Comparison

VizRef Lite vs RefCanvas

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

Head to head
About

VizRef Lite

This app allows creatives to build and carry visual reference boards on their iPhone. It supports various image types, including GIFs, and integrates with popular drawing applications, acting as a second monitor for inspiration on the go.

Highlights
  • Create visual reference boards
  • Import images from web, cloud, photos
  • Supports animated GIFs with timeline control
  • Use iPhone as a second monitor
  • Batch import and export
  • Image editing tools (crop, flip, rotate)
  • Light and Dark mode
Features
Read full description

VizRef Lite® for iPhone enables creatives to finally take their inspiration anywhere on their phones. *You can not use iPad multitasking features with the iPhone version of VizRef. Please Download VIZREF for use on iPad. * It becomes the perfect companion app for Procreate or paired with your favorite drawing/animation application by using your iPhone as a second monitor dedicated to references. Take your reference boards with you while you travel and draw in your sketchbook. Make visual reference boards with any images or gifs from web browsers, cloud storage, photos, screen captures and more. The first mood board creation app made by artists for artists, that brings comprehensive referencing tools to animators and visual artists. We are dedicated to bringing creatives what they need most in being inspired everywhere they go. HIGHLIGHTS -VIZREF LITE® version for iPhone has all the same in-app features as VIZREF on iPad ( Vizref Lite if used on IPad does not have multitasking features and is not fullscreen. For iPad please purchase VIZREF® -Take your visual reference boards with you while you sketch at your favorite locations -Perfect companion app paired with Procreate® Adobe Fresco ® Clip Studio Paint® Infinite Painter® etc. by utilizing iPhone as a second monitor along with an iPad -Supports many image types including GIF -Quickly copy and paste images from web -Batch Import from Photos app -Batch Export images from boards to cloud storage using Files app -Import High-Resolution images with HD toggle -*Focus on whats importing with Focus mode. ( rotate imageboard ) *Multi-Select and auto pack images for a quicker workflow * - -Import from iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive -Quick and responsive visual reference board experience -Easy to use/ minimal UI -Light mode and Dark mode -Set thumbnails for reference boards to visually organize your inspiration ANIMATED GIF SUPPORT -Reference your favorite animated gifs -Pause animation and play frame by frame to better understand referenced animations -Advanced animation timeline gives you an interactive visual breakdown of all frames EASY TO USE REFERENCE TOOLS -Crop images to optimize screen space and view more references -Greyscale toggle for images for value reference -Flip horizontally and vertically -Rotate Images -Copy-paste images into other apps Artwork and animation credits @_Artazi @_baomii @_Deadslug_ @amnesiapancake @barachan @belgeist @criisalys @ergo.josh @evan_monteiro @gloomwastaken @mrbeezul @onemegawatt @rocketboiART @samuelyounart @cobalt_requin VizRef was created by Max Gonzalez (@mrbeezul) and RoboWorld Entertainment with supporting development from Valere Labs

About

RefCanvas

This app helps artists and designers organize visual references for their projects. Import images and GIFs, arrange them on a canvas, add notes, and export your creations.

Highlights
  • Import images and GIFs
  • Add text notes
  • Move, scale, and rotate references
  • Group references with nodes
  • Supports split screen and pop-up view
  • Export boards as SVG or images
Features
Read full description

RefCanvas is an intuitive tool for artists and designers who need a comprehensive reference app to bring their creative vision to life. Key Features: - Import images and gifs. - Notes - Add text notes. - Move, scale and rotate references to create the perfect layout. - Multi selection - edit multiple references at one. - Nodes - Useful for grouping references. - Drag and drop - Drag and drop files from others apps like the gallery. - Paste files from the clipboard. - Supports split screen and pop-up view: Use it as a companion app with your favorite drawing app like Ibis Paint or Infinite Painter. - Save your progress as boards for future use. - Auto set thumbnails for boards after saving. - Eye dropper - Tap and hold to pick a color from your references as a hex code. - Drawing. Animated GIF support: - Reference your favorite animated gifs. - Pause animation and play frame by frame to better understand referenced animations. - Animation timeline gives you an interactive visual breakdown of all the frames. Easy to use reference tools: - Grayscale toggle. - Flip horizontally and vertically. - Add link - allows you to visit the source of your reference. Export: Export boards to share. Export board as SVG. Export Images/Gifs as files. Using RefCanvas to make reference boards & mood boards is easy, simply import your images or gifs, and move them around the canvas to arrange them in the layout that works best for your project. You can adjust their size, rotation and position to your liking, giving you maximum control over your creative process.

Screenshots

VizRef Lite4 screens
RefCanvas4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: RefCanvas at Free against VizRef Lite's $1.99. VizRef Lite's advantage is rating (3.8 vs 2.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). On review sentiment, ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

RefCanvas is free to download; VizRef Lite costs $1.99 up front. RefCanvas sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. VizRef Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VizRef Lite holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VizRef Lite has 38 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of VizRef Lite's written reviews are positive against 43% of RefCanvas's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, RefCanvas every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
VizRef Lite versus RefCanvas: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVizRef LiteRefCanvas
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (38 ratings) — better2.3 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews47.7% of reviews — better42.9% of reviews
Number of ratings38 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 17 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#14 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS13.2 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB131 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStudio Pixanohyoucef boukit

Customer experience

VizRef Lite

All ratings38 ratings
Positive68.4%
Neutral7.9%
Negative23.7%
Written reviews44 reviews
Positive47.7%
Neutral27.3%
Negative25.0%

RefCanvas

All ratings7 ratings
Positive28.6%
Neutral14.3%
Negative57.1%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive42.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative57.1%

In-app purchases

None

VizRef Lite

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

RefCanvas

One-time2
  • Pro version$2.99
  • Pro version2 variants$3.99

Questions

Is VizRef Lite free?
VizRef Lite costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is RefCanvas free?
RefCanvas is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, VizRef Lite or RefCanvas?
VizRef Lite is rated higher. VizRef Lite averages 3.8 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while RefCanvas averages 2.3 from 7 ratings.
Do VizRef Lite or RefCanvas have ads?
Neither VizRef Lite nor RefCanvas shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VizRef Lite or RefCanvas?
VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, and RefCanvas every 17 months. Most recently, VizRef Lite was updated on October 10, 2026 and RefCanvas on October 2, 2026.

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