# PaintNotes vs PDFiler

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDFiler at none against PaintNotes's 1. PDFiler also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly). PaintNotes's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PaintNotes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PDFiler asks for nothing beyond the download.

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, PDFiler every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PaintNotes | PDFiler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paintnotes/id1106747531/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **29** | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 43 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [心悦 吕](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689365127) | [Katsuaki Mabushi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1207137152) |

## What reviewers say

### PaintNotes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paintnotes/id1106747531)

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.

**Highlights:** Infinite canvas, Freeform writing and drawing, File import, Minimalist interface, Unlimited drafts

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlocking features | $3.99 | one-time |


### PDFiler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pdfiler/id6787676918)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PaintNotes free?

PaintNotes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PDFiler free?

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

### Do PaintNotes or PDFiler have ads?

Neither PaintNotes nor PDFiler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PaintNotes or PDFiler?

PaintNotes ships an update fortnightly, and PDFiler every 5 days. Most recently, PaintNotes was updated on October 11, 2026 and PDFiler on October 8, 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.*