Comparison

Cut Notes vs Cyclops AR

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

Head to head
About

Cut Notes

This app allows post-production professionals to take notes synced to video timecode. It integrates with cloud workflow platforms for collaboration and sharing, and can export notes to editing software. A free version is available for Kollaborate users.

Highlights
  • Timecode sync with editing applications
  • Cloud integration with Kollaborate
  • Collaborative note-taking
  • Customizable notekeys
  • Export notes to editing software
  • Manual note entry
Features
Read full description

Cut Notes: Kollaborate Edition is a free cut-down version of Cut Notes for use with the Kollaborate cloud workflow platform. It requires a subscriber or trial account on Kollaborate or Kollaborate Server. To start, create a project on Kollaborate, then upload a file and it will show up in Cut Notes once you have logged into your account. To create local projects on the device, you will need the full version of the app which is available through an in-app purchase or at the following URL: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cut-notes/id395617220?mt=8 *** Cut Notes is an iPad note-taking app for post production professionals. Take notes on the fly using quick preset buttons, all synced to the timecode of your editing application. Used worldwide by studios and freelancers alike, Cut Notes allows you to focus on the cut instead of looking down to write. Cut Notes is integrated with the Kollaborate cloud workflow platform which allows you to easily share notes with colleagues and clients, as well as having collaborative note-taking sessions. TIMECODE Sync timecode from Kollaborate, Final Cut Pro 6/7, Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro CS 6.0.2 for Mac, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Avid Media Composer / Symphony for Mac, Adobe Audition and Pro Tools. Additionally, Cut Notes should be able to sync to any app that supports MIDI timecode. NOTE KEYS With a single tap of a notekey, the note is added instantly at the current timecode position. Create notekey sets for different tasks such as editing and mixing. MANUAL ENTRY Create a custom note at any time with the text box above the notekeys. Cut Notes will insert the note at the moment you first began typing so there’s no need to rush. CUSTOMIZE Change any notekey, create notekey sets and color code the keys. CLOUD INTEGRATION Make notes on your Kollaborate videos and sync them instantly to the cloud. Sync timecode directly from your web browser and remotely control playback. View comments by colleagues instantly and take part in collaborative note-taking sessions. EXPORT Cut Notes can export notes to Final Cut Pro 6/7, Final Cut Pro X, Avid Media Composer and Pro Tools (via the third-party application EdiMarker). Importing a Marker List into Final Cut Pro 7 or FCPX requires the free Cut Notes Marker Import utility for macOS available at http://www.digitalrebellion.com/cutnotes. "Cut Notes is a perfect example of how an iPad can supplement production & post production workflows." - Craig Bergonzoni, Editor/Producer "I'm really happy with the software… I'd feel comfortable using Cut Notes in a screening with executives." - Chris Chris Losnegard, Story Producer See the user manual to find out how to sync to various applications. For Support please visit http://www.digitalrebellion.com/support/cutnotes.

About

Cyclops AR

Visualize digital assets and architectural designs in real-world environments using augmented reality. Professionals can preview CG characters, set extensions, and building proposals directly on location, enhancing pre-production and design workflows.

Highlights
  • AR visualization of digital assets
  • Real-time animation and lighting
  • Google Maps integration with sun path
  • Professional camera and lens matching
  • Import/export with Unreal Engine
  • AI People compositing
  • Lidar for holdout geometry
Read full description

Cyclops is an advanced AR visualization tool for film/TV and architecture, relied on by industry professionals to easily visualize ideas in the real world. See digital creatures, set extensions or designs in context with actual sets, actors and locations. Scout building sites and design proposals aligned to real geography. Whether the content you are creating will be virtual or real, you can use Cyclops anywhere to provide a new perspective on the world. Use Cyclops anywhere to put your virtual ideas into real-world context. For VFX Crew Visualize CG characters, creatures and set extensions on set or on location, with simulcam-like capabilities in real time. Integrate VFX elements with powerful compositing tools. Preview, share and discuss how VFX elements will integrate into shots while scouting and shooting. For Directors, Cinematographers, & Camera Operators Block shots and create photoboards in AR or in Google Maps. “Find” shots by framing up virtual and real storytelling elements. Scout camera coverage, lenses and real locations to help prepare shot lists and shooting plans. Use as a digital viewfinder to properly review VFX shots with proper camera lens matching. For Designers & Architects Visualize architecture projects in AR to see and share how designs fit the real world. Visualize designs in Google Maps to explore and present a proposed build within the actual geography. Create scenarios for lighting or drop in posed humans to capture video with scale reference. Features & Tools: Import your own FBX/OBJ models or export assets and levels from Unreal Real-time animation, lighting and FX adjustment tools Search-and-explore via Google Maps, with correct sun path information Professional cinema camera & lens matching Scene organization tools, including outliner, layers and bookmarks Asset tools to move, rotate, & scale objects in the scene Take photos and record videos with metadata/camera data Export recorded cameras into Unreal Game controller support Range finder and measuring tape tool Robust animation playback controls – scrub, adjust playback speed, set in/out points, & more Built-in Photo and Video Gallery with custom info, metadata and sharing Seamless import/export with Unreal Engine Secure content delivery system AI People compositing Chromakey Scene Lidar for holdout geometry Built-in GPS alignment Point Cloud Anchor tools to correctly save and load CG models in real-world locations Scene-saving tools Create your own complex assets in Unreal with different color, texture, or material options Multiple operation modes, including Asset Mode, Shot Mode, VCAM Mode and Maps Mode Secure platform. All content is stored on your device with no rendering in the cloud. Hundreds of user-driven tools and features Additional Info: Cyclops is a subscription-based app. Multiple subscription levels and time frames are offered to fit user and project needs. Maps - access to Maps Mode only Assets - access to Maps and Asset modes Pro - access to all modes. You can enjoy a 1-week free trial. iOS or iPadOS 16 or newer is required. For the best experience with Cyclops, a 2021 or newer iPad Pro is recommended. Please see our website for more info, tutorials & support. http://cyclops.thethirdfloorinc.com

Screenshots

Cyclops AR4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Cyclops AR at 3.7 against Cut Notes's 1.0. Cyclops AR also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). Cut Notes's advantage is monetization model (free vs subscription) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Cut Notes sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Cyclops AR sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Cyclops AR holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 3 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Cut Notes ships an update every 4 months, Cyclops AR monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Cut Notes versus Cyclops AR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCut NotesCyclops AR
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)3.7 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterSubscription
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB442 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDigital Rebellion LLCThe Third Floor, Inc

Customer experience

Cut Notes

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Cyclops AR

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Cut Notes

One-time1
  • Full Version Upgrade$14.99
10 purchases

Cyclops AR

Subscriptions10
  • Maps Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Assets Weekly7 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Maps 6 Months7 Days trial$5.996 Months
Show 7 more
  • Pro Weekly7 Days trial$9.997 Days
  • Maps Yearly7 Days trial$9.991 Year
  • Assets Monthly7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • Pro Monthly7 Days trial$24.991 Month
  • Assets 6 Months7 Days trial$79.996 Months
  • Pro 6 Months7 Days trial$124.996 Months
  • Assets Yearly7 Days trial$150.001 Year

Questions

Is Cut Notes free?
Cut Notes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cyclops AR free?
Cyclops AR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Cut Notes or Cyclops AR?
Cyclops AR is rated higher. Cut Notes averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Cyclops AR averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.
Do Cut Notes or Cyclops AR have ads?
Neither Cut Notes nor Cyclops AR shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Cut Notes or Cyclops AR?
Cut Notes ships an update every 4 months, and Cyclops AR monthly. Most recently, Cut Notes was updated on October 4, 2026 and Cyclops AR on October 2, 2026.

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