Comparison

Lightbox Tracing Pad vs Spectroscope

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

Head to head
About

Lightbox Tracing Pad

Features
Read full description

Turn your iPad or iPhone into a simple lightbox for tracing images on paper. Import a reference image, adjust it for clearer lines, lock the screen, place paper on top, and trace with a pencil or marker. Lightbox Tracing Pad is useful for sketch practice, lettering, craft patterns, tattoo idea outlines, illustrations, and kids learning to draw. Features: • Import images from your photo library • Adjust contrast and filters for clearer tracing • Pinch to resize and position your reference • Lock the screen to avoid accidental touches • Trace on real paper with your own pen or pencil No account. No data collection. Your images stay on your device. Lightbox Tracing Pad is a small, focused utility for turning a screen into a practical tracing surface.

About

Spectroscope

Features
Read full description

Professional Spectral Analysis in Your Pocket Transform your smartphone into a powerful, calibrated optical spectrometer. Designed for science educators, researchers, and hobbyists, "Spectroscope" bridges the gap between educational tools and laboratory instrumentation. Connect a clip-on spectroscope hardware and start capturing, calibrating, and analyzing light spectra in real-time. NEW IN VERSION 2.0: • Reference Mode (REF): Perform comparative analysis seamlessly. Freeze a baseline spectrum (e.g., White Light) and compare it against live samples in real-time. Perfect for demonstrating Absorbance and Transmittance in the classroom without exporting data. • Multi-Camera Support: Fully optimized for modern devices. Select the specific lens (Telephoto, Ultra-Wide, Front/Back) that best fits your mounting setup directly from Settings. KEY FEATURES: • Precision Data Export: Generate scientific-grade CSV files with 4-decimal precision for both Wavelength (nm) and Intensity • Easy Calibration: Calibrate accurate X-axis (nanometers) using standard CFL lamps (Mercury peaks) or define your own custom reference points. • Live Analysis: Visualize data with the integrated high-contrast chart, featuring peak detection and adjustable exposure/focus locks. • Universal Compatibility: Works with any DIY or commercial spectroscope with a smartphone mount. APPLICATIONS: • Physics & Astronomy: Analyze emission lines of light sources and stars. • Chemistry Labs: Measure absorbance of colored solutions using the new REF workflow. • Gemology & Field Work: Portable analysis anywhere, anytime. Download the complete User Manual with step-by-step lab workflows here: https://www.majinsoft.com/apps/spectroscope/Spectroscope_User_Manual.pdf

Screenshots

Lightbox Tracing Pad4 screens
Spectroscope1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Lightbox Tracing Pad at $7.99 against Spectroscope's $14.99. Spectroscope's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 13 months). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Lightbox Tracing Pad costs $7.99 and Spectroscope $14.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Lightbox Tracing Pad ships an update every 13 months, Spectroscope every 5 days. Both last shipped on November 8, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
Lightbox Tracing Pad versus Spectroscope: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLightbox Tracing PadSpectroscope
Price$7.99 — better$14.99
Update frequencyEvery 13 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNatalia ObukhovaLEONARDO TAZZINI

In-app purchases

None

Lightbox Tracing Pad

No in-app purchases

None

Spectroscope

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Lightbox Tracing Pad free?
Lightbox Tracing Pad costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Spectroscope free?
Spectroscope costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Lightbox Tracing Pad or Spectroscope have ads?
Neither Lightbox Tracing Pad nor Spectroscope shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lightbox Tracing Pad or Spectroscope?
Lightbox Tracing Pad ships an update every 13 months, and Spectroscope every 5 days. Most recently, Lightbox Tracing Pad was updated on November 8, 2026 and Spectroscope on November 8, 2026.

Other comparisons