Comparison

Atkinson vs DotArt

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

DotArt

Create trending "dot collage" photos that mimic Impressionist oil paintings. This app helps you achieve the popular hazy texture and artistic tension seen on social media.

Highlights
  • Create dot collage photos
  • Mimic Impressionist oil painting style
  • Achieve hazy texture
  • Add artistic tension to images
  • Follows current social media trends
Features
Read full description

Scroll through Instagram or rednot, and you're bound to come across this image: an otherwise ordinary photo, covered in countless tiny, rounded dots, instantly gaining the hazy texture and artistic tension of an Impressionist oil painting. This "dot collage" trend is quietly taking over social platforms, becoming the most sought-after new direction in image creation among young people—following the waves of retro film and film simulation. And DotArt is your perfect companion to unlock this trend.

Screenshots

Atkinson4 screens
DotArt4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: DotArt at 4.9 against Atkinson's 3.3. DotArt also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement 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. DotArt asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

DotArt holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 9 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Atkinson ships an update every 3 weeks, DotArt every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Atkinson versus DotArt: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAtkinsonDotArt
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (6 ratings)4.9 (9 ratings) — better
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings69 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.015
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerkoyachi才熹 郑

Customer experience

Atkinson

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

DotArt

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Atkinson

Subscriptions2
  • Standard Month$0.991 Month
  • Standard Year$9.991 Year
None

DotArt

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Atkinson free?
Atkinson is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DotArt free?
DotArt is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Atkinson or DotArt?
DotArt is rated higher. Atkinson averages 3.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while DotArt averages 4.9 from 9 ratings.
Do Atkinson or DotArt have ads?
Atkinson shows ads; DotArt does not.
Which is updated more often, Atkinson or DotArt?
Atkinson ships an update every 3 weeks, and DotArt every 2 days. Most recently, Atkinson was updated on November 7, 2026 and DotArt on November 5, 2026.

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