Comparison

StageTools vs Pixelmap Builder

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

Head to head
About

StageTools

A comprehensive lighting toolkit for professionals, offering network scanning, DMX inspection, fixture testing, and plot creation. Manage fixture data, files, and notes without needing a laptop, with many tools available offline.

Highlights
  • Network device scanning
  • DMX viewer for sACN/ArtNet
  • Micro console for fixture testing
  • Protocol detector
  • LTC timecode generation/reception
  • Curve builder
  • Quick plot creation
  • Scout notes with multimedia
Features
Read full description

StageTools is a lighting toolkit for iPhone and iPad, built for the work that happens before, during, and after the rig is in the air. Scout the job. Plot the rig. Troubleshoot the network. Check DMX. Keep fixture data, files, notes, and utility tools close without opening a laptop. TOOLBOX Network Devices scans your show network and helps you keep track of nodes, switches, consoles, and other devices. DMX Viewer listens to sACN and ArtNet so you can inspect live universe data and catch channel changes. Micro Console gives you a pocket-sized lighting console for fixture testing, quick looks, and controlled sACN or ArtNet output when you need it. Protocol Detector passively listens for common show-network traffic so you can see what is talking before you change anything. LTC Timecode can generate, receive, or jam timecode from your device. Curve Builder helps build fixture correction references from meter readings and export them for real show workflows. DIP Switch and CCT Converter cover the small calculations that still come up on set and in the shop. QUICK PLOTS Build fast lighting plots, network layouts, and power notes on one canvas. Add symbols, labels, cables, layers, backgrounds, custom symbols, and exports to PDF or PNG. SCOUT NOTES Create location scouts with photos, videos, marked-up images, note tabs, voice memos, transcripts, files, and PDF export. Make Scout Notes can turn a voice transcript into structured notes you can review and insert. FIXTURES Search, download, favorite, and reference fixtures from the GDTF Share Library. Downloaded fixtures can be used across StageTools workflows. FILES Save links, PDFs, manuals, plots, patch sheets, network diagrams, and local files. Organize by folder, category, and favorites, then share folder bundles when another StageTools user needs the same packet. BUILT FOR LIGHTING WORK StageTools is focused on lighting professionals: set lighting crews, theatrical electricians, lighting designers, programmers, gaffers, and touring techs. Many tools work offline. Live network tools require access to the show network. Core data stays on your device, with optional iCloud Sync for your own devices. StageTools is free to try. A subscription unlocks the full lighting workflow after the trial. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Pixelmap Builder

Design and plan complex LED video walls for stage and event productions. This tool helps you map pixel layouts, generate wiring diagrams, and preview screen performance with test patterns. Export project files, coordinate sheets, and videos for seamless installation and show execution.

Highlights
  • Design multi-screen LED walls
  • Customizable rows, columns, and panel sizes
  • Automatic port wiring diagrams
  • Animated radar test patterns
  • Export PNG maps, CSV coordinates, Resolume projects, and MP4 videos
  • App customization options
Features
Read full description

Pixelmap Builder is a professional layout tool for LED video wall and stage designers, VJs, and technicians. Plan your pixel map, test your screens, and export everything you need for a flawless install or show. Design your layout: Build multi-screen LED walls with custom rows, columns, and panel sizes. Position screens freely, mix panel resolutions, and see real-world dimensions in meters and feet as you work. Wiring and ports: Automatically generate port wiring diagrams with configurable panels-per-port, direction, and start corner — perfect for planning your data runs before you're on site. Radar test patterns: Preview your LED wall with animated radar overlays — pulse, sweep, wave, and cross wipe patterns, with multiple origin modes including independent per-screen testing. Great for verifying screen alignment and signal flow before a show. Export everything: Export high-resolution PNGs of your pixel map, CSV coordinate sheets, ready-to-import Resolume Arena project files, and MP4 test pattern videos for your media server. Make it yours: Customize the app's background, button colors, and text colors to match your workflow. Whether you're mapping a single stage backdrop or a complex multi-wall installation, Pixelmap Builder helps you plan it right the first time. A limited number of free exports are included. Pixelmap Premium unlocks unlimited PNG, CSV, Resolume, and MP4 exports. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

StageTools4 screens
Pixelmap Builder4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Pixelmap Builder at weekly against StageTools's every 2 weeks. On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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. StageTools sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Pixelmap Builder sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for StageTools against 5.0 for Pixelmap Builder. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 5 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StageTools ships an update every 2 weeks, Pixelmap Builder weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
StageTools versus Pixelmap Builder: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStageToolsPixelmap Builder
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings)5.0 (5 ratings)
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings35 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size87 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperX0 Lighting Control Inc.Julio Valdes Fernandez

In-app purchases

2 purchases

StageTools

Subscriptions2
  • StageTools Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • StageTools Annual7 Days trial$39.991 Year
3 purchases

Pixelmap Builder

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Premium$6.991 Month
  • Annual Premium$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • 1-Day Premium Pass$2.99

Questions

Is StageTools free?
StageTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pixelmap Builder free?
Pixelmap Builder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, StageTools or Pixelmap Builder?
StageTools and Pixelmap Builder are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 5 ratings respectively.
Do StageTools or Pixelmap Builder have ads?
Neither StageTools nor Pixelmap Builder shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StageTools or Pixelmap Builder?
StageTools ships an update every 2 weeks, and Pixelmap Builder weekly. Most recently, StageTools was updated on September 16, 2026 and Pixelmap Builder on September 30, 2026.

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