Comparison

Atkinson vs Artistic String

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

Head to head
About

Atkinson

This app processes photos using the Atkinson dithering algorithm, originally used for black and white displays on old Macintosh computers. It creates small file-sized images with options for square cropping, rounded corners, and white borders, offering a real-time preview of the effect.

Highlights
  • Atkinson dithering algorithm processing
  • Square photo output
  • Toggleable rounded corners
  • White border option
  • Real-time preview
Features
Read full description

Transform your photos with the iconic Atkinson dithering algorithm — the same technique used on the original Macintosh by Bill Atkinson. Create stunning retro-style images with a single tap. # What is Atkinson Dithering? Atkinson dithering was the algorithm behind the classic 1-bit graphics of early Macintosh computers. It converts photos i nto beautiful two-tone pixel patterns, producing images with a distinctive vintage charm and remarkably small file sizes. # Features - Real-time Atkinson dithering preview through your camera - 7 retro-tech color palettes: Terminal Green, Amber Monitor, Original Macintosh, Game Boy, Apple II Green, White Phospho r, and classic black & white - 5 iconic frames inspired by computing history: MacPaint, Classic Mac window, Terminal, White Frame, and frameless - Adjustable brightness control - Rounded corner option - Square photo output optimized for social media - Lightweight PNG output with tiny file sizes # Color Palettes Go beyond black and white. Choose from color palettes inspired by legendary displays — the green glow of VT100 terminals, the warm amber of IBM monitors, the creamy screen of the original Macintosh, and more. # Retro Frames Wrap your dithered photos in frames inspired by classic software. The MacPaint frame features pixel-perfect tool palettes and menu bars, just like Bill Atkinson's legendary paint program. The Classic Mac frame recreates the iconic window chrome of early Macintosh. # Perfect for - Retro and vintage photo enthusiasts - Pixel art lovers - Social media posts with a unique aesthetic - Anyone who appreciates the beauty of 1-bit graphics

About

Artistic String

Design intricate string art with monochrome and multicolor drawing modes. This app offers a unique way to create visual art using virtual threads. Explore your creativity with a simple yet powerful interface.

Highlights
  • String art creation
  • Monochrome drawing mode
  • Multicolor drawing mode
  • Unique thread art designs
  • Intuitive interface
Features
Read full description

Create and guide painting with string art, with the best quality, unique monochrome and multicolor drawing mode. Term of service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Atkinson4 screens
Artistic String4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Atkinson at 71% against Artistic String's 0%. Atkinson also leads on rating (3.3 vs 1.0) and update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). Artistic String's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

Both are free to download. Atkinson sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Artistic String sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Atkinson holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Atkinson has 6 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Atkinson's written reviews are positive against 0% of Artistic String's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Atkinson ships an update monthly, Artistic String every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Atkinson versus Artistic String: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAtkinsonArtistic String
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (6 ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings6 — better1
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTsutomu KoyachiKiem Pham Dinh

Customer experience

Atkinson

All ratings6 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral16.7%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%

Artistic String

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Atkinson

Subscriptions2
  • Standard Month$0.991 Month
  • Standard Year$9.991 Year
2 purchases

Artistic String

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Yearly$44.991 Year

Questions

Is Atkinson free?
Atkinson is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Artistic String free?
Artistic String is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Atkinson or Artistic String?
Atkinson is rated higher. Atkinson averages 3.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Artistic String averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Atkinson or Artistic String have ads?
Atkinson shows ads; Artistic String does not.
Which is updated more often, Atkinson or Artistic String?
Atkinson ships an update monthly, and Artistic String every 2 months. Most recently, Atkinson was updated on June 5, 2026 and Artistic String on June 1, 2026.

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