Lectio vs Sheaf
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Lectio
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Lectio is an OCR tool that lets you choose the engine for each task. It combines on-device recognition, professional OCR services and leading large language models to extract text from images, organize documents and convert formats. Photos, scans, PDFs, handwriting, classical texts, tables, complex formulas, columns and mixed layouts can all become editable, exportable content. Lectio preserves the original hierarchy, paragraphs and layout wherever possible, reducing manual entry and reformatting. Switch between recognition engines based on the file and use case, choosing the right balance of speed, accuracy and layout preservation. —USE CASES— ● Organize lecture slides, books and study materials Extract text, tables and formulas from slides, textbooks, notes and exercises with less manual typing. ● Recognize handwriting and classical texts Extract handwritten notes, annotations, classical works and historical documents for easier organization, search and storage. ● Prepare image content before asking AI When AI cannot read an image clearly, first convert it into structured text, then copy it into your conversation. ● Extract contracts, reports and paper documents Turn contracts, reports, scans and other paper materials into content that is easier to edit, archive and search. ● Recognize complex formulas and specialist material Process mathematical formulas, technical documents, research material and complex symbols while preserving structure wherever possible. ● Capture foreign-language text from video Extract foreign-language text from screenshots, subtitle frames and film clips for translation, study and organization. ● Convert complex documents Process files with tables, formulas, columns, hierarchies and mixed layouts, then convert them for editing or archiving. —CORE FEATURES— 1. Image and file recognition Import photos, library images, PDFs and other compatible files to quickly extract text, handwriting, tables and formulas. 2. Complex layout preservation Handle tables, columns, paragraph hierarchies, complex formulas and mixed layouts while preserving the original structure wherever possible. 3. Works online and offline Built-in on-device recognition works without a network connection. When online, use cloud services as needed for more complex content. 4. Flexible choice of recognition engines Choose an on-device engine, professional OCR service or leading large language model based on language, file type and layout complexity. Keys and data are protected. 5. Parallel task processing Run multiple recognition tasks at once to reduce waiting when processing images and files in batches. 6. Multiple conversion and export formats Export PDF, DOCX, Markdown, JSON and more for editing, archiving or use in other tools. Formats depend on the current version and membership tier. 7. Multi-platform support Use Lectio on iPhone, iPad, Mac and other supported platforms. Sign in with the same account across supported devices. 8. Flexible ways to use Lectio The trial and registered versions cover most everyday tasks. For higher limits, more parallel tasks and full export features, make a one-time purchase for lifetime membership. There is no auto-renewing subscription. —ABOUT THE BOUNDLESS TOOLS SERIES— Lectio is part of the Boundless Tools series. We reduce barriers across languages and cultures, helping you organize information, understand content and explore the world. The series includes: ● Lectio: image OCR, document organization and format conversion ● Translatio: companion text translation ● Auditio: speech recognition, pronunciation assessment and language learning ● Traditio: cross-platform file and clipboard transfer The tools work together through export, sharing and file transfer, connecting text recognition, translation, speech processing and file transfer. If you encounter a problem or would like to share a suggestion, contact us at: support@kaichenera.com
Sheaf
This app offers offline document scanning, OCR, and organization with reminders. It allows importing various file types, searching text, and managing records using categories and tags, all while prioritizing local data processing for privacy.
- Offline OCR in 12 languages
- Import PDFs, Word, Excel, TXT
- Full-text search
- Category and tag organization
- Local reminders
- Local-first privacy
- Optional iCloud sync
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Sheaf brings document scanning, offline OCR, file organization, and reminders into one workspace built around local processing. Capture paper or import photos, PDFs, Word, Excel, and TXT files, search extracted text, and organize records with categories, tags, notes, and reminders. IMPORT AND ORGANIZE • Import PDFs, Word, Excel, and TXT files from Photos or the system file picker without scanning them again. • Preview TXT content, see text-based thumbnails, and include it in full-text search while keeping the original file unchanged. • View categories as a list or grid, pin and reorder them by dragging, and choose icons and colors for categories and tags. SCAN AND ENHANCE • Detect document edges, correct perspective, and capture multiple pages in one flow. • Choose Original, Enhanced, Grayscale, or Black & White, then adjust edges, rotation, and page order. OFFLINE OCR IN 13 LANGUAGES • Supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Arabic, and Hindi. • OCR models are included with the app. Images and recognized text are not sent to a remote recognition server. • Copy recognized text or use full-text search to find information across your library. SMART ORGANIZATION AND REMINDERS • Use recognized content to help generate file names, dates, and category suggestions. • Build a filing system with categories, tags, notes, and full-text search. • Add local reminders for contracts, IDs, receipts, and other records that need attention. LOCAL-FIRST PRIVACY, iCLOUD SYNC, AND BACKUP • No Sheaf account or developer-operated server is required. Scans, imported files, OCR text, and search indexes stay on your device by default. • On iPhone and iPad, Pro users can optionally sync selected files through the private CloudKit database of their Apple ID. Sync is off by default, and private content has a separate off-by-default switch. • Pause sync or remove Sheaf’s iCloud records and assets without deleting local files. • Protect important categories with system authentication and hide sensitive files. • Create an encrypted local backup that you choose where to store and manage. FREE AND PRO Free includes scanning, import, viewing, basic editing, file management, and a cumulative 20-page local OCR trial. Sheaf Pro is a one-time purchase on this platform that unlocks the complete local Pro feature set, expanded OCR and organization tools, optional iCloud sync on iOS/iPadOS, private space, encrypted backup, advanced page tools, and watermark-free eligible shared copies. Purchases and restoration are handled by the App Store. There is no subscription or separate watermark product.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Sheaf at every 3 days against Lectio's every 2 weeks. Sheaf also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Lectio sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Sheaf sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Lectio ships an update every 2 weeks, Sheaf every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Lectio | Sheaf |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 1.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 3 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 60 MB | 168 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Shanghai Kaichen Jiyuan Technology Co., Ltd. | 闻俊 王 |
In-app purchases
Lectio
- Lifetime Membership$6.99
Sheaf
- Sheaf Pro Lifetime$9.99





