# PixelPencil vs Cross Stitch Pattern Creator

The clearest difference is ads: Cross Stitch Pattern Creator at none against PixelPencil's shown. Cross Stitch Pattern Creator also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). PixelPencil's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PixelPencil sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Cross Stitch Pattern Creator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PixelPencil ships an update every 2 weeks, Cross Stitch Pattern Creator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 1, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PixelPencil | Cross Stitch Pattern Creator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (110 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelpencil-pixel-art-editor/id1584616836/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **110** | — |
| Positive reviews | 78.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 6 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yosuke Seki](https://appshunter.io/developer/824851972) | [Sand Castle Designs, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677011274) |

## What reviewers say

### PixelPencil

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelpencil-pixel-art-editor/id1584616836)

Create pixel art with a robust set of tools, including layers, blend modes, and various brushes. Easily zoom, rotate, and manage multiple projects. Export your creations as animated GIFs.

**Highlights:** Layer editing with grouping and blend modes, Comprehensive set of drawing tools, Undo/Redo functionality, Animated GIF export, Color creation tools, Pinch-to-zoom and canvas rotation, Save multiple works with iCloud support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove ads | $4.99 | one-time |


### Cross Stitch Pattern Creator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cross-stitch-pattern-creator/id6476002744)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cross Stitch Pattern Creator | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PixelPencil free?

PixelPencil is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cross Stitch Pattern Creator free?

Cross Stitch Pattern Creator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do PixelPencil or Cross Stitch Pattern Creator have ads?

PixelPencil shows ads; Cross Stitch Pattern Creator does not.

### Which is updated more often, PixelPencil or Cross Stitch Pattern Creator?

PixelPencil ships an update every 2 weeks, and Cross Stitch Pattern Creator every 2 months. Most recently, PixelPencil was updated on September 1, 2026 and Cross Stitch Pattern Creator on September 14, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*