Tracing vs Inkalot
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Tracing
Easily trace photos and images to create your own hand-drawn art. This tool is designed for beginners to practice drawing skills without needing professional art training. Import images, adjust their position and transparency, and use a simple two-layer system for a clean drawing process.
- Import and trace photos
- Move, rotate, and scale reference images
- Adjustable image opacity
- Two-layer system for drawing and coloring
- Beginner-focused drawing practice
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Trace is a simple drawing app that lets you import photos, images, and files as references, then trace and paint over them. One of Trace’s key features is its three-layer structure: the Reference Layer, Trace Layer, and Paint Layer. You can trace outlines while viewing your reference image, then add color on the Paint Layer to complete your artwork. By separating each step into its own layer, Trace makes the drawing process simple and easy to manage. The Reference Layer supports zooming, scaling, and rotation, giving you the freedom to adjust the size and angle of your reference image to match your composition. In addition to importing images from your photo library, Trace also supports importing image files, allowing you to use a wide variety of reference materials. Key Features * Reference Layer Display a photo or image as your drawing reference. Zoom, resize, and rotate it freely to match the size and angle you want. * Trace Layer Trace outlines and shapes while viewing the reference image underneath. * Paint Layer Add color while using your traced lines as a guide to complete your artwork. * Import from Photos Use images stored in your photo library as references. * Import from Files Import image files in addition to photos, giving you more flexibility when choosing reference materials. * Flexible Reference Adjustment Freely adjust the size and angle of your reference image to suit your composition and tracing needs. * Simple and Intuitive Controls Designed to keep unnecessary complexity to a minimum so you can focus on tracing, drawing, and painting. Trace can be used for drawing practice, illustration, sketching, design studies, and many other creative purposes. “Place your reference.” “Trace the lines.” “Add color.” By separating these three steps into layers, Trace provides a smooth and intuitive workflow from tracing to painting. Turn your favorite photos and images into your own artwork with Trace.
Inkalot
A minimalist drawing application designed for intuitive use with a stylus. It allows users to create, record drawing sessions, and export high-resolution artwork to various apps. Enjoy a simple, organic drawing experience.
- Minimalist drawing interface
- Optimized for stylus input
- Export to Files and Photos apps
- High-resolution PNG export (300/600 dpi)
- Record drawing sessions for videos
- Print directly via AirPrint
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Inkalot (formally Doodle-A-Lot) is a minimalistic, just enough, drawing app, made with an Apple Pencil in mind. It's easy to use and a lot of fun. You can export to the Files App, Photos App or Air Print. Exports are 8.5 x 11 @ 300 dpi (600 dpi option for newer iPads) in PNG format with transparency and 1-bit options. The ink is smooth, but like the real thing, it picks up that organic irregularity that exists with pen and paper. Record your drawing sessions for quick videos. Get out of your left brain and enjoy the simplicity!
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Tracing at $0.99 against Inkalot's $7.99. Inkalot's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On rating, review sentiment, 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
Tracing costs $0.99 and Inkalot $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Tracing against 5.0 for Inkalot. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.
Tracing ships an update every 2 months, Inkalot every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Tracing | Inkalot |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $7.99 |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) | 5.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 3 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Devices | iPad | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 88 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Yasuo Fukushima | Binary Square, Inc. |
Customer experience
Tracing
Inkalot
In-app purchases
Tracing
No in-app purchases
Inkalot
No in-app purchases









