Comparison

ShowTool SM vs DSMPrompt

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

Head to head
About

ShowTool SM

This app provides a comprehensive suite of stage management tools for theatrical productions. It helps organize show documentation, manage timings, track props, and create checklists to ensure nothing is forgotten. Shows sync across devices via iCloud.

Highlights
  • Multi-show support
  • Show import/export
  • Detailed timer sessions
  • Customizable marks database
  • Production checklists
  • Prop management with images
  • Show info dashboard
Features
Read full description

ShowTool SM is a comprehensive suite of Stage Management utilities that give you the edge, helping you focus on what really matters. Multi Show ShowTool SM supports multiple shows, helping you maintain documentation and work more productively in repertory environments. Show import and export helps you share information with other users. Timers Timing your show couldn’t be simpler. Timer sessions keep track of each run of your show or rehearsal, and timer presets allow automatic labelling of show sections as you go along. Show stops can be timed, and ad-hoc timers allow you to time scene changes or other one-off events during the show. Marks Database of all your marks simply and quickly. Select from an unlimited range of colours, attach your own images, and save additional information for each entry. Checklist Create a checklist for your production so you never forget a thing. Props Manage your props with ease, including images of your props so you can set them just right. Show Info See the checked status of all of your checks and props at a glance, manage show sections, and create email presets for generating and sending show reports. Shows are kept in sync across all your devices using iCloud.

About

DSMPrompt

Features
Read full description

Your Digital Prompt Book. Built by Stage Managers, for Stage Managers. DSMPrompt is a comprehensive iPad app designed specifically for Deputy Stage Managers and Stage Managers running live theatre productions. Say goodbye to paper prompt books, scattered timers, and frantic note-taking during tech week. Core Features: • Script Management - Import, annotate, and mark up your scripts with ease. Add line-by-line notes, character cues, and blocking details. • Cue Calling - Mark standbys, go cues, and alerts directly on your script. Visual indicators keep you on track during performances. • Precision Timing - Multi-timer system for tracking act lengths, intervals, and show duration. Pre-show call alerts ensure you never miss beginners call. • Line Marking - Highlight and annotate important lines, props, and blocking notes. Keep everything organized and accessible. • Export & Share - Generate professional PDF reports combining your annotated scripts and performance timing data. Why Stage Managers Love DSMPrompt: Offline First - No internet required. Your show data stays local and secure on your device. Privacy Focused - Zero data collection. No accounts, no tracking, no cloud sync. Your production notes remain completely private. SwiftUI Native - Built with Apple’s latest technologies for a smooth, responsive iPad experience. Open Source - Transparent development you can trust. View the code at github.com/DSMPrompt Perfect For: • Deputy Stage Managers calling cues • Stage Managers coordinating productions • Student theatre productions • Community theatre groups • Professional touring shows • Theatre education programmes Tech Week Ready: DSMPrompt is designed for the chaos of tech week and the precision of opening night. Test it thoroughly in rehearsals, then rely on it when the curtain goes up. Open Source & Community Driven: DSMPrompt is developed openly on GitHub. Feature requests, bug reports, and contributions from the theatre community help shape the app’s development. We believe great stage management tools should be accessible to everyone. No subscriptions. No ads. No data collection. Just the tools you need to run a great show. Download DSMPrompt and bring your prompt book into the digital age. DSMPrompt is developed by Urban Mechanics LTD and released as open-source software. Your production notes deserve privacy, and your shows deserve reliability.

Screenshots

ShowTool SM4 screens
DSMPrompt4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: DSMPrompt at every 4 weeks against ShowTool SM's every 7 months. ShowTool SM's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

ShowTool SM costs $4.99 and DSMPrompt $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShowTool SM ships an update every 7 months, DSMPrompt every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ShowTool SM versus DSMPrompt: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShowTool SMDSMPrompt
Price$4.99$4.99
Rating3.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews47.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Requires iOS14.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaniel MurfinUrban Mechanics LTD

In-app purchases

None

ShowTool SM

No in-app purchases

None

DSMPrompt

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ShowTool SM free?
ShowTool SM costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is DSMPrompt free?
DSMPrompt costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do ShowTool SM or DSMPrompt have ads?
Neither ShowTool SM nor DSMPrompt shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ShowTool SM or DSMPrompt?
ShowTool SM ships an update every 7 months, and DSMPrompt every 4 weeks. Most recently, ShowTool SM was updated on October 16, 2026 and DSMPrompt on October 8, 2026.

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