Comparison

VizRef Lite vs ImgRef

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

ImgRef

This app is an all-in-one creative tool for mood boards, reference images, and collaging. It offers smart asset management, precise color picking, and free-form layout capabilities across multiple devices. Designed for various creative professionals, it streamlines workflows with advanced editing and import/export features.

Highlights
  • Unlimited canvas with smart caching
  • Multi-select batch processing
  • Professional workflow with keyboard shortcuts
  • Image editing and adjustments
  • Dynamic color picker
  • Cross-platform support (iOS/macOS)
  • Video frame extraction
  • GIF decomposition
Features
Read full description

「App Store Editor's Choice」 「98% 5-Star Ratings」 「Cross-Platform for iPhone/iPad/MacOS」 Redefine your creative workflow - an all-in-one tool combining mood boards, reference images, smart asset management, precise color picking, and free-form collaging across devices. Designed for UI/brand/illustration/photography/architecture/video storyboard and other creative scenarios, this is your professional reference image and inspiration board on iPhone / iPad / macOS. Core Features: 1. Unlimited Canvas: Smart caching and image management for large long-term libraries and smooth browsing. 2. Multi-Select Batch Processing: Select multiple images for adaptive scaling, smart layout, uniform size, copy, and alignment. 3. Professional Workflow: Full keyboard shortcuts (Mac / iPad keyboard) for faster frequent actions. 4. Image Editing: Rotate, crop, desaturate, flip, adjust opacity, layers, scale, and more. 5. Dynamic Color Picker: Pick any canvas color in real time and get common color codes. 6. Video Processing: MP4 playback and 4K still extraction for faster storyboards, covers, and video references. 7. Stylized Text: Built-in fonts and styles make notes, titles, and labels clearer on the canvas. 8. Magnetic Guides: Alignment hints and smart snapping for precise layouts. 9. GIF Decomposition: Break animations into frames for clearer detail references. 10. Import Methods: Clipboard, photo library, folders, camera, drag & drop (iPad / Mac). 11. Export Methods: Scene export and image group export for sharing and delivery. 12. Web Drag & Drop: Drag images from Pinterest / ArtStation / Midjourney / Pixiv / Instagram and more. 13. Multiple Modes: View, lock, and edit modes keep browsing and editing separate. 14. Brush Tools: Annotate and highlight key areas for more intuitive communication. 15. File Management: Grid/list views with multiple sorting options. 16. Canvas Zoom: Smooth zoom and pan for comfortable detail viewing. 17. Multi-Select Quick Alignment: Quick alignment/distribution after multi-select. 18. Backup & Import: Full backup and package import for migration and recovery. Pro Enhancements: 1. Image/GIF/Video Notes: Add notes to capture ideas and key points. 2. Preview Mode: Switch to a clean preview for focused viewing and presentations. 3. Advanced Crop: Fit different aspect ratios and compositions faster for cleaner output. 4. Image Blur: Blur images for privacy protection and richer visual layering. 5. High-Resolution Scene Export (PNG): Export full scenes as HD PNG for sharing and delivery. 6. File Favorites: Save frequent files for quick access to key references. 7. Category Tags: Tag files by use, project, or status for faster filtering. 8. Dotted Background: Toggle a dotted background for clearer edge contrast. 9. Canvas Grayscale: Focus on tone and composition with grayscale view. 10. Image Color Analysis: Extract dominant colors to understand palette relationships. 11. Layer Panel: Preview names, reorder, and quick select for efficient layer management. 12. Scheduled Playback: Timed switching, playback controls, and countdown. 13. Layer Search: Filter by type and keyword to quickly locate target content among many layers. 14. Brush Presets: Switch stroke width, color, and opacity for annotation, highlighting, and sketching. 15. Canvas RGB Single-Channel Preview: View R/G/B channels separately to analyze color distribution, tone, and detail. 16. Link Cards: Turn webpages into cover cards pinned on the canvas; one tap to open You can subscribe to ImgRef Pro. Charged to your iTunes account on confirmation. Auto-renews unless canceled 24+ hours before period end. Manage in iTunes Store. Privacy Policy: https://xunhuaref.cn/index.php/privacypolicy/ Terms of Use: https://xunhuaref.cn/index.php/privacypolicy/eula-en/ Download now and experience the smoothest creative tool in the Apple ecosystem! Thank you for reading. Contact us: Email: imgref@163.com

Screenshots

VizRef Lite4 screens
ImgRef4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ImgRef at Free against VizRef Lite's $1.99. ImgRef also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.8) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 months). VizRef Lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and chart position (#14 vs unranked). On ads and monetization model 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

ImgRef is free to download; VizRef Lite costs $1.99 up front. ImgRef sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. VizRef Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ImgRef holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38 and 126 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 48% of VizRef Lite's written reviews are positive against 77% of ImgRef's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, ImgRef every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
VizRef Lite versus ImgRef: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVizRef LiteImgRef
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (38 ratings)4.7 (126 ratings) — better
Positive reviews47.7% of reviews77.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings38126 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank#14 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.2 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB75 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStudio Pixanoh文荣 李

Customer experience

VizRef Lite

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

ImgRef

All ratings126 ratings
Positive91.3%
Neutral0.8%
Negative7.9%
Written reviews44 reviews
Positive77.3%
Neutral4.5%
Negative18.2%

Bugs and requests

VizRef Lite

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

ImgRef

Reported bugs

1 issue
  • Trouble importing images from other apps

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add cropping functionality
  • Implement doodle/text feature for notes
  • Add GIF frame reading function

In-app purchases

None

VizRef Lite

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

ImgRef

Subscriptions2
  • pro_monthly$0.991 Month
  • ImgRef Annual Subscription$5.991 Year

Questions

Is VizRef Lite free?
VizRef Lite costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ImgRef free?
ImgRef is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, VizRef Lite or ImgRef?
ImgRef is rated higher. VizRef Lite averages 3.8 out of 5 from 38 ratings, while ImgRef averages 4.7 from 126 ratings.
Do VizRef Lite or ImgRef have ads?
Neither VizRef Lite nor ImgRef shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VizRef Lite or ImgRef?
VizRef Lite ships an update every 3 months, and ImgRef every 5 days. Most recently, VizRef Lite was updated on October 10, 2026 and ImgRef on October 12, 2026.

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