PaintNotes vs CatCarp Paper
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
PaintNotes
This app offers a minimalist digital notebook with an infinite canvas for freeform writing and drawing. Easily import files and organize your thoughts without delay.
- Infinite canvas
- Freeform writing and drawing
- File import
- Minimalist interface
- Unlimited drafts
Read full descriptionHide full description
The PaintNote are simple, freely written notebooks. The minimalist interface and simple features make it easier to use. Start to write without any waiting. Unlimited draft paper, free to move, zoom and position. You can import files in a variety of formats.
CatCarp Paper
This app offers a digital solution for those who prefer the feel of paper for note-taking. It provides a variety of templates for different uses, from calligraphy practice to scheduling, all printable on A4 paper. Easily save and organize your notes digitally.
- Printable A4 templates
- Calligraphy practice sheets
- Note-taking templates
- Schedule management templates
- Digital saving and organization
Read full descriptionHide full description
Find the right paper for your next plan, study session or idea. Browse 306 templates in eight categories, search for a page and save favorites. Adjust the text, lines, colors and margins supported by each template. On iPad, browse templates, view your paper and adjust settings in one workspace with collapsible sidebars and whole-page zoom. Export PDFs or images and continue through the system share sheet. Studio includes custom writing grids, DIY components and stickers, and Sudoku. The app interface supports 27 languages; paper artwork and your own content retain their original form. Free and limited-time free templates remain available under their existing rules. Permanent VIP is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. Restore purchases from Me; existing lifetime purchase rights are preserved.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: CatCarp Paper at 4.9 against PaintNotes's 3.9. CatCarp Paper also leads on ratings volume (227 vs 32). PaintNotes's advantage is review sentiment (67% vs 56%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. PaintNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and CatCarp Paper sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
CatCarp Paper holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CatCarp Paper has 227 ratings behind it against 32, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of PaintNotes's written reviews are positive against 56% of CatCarp Paper's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, CatCarp Paper every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | PaintNotes | CatCarp Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (32 ratings) | 4.9 (227 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews — better | 55.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 32 | 227 — better |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 43 MB | 57 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 心悦 吕 | 依雯 黄 |
Customer experience
PaintNotes
CatCarp Paper
In-app purchases
PaintNotes
- Unlocking features$3.99
CatCarp Paper
- 解锁全部常规打印纸$1.99
- 解锁全部精品打印纸$1.99
- 猫鱼A4打印纸永久VIP$9.99
