Comparison

irBoard vs ManualMaker / Manual creation

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

Head to head
About

irBoard

Features
Read full description

Using irBoard, you can conveniently monitor the status and operation of FA equipment and IoT devices through an iPad or any other iOS device. The control device known as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) has communication protocols. irBoard communicate with PLCs via its protocol. Additionally, it has the capability to communicate effectively with IoT devices, specifically the ESP32 device at present. You don’t need additional software besides irBoard because the screen editor is already included. ===================================== Before making any purchase, we recommend trying out the irBoard Lite free edition. If the price is suitable for your needs, we recommend upgrading to the paid edition. ===================================== FEATURE: - You can conveniently monitor the status and operation of FA equipment and IoT devices. - Although the FA equipment has fixed touch panels installed, the irBoard on iOS devices offers superior portability. - It is possible to remotely check the status of a device in PLCs. - To ensure safety, manipulating connected PLC devices is only allowed on a single iOS device. - By switching projects, you can easily connect to multiple FA machines using just one iOS device. - irBoard supports the following PLCs via Ethernet connection: MITSUBISHI Electric, KEYENCE, OMRON, and YOKOGAWA Electric, and support Modbus/TCP. - It can also connect to an open-source PLC LadderDrive running on Raspberry Pi. (https://github.com/ito-soft-design/ladder_drive) - The irBoard Library for ESP32 library supports ESP32 devices.(https://github.com/ito-soft-design/irboard_esp32) - The irBoard.NET library supports Windows .NET applications.(https://github.com/ito-soft-design/irboard-dotnet) - Using the LadderDrive protocol, allows for communication with IoT devices such as ESP32 without any difficulty. - The screen editor has already been included. it is easy for you to make modifications to the pages. ===================================== --- Notes --- With irBoard, you have the ability to turn devices on and off. If you require the interlocking of PLC-controlled devices, it is necessary to configure this on the PLC. To ensure safety, we suggest setting the status of such devices to read-only. You can monitor the health status to determine if the connection is stable. If the connection is lost, it’s important to take precautionary measures when operating your PLC. =====================================

About

ManualMaker / Manual creation

Easily create detailed manuals by combining photos and text. Organize steps with explanations, add notes and drawings to images, and export your guides as PDF files for seamless sharing. Ideal for work instructions, training, and personal how-to guides.

Highlights
  • Organize steps with photos and text
  • Import or take photos
  • Add notes and drawings to images
  • Export as PDF
  • Create work instructions
  • Build training materials
Features
Read full description

Create manuals easily with photos and text. Manual Maker helps you turn photo-based steps into clear guides. Choose a photo, write a description and arrange your steps in order. Use it for work instructions, handovers, operating guides, recipes and everyday tasks. PHOTOS AND TEXT Take a photo or add one from your device, then write an explanation for each step. You can also annotate photos and maps. ORGANIZE YOUR STEPS Add steps with photos and rearrange their order. Edit each step to keep your guide up to date. FOLLOW YOUR GUIDE Open a finished manual and follow its photos and instructions. Use checklists and timers while you work. SAVE, PRINT AND SHARE AS A PDF Choose a layout and export your manual as a PDF. Print it for others or share the file. MANUALMAKER PRO (IN-APP PURCHASE) Access PDF features for business use, backups, iCloud sync and more. See the app for available features and terms. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

irBoard4 screens
ManualMaker / Manual creation4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: ManualMaker / Manual creation at Free against irBoard's $599.99. ManualMaker / Manual creation also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). irBoard's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On 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

ManualMaker / Manual creation is free to download; irBoard costs $599.99 up front. ManualMaker / Manual creation sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. irBoard asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

irBoard ships an update monthly, ManualMaker / Manual creation fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
irBoard versus ManualMaker / Manual creation: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterirBoardManualMaker / Manual creation
Price$599.99Free — better
Rating—3.5 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—70.8% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size40 MB28 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperITO SOFT DESIGN Inc.YOSHIHIRO TAKAHASHI

In-app purchases

None

irBoard

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

ManualMaker / Manual creation

Subscriptions2
  • ManualMaker Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
  • ManualMaker Pro Yearly$11.991 Year
One-time1
  • Remove all ads.$5.99

Questions

Is irBoard free?
irBoard costs $599.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is ManualMaker / Manual creation free?
ManualMaker / Manual creation is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do irBoard or ManualMaker / Manual creation have ads?
ManualMaker / Manual creation shows ads; irBoard does not.
Which is updated more often, irBoard or ManualMaker / Manual creation?
irBoard ships an update monthly, and ManualMaker / Manual creation fortnightly. Most recently, irBoard was updated on October 16, 2026 and ManualMaker / Manual creation on October 29, 2026.

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