# Mat Cutout vs Zone System

The clearest difference is price: Mat Cutout at Free against Zone System's $1.99. Mat Cutout also leads on iOS requirement (8.4 vs 17). Zone System's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 21 months) and device support (4 vs 2). On review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Mat Cutout is free to download; Zone System costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Mat Cutout ships an update every 21 months, Zone System every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mat Cutout | Zone System |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zone-system/id6741873549/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 12 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.4** | 17 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Soeren Randum](https://appshunter.io/developer/1030441140) | [Davin Nguyen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1680398335) |

## What reviewers say

### Mat Cutout

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mat-cutout/id1040163337)

This app assists in calculating precise cardboard cutouts for framing artwork. It offers two distinct modes to help users mount their masterpieces accurately.

**Highlights:** Passepartout cutout calculation, Cardboard mounting assistance, Photographic calculation mode, Center calculation mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Zone System

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zone-system/id6741873549)

This tool simplifies Ansel Adams' exposure and development method for photographers. It helps measure shadows and highlights, calculate aperture and development times, and preview results with film stock presets.

**Highlights:** Measure shadows and highlights, Aperture and development calculations, Preview results with film presets, ISO and EV calculations, Simplified Zone System application

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mat Cutout free?

Mat Cutout is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Zone System free?

Zone System costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Mat Cutout or Zone System have ads?

Neither Mat Cutout nor Zone System shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mat Cutout or Zone System?

Mat Cutout ships an update every 21 months, and Zone System every 9 days. Most recently, Mat Cutout was updated on October 8, 2026 and Zone System on October 2, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*
