ImagineFX vs Paintable
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ImagineFX
This app is a digital magazine for fantasy and sci-fi digital artists. It offers expert-led workshops, galleries, interviews with top illustrators, and reviews of creative tools. It's designed to inspire and guide both hobbyists and professionals in mastering digital art.
- Expert-led workshops
- Artist interviews
- Step-by-step tutorials
- Community spotlights
- Tool and software reviews
- Curated artwork galleries
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ImagineFX is the ultimate magazine for fantasy and sci-fi digital artists. Every issue features expert-led workshops, jaw-dropping galleries and insight from the world’s top illustrators and concept artists. What’s inside: - Step-by-step tutorials covering character design, environments and visual storytelling - Exclusive interviews with leading artists in film, games, and publishing - Community spotlights and curated artwork from around the globe - Reviews of essential tools, software and resources for digital creatives Whether you're a hobbyist or a pro, ImagineFX is your creative companion for mastering digital art. Join the community today! ------------------- Once you’ve downloaded our app, you will need to take a free trial or purchase a single issue or subscription to access our in-depth content. We also publish specials and guides - browse our publications, read what interests you most, and get inspired. Back issues, specials, and future issues are available for purchase within the app. Subscriptions are available on various monthly and annual terms, and auto-renew until you decide to cancel it. Check inside the app for current pricing. *** Please Note: Our digital edition is not printable and does not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with the print edition *** • The free trial offer is only available to new subscribers. If you have previously subscribed then payment will be taken immediately. • You can cancel at any time during the free trial period and you will not be charged. Simply turn off auto-renew in your Apple account subscriptions page at least 24 hours before the auto-renew is due. • Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. • You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, for the same duration and at the current subscription rate for that product. • You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase . • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. This does not affect your statutory rights. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. • We will be collecting information about your use of the app both when you are online and offline. To find out more please see our privacy policy. The subscription will include the current issue if you don't already own it and subsequently published future issues for the duration of your subscription period. ------------------- By purchasing a subscription or downloading an app you agree that you have read and accept Future Publishing Ltd's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: www.futureplc.com/privacy-policy/ www.futureplc.com/terms-conditions/
Paintable
This app provides a structured learning path and community support for aspiring digital artists. It offers step-by-step guidance, monthly workshops, and personalized feedback to help users build confidence and complete their illustrations.
- 5-Level Learning Path
- Monthly Themed Workshops
- Private Feedback Space
- Supportive Artist Community
- Creative Habit Support
- Illustration from Imagination
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Transform into a confident artist by creating original illustrations from imagination, guided by a clear path, helpful feedback, and a community that shares your passion. Digital Painting Academy is a private, supportive space built specifically for self-taught digital artists who want to grow their skills, build a consistent creative practice, and confidently illustrate from imagination. Whether you’re just getting started or returning after years away, you’ll find the structure, feedback, and community you’ve been missing. Join over 9,000 artists already transforming their creative lives with our step-by-step learning path, monthly themed workshops, and expert support—designed to help you finish what you start and feel proud of the art you make. > WHO IS THIS FOR? This app is for digital artists who are: • Returning to art after a long break and ready to reconnect with their creative identity • Aspiring illustrators who want to level up and take their craft seriously • Hobbyists who love making art, but struggle to finish anything • Creative burnout survivors who want to bring joy back to their art practice If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or overwhelmed by all the tutorials and advice out there—you’re not alone. This space is for artists who want real growth, real progress, and real connection. > WHAT WILL YOU GET? Inside the Digital Painting Academy app, you’ll find everything you need to go from dabbler to confident artist: ** A 5-Level Learning Path ** A clear roadmap from beginner foundations to fully polished illustrations—designed to build your skills step by step, so you’re never lost or wondering what to learn next. ** Monthly Workshops ** Every month, dive into new themes like portraits, characters, and storytelling illustration. Learn pro techniques, apply them through mini-projects, and stretch your creative muscles—without getting overwhelmed. ** Private Feedback Space ** Get personalized, constructive feedback from experienced mentors who understand your goals. Whether you’re stuck or just need a nudge, we’re here to help you keep going. ** Supportive Artist Community ** No ego. No distractions. Just a warm, encouraging space to connect, grow, and stay inspired with fellow artists who care about their craft as much as you do. ** Built-In Creative Habit Support ** Life gets busy—but that doesn’t mean your art has to take a backseat. We help you find a rhythm that fits your real life, so you can make consistent progress without burnout. > WHY JOIN? Because you’re putting in the hours—now it’s time to get the results you deserve. If you’ve ever thought: “I’ve been drawing for years, but I still don’t feel like I’m improving.” “I can’t seem to finish my projects.” “I know I could do this… if I just had the right structure.” This is the space you’ve been looking for. Create art you’re proud of. Finish what matters. And finally feel like a “real” artist. No more doing it alone. No more wondering what to work on next. Just a clear, supportive path to becoming the artist you’ve always wanted to be. Join Digital Painting Academy and unlock the skills, confidence, and momentum to bring your imagination to life—one finished piece at a time.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Paintable at none against ImagineFX's 12. Paintable also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). ImagineFX's advantage is ratings volume (627 vs 18) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, rating, ads 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
Both are free to download. ImagineFX sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Paintable asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for ImagineFX against 4.7 for Paintable. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ImagineFX has 627 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two.
ImagineFX ships an update every 3 months, Paintable weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ImagineFX | Paintable |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (627 ratings) | 4.7 (18 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 54.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 627 — better | 18 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Ad-supported — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 25 MB | 143 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | Future plc | Paintable Pte. Ltd. |
Customer experience
ImagineFX
Paintable
Bugs and requests
ImagineFX
Reported bugs
3 issues- Issues not displaying properly offline
- Purchased content disappearing or not accessible
- Inconsistent behavior when restoring purchases
Requested features
5 requests- Ability to access CD/digital content included with print subscription
- Improved offline support and caching
- Bookmarking, highlighting, and annotation tools
- Better organization and navigation of back issues
- Cross-device syncing of purchases and library
Paintable
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
ImagineFX
- 1 Month Subscription1 Month trial$5.991 Month
- 3 Month Subscription1 Month trial$19.993 Months
- 6 Month Subscription1 Month trial$31.996 Months
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- 1 Year Subscription1 Month trial$59.991 Year
- ImagineFX Annual 2025$1.99
- May 2012$7.99
- August 2012$7.99
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- October 2012$7.99
- November 2012$7.99
- The Digital Artist's Survival Guide$11.99
- All ImagineFX back issues$79.99
Paintable
No in-app purchases






