# Tracer vs Lightbox Trace

The clearest difference is monetization model: Lightbox Trace at free with in-app purchases against Tracer's subscription. Lightbox Trace also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). Tracer's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.1) and ratings volume (112 vs 7). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tracer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Lightbox Trace sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Tracer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tracer has 112 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Tracer ships an update every 10 days, Lightbox Trace every 11 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tracer | Lightbox Trace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (112 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tracer-trace-drawing-camera/id6760240375/reviews)** | [4.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightbox-trace-draw-on-paper/id6761619641/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **112** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 11 days |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 48 MB | 112 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pull Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828384931) | [Webdwarf](https://appshunter.io/developer/1523173790) |

## What reviewers say

### Tracer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tracer-trace-drawing-camera/id6760240375)

Transform your phone into a digital tracing tool to practice drawing and recreate images. Import photos, adjust opacity, and trace directly onto paper. Features step-by-step tutorials to help beginners learn drawing.

**Highlights:** Import images from photo library or camera, Adjust image opacity for tracing, Trace directly onto paper, Step-by-step drawing tutorials, Practice tracing characters, logos, and sketches

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


### Lightbox Trace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightbox-trace-draw-on-paper/id6761619641)

Transform your device into a portable tracing pad. Easily trace images, practice sketching, and improve your drawing skills with a digital lightbox and projector. Offers over 300 templates for inspiration and guided practice.

**Highlights:** Digital lightbox for tracing, Easy image tracing, Drawing projector tools, 300+ practice templates, Grid projector overlay, Convert photos to line art, Lock screen while drawing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| LightBox Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| LightBox Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| LightBox Discount Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tracer free?

Tracer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Lightbox Trace free?

Lightbox Trace is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Tracer or Lightbox Trace?

Tracer is rated higher. Tracer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 112 ratings, while Lightbox Trace averages 4.1 from 7 ratings.

### Do Tracer or Lightbox Trace have ads?

Neither Tracer nor Lightbox Trace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tracer or Lightbox Trace?

Tracer ships an update every 10 days, and Lightbox Trace every 11 days. Most recently, Tracer was updated on October 31, 2026 and Lightbox Trace on October 31, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*