizes patent-pending processes and established art techniques like the Grid Method and Right Brain Drawing. By breaking down complex images into smaller, manageable parts and encouraging focus on visual input rather than symbolic interpretation, it makes painting a masterpiece more accessible and enjoyable. ### What are the key features of Simile? Key features include the Grid Method for accurate proportions, Right Brain Drawing to bypass symbolic interpretation, gamification with real-time scoring and arcade mode for fun challenges, and a comprehensive toolset. The app also supports Apple Pencil and offers tools like False Color and outlines to aid the painting process. ### How does the gamification work in Simile? Simile turns painting into a game by scoring your progress in real time. By aiming to improve your score, you naturally enhance your painting skills. The arcade mode adds an extra layer of challenge by incorporating a time limit, making the process both fun and effective for skill development. ### Can I paint my own photos with Simile? Yes, Simile allows you to paint your own photos. You can choose to make them as simple or as complex as you desire, providing a personalized artistic experience. The app's tools and techniques are designed to assist you in translating your photos into paintings. ### What kind of paintings can I create with Simile? You can create a wide variety of paintings with Simile, including still lifes, portraits, and landscapes using the many built-in examples. Additionally, you have the flexibility to paint your own photos, allowing for a diverse range of artistic expression. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.0.11 — 2019-03-05 User names, initials and player numbers fit better into the available space when displaying painting signatures. Includes various other minor improvements. ### 1.0.10 — 2019-02-28 Various stability improvements. These are particularly important for users who collaborate with others on paintings. ### 1.0.9 — 2019-02-19 Fixed an occasional issue with automatically saving changes downloaded from the cloud. Changed the descriptions of the "Launch Collection" and "Courthouse Towers" in-app purchase items. ### 1.0.8 — 2019-02-12 Improved multiplayer setup Improved stability Miscellaneous minor improvements ### 1.0.7 — 2019-02-10 Improved the color of new custom photos with high detail. They no longer have dark spots. Improved the color for the following built-in paintings: Big Ben, Forest Path, Hiker, Kitten, Machu Picchu, Shades, and Surf's Up. These changes only apply to new paintings, not existing ones. Improved the look of new Level 1 and Level 2 custom paintings. ## Apps similar to Simile | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Blocks Eternal - Block Puzzle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blocks-eternal-block-puzzle/id6751474745) | 4.7 (23) | Free | Games | | [Are You Smarter than a Fifth?](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/are-you-smarter-than-a-fifth/id6745822360) | 4.8 (106) | Free | Games | | [Watch Games - WatchQ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/watch-games-watchq/id6754549269) | 4.5 (126) | Free | Games | | [Cottage Color](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cottage-color/id6754246945) | 4.8 (6,022) | Free | Games | | [Arcade Games - ArcQ](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcade-games-arcq/id6751946801) | 4.7 (99) | Free | Games | | [Light'Em Up - Puzzle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightem-up-puzzle/id1565195476) | 4.6 (7) | Free | Games | ## More apps by Save The Machine - [Crossword Aide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossword-aide/id388762477) All apps by Save The Machine: https://appshunter.io/developer/1250576686 ## Related topics [canvass master](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/canvass-master) --- *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 2026-06-22.*