Comparison

Mandala Studio vs ShiWen

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

Head to head
About

Mandala Studio

Features
Read full description

Mandala Studio creates beautiful mandala patterns with radial symmetry auto-mirroring. Draw once, and your stroke is automatically reflected around the center axis — anyone can create stunning symmetrical art effortlessly. Enjoy a meditative, therapeutic drawing experience. [Symmetry Drawing] - 4 to 24 division symmetry modes - Mirror reflection for richer patterns - Draw once, auto-reflect around the center [Brushes] - Pen (sharp lines) - Marker (thick, semi-transparent) - Watercolor (soft, blurred) [Features] - 16-color palette + custom colors - Line width adjustment - Background color selection - Undo/redo - 14 guided templates (flower, star, spiral, geometric, lotus, and more) - PNG export and gallery save - Artwork gallery (saved works collection) - Sample gallery (4 example artworks included) - iPad optimized layout Intuitive one-stroke symmetry generation for instant beautiful patterns. Guided templates help beginners create stunning works. Perfect as a relaxation and meditation companion. — About Mandala+ Subscription — Mandala+ is an auto-renewable subscription. - Mandala+ Premium: $2.99/month or $14.99/year (prices may vary by region) - The monthly plan includes a 3-day free trial for new subscribers - Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase - The subscription auto-renews at the same price unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; the renewal is charged within 24 hours prior to the end of the period - You can manage or cancel anytime in Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions - Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ - Privacy Policy: https://sorairoappworks0210-bot.github.io/privacy-policy/

About

ShiWen

Transform any image into unique geometric patterns and seamless designs. This tool offers over 20 pattern styles, real-time previews, and AI-enhanced upscaling for high-resolution exports. Create kaleidoscope art, repeat designs, and transparent assets for various creative projects.

Highlights
  • Create patterns from photos and textures
  • Over 20 geometric and kaleidoscope styles
  • Real-time sampling and preview
  • 70+ color palettes
  • AI HD image enhancement
  • High-resolution PNG export
  • One-tap background cutout
Read full description

Turn any photo into a seamless pattern, mandala, or kaleidoscope design. ShiWen is a pattern maker for designers, illustrators, crafters, and visual creators on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Import a photo, drawing, lettering, or everyday texture, then move the sampling frame to create kaleidoscope art, symmetrical patterns, mandalas, repeats, and seamless tiles. 【Turn Images into Patterns】 Import from Photos or Files, or shoot with the camera. Drag the sampling frame to discover new compositions. Photos, illustrations, traditional motifs, natural textures, fabrics, and handmade artwork can all become patterns. 【20+ Pattern Styles】 Explore more than 20 kaleidoscope and geometric styles based on symmetry, rotation, reflection, interlocking, and repetition. One image can become entirely different mandalas, symmetrical patterns, repeat designs, and seamless textures. 【Real-Time Sampling】 Drag the sampling frame and adjust its width, height, rotation, and output size. Every change appears directly in the preview. 【70+ Color Palettes】 Choose from more than 70 palettes and quickly explore new color combinations. 【Visual Styles】 Switch between the original image, watercolor, oil painting, rubbing, and sand effects to give the same pattern a different texture and mood. 【Layered Mandalas】 Adjust the number of petals and combine up to six concentric layers to create richer mandala compositions from the same source image. 【14 Product Mockups】 Preview the real result on 14 real objects before you download. 【One-Tap Cutout】 Remove the background from a source image or pattern to create a transparent PNG. Refine the result with the brush, eraser, and invert tools while preserving the original colors and details. 【AI HD】 Enhance small or blurry source images on-device, or apply AI HD to the finished pattern, preserving more detail for pattern creation and high-resolution export. 【Print-Ready Export】 Export PNG, JPG, PDF, layered PSD, or TIFF. Supports millimeters, centimeters, inches, and pixels, A-series and US paper sizes, and social image presets. 【Signature Watermark】 Add your own signature watermark to PNG and JPG exports. 【Local Gallery】 Source images, saved patterns, and cutout assets are organized separately. Image processing happens on your device. No account is required, and your images never leave the device. 【Perfect For】 • Pattern design and seamless repeats • Procreate brush and texture assets • Fashion, textile, fabric, and print design • Wallpapers, packaging, and pattern backgrounds • Illustration textures and digital collages • Stickers and transparent elements • Journaling and craft projects 【ShiWen Pro】 ShiWen Pro is available as a one-time purchase, or as a monthly or annual subscription. Pro unlocks all Pro pattern styles, 70+ color palettes, visual effects, AI HD, one-tap cutout, all 14 mockups, print presets and custom sizing, PDF / PSD / TIFF export, and high-resolution tile and full-pattern exports. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled. Manage or cancel your subscription in Settings → Apple Account → Subscriptions. Previous purchases can be restored in ShiWen. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://alinefan.github.io/shiwen-privacy/

Screenshots

Mandala Studio4 screens
ShiWen4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ShiWen at none against Mandala Studio's 3. ShiWen also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Mandala Studio sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ShiWen asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mandala Studio ships an update every 2 months, ShiWen every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Mandala Studio versus ShiWen: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMandala StudioShiWen
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB74 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNotake Shoji广俊 张

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Mandala Studio

Subscriptions2
  • Mandala+ Monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Mandala+ Yearly$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • Remove Ads & Support$1.99
None

ShiWen

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mandala Studio free?
Mandala Studio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShiWen free?
ShiWen is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Mandala Studio or ShiWen have ads?
Mandala Studio shows ads; ShiWen does not.
Which is updated more often, Mandala Studio or ShiWen?
Mandala Studio ships an update every 2 months, and ShiWen every 9 days. Most recently, Mandala Studio was updated on October 28, 2026 and ShiWen on October 31, 2026.

Other comparisons