Comparison

Number Formation vs Trace ABC

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Number Formation

Features
Read full description

Our Number Formation App is available as a multi-platform resource, which means that you can enjoy this exciting software on your favourite device! Simply use your multi-platform licence to activate the Number Formation App on your iPads and computers. Following on from our successful Letter Formation App comes our number formation version. Ideal for practising written numerals, this app shows the process for numbers 1โ€“20, and allows the child to draw over the marks in the sand to consolidate their own skills. Teacher options provide the facility to select what the user hears and what numbers they can access for more focused work. FEATURES - Select a number stone from the array to see it drawn in the sand - Trace over the pattern to develop fine motor skills - Learn and consolidate numeral patterns - Use settings to disable number stones to limit those on offer - Use settings to disable all number stones to provide a free-play space - A Read Me file with guidance on other ways to support the development of number formation - No third-party advertising - No in-app purchases. WHO IS YELLOW DOOR? We are a publisher offering a range of inspiring and innovative literacy and maths resources. From multisensory games to interactive software, we combine hands-on learning with open-ended technology to promote communication and language, collaborative play and creativity across the curriculum. Our aim is to produce resources that are appealing to small hands and curious minds, and that will help build an engaging, playful learning environment for all young children. OTHER APPS FROM YELLOW DOOR Pre-Writing App Letter Recognition App Letter Formation App I-Spy Initial Sounds App Initial Sounds Bubble App Find the Rhyme App Come Alive Traditional Tales (6 individual apps) Come Alive Nursery Rhymes Come Alive Sound and Letters Come Alive Listening. REVIEW THE APP We would love to know what you think of our new app, so please leave a review!

About

Trace ABC

Features
Read full description

Trace ABC helps your little one learn to recognize, write, and sound out all 26 letters โ€” the warm, screen-safe way. Built for ages 2โ€“6, every activity is designed with early educators to turn practice into play. โ–ธ GUIDED TRACING ENGINE Little fingers follow friendly dots along each letter, with gentle magnetic snapping and instant feedback. Kids build real muscle memory and correct stroke order โ€” not random scribbles. โ–ธ REAL, HUMAN-QUALITY VOICE Crystal-clear, child-friendly narration reads every letter name, letter sound (accurate phonics-level pronunciation), and example word aloud. โ–ธ PHONICS THAT CLICKS From single letter sounds to blending c-a-t, kids move through the proven SATPIN teaching order and reach that magic "I can read a word!" moment. โ–ธ JOURNEY MAP & STAR REWARDS A colorful adventure map, collectible stars, and a cheerful mascot keep kids motivated and proud of every step forward. โ–ธ MADE FOR FAMILIES โ€ข Parental gate protects settings and links โ€ข Screen-time limits you control โ€ข Simple parent progress reports โ–ธ SAFE BY DESIGN No ads. No third-party tracking. No pop-up purchase traps. Just focused, joyful learning your family can trust. Start your child's reading journey today โ€” one letter, one sound, one proud smile at a time. Questions or ideas? We'd love to hear from you.

Screenshots

Trace ABC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Trace ABC at every 3 months against Number Formation's every 36 months. Trace ABC also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Number Formation's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Number Formation ships an update every 36 months, Trace ABC every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 3 level
Number Formation versus Trace ABC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNumber FormationTrace ABC
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 36 monthsEvery 3 months โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” better
Requires iOS11.0 โ€” better15.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size13 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYellow Door Ltdzhenyu song

In-app purchases

None

Number Formation

No in-app purchases

None

Trace ABC

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Number Formation free?
Number Formation is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Trace ABC free?
Trace ABC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Number Formation or Trace ABC have ads?
Neither Number Formation nor Trace ABC shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Number Formation or Trace ABC?
Number Formation ships an update every 36 months, and Trace ABC every 3 months. Most recently, Number Formation was updated on November 11, 2026 and Trace ABC on November 5, 2026.

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