RayLab vs ColorAssim
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RayLab
Design and simulate optical systems with this powerful tool. Explore 2D and 3D models, perform advanced ray tracing, and analyze optical performance. Ideal for learning or professional design.
- 2D/3D optical modeling
- Geometric ray tracing
- Sequential and non-sequential analysis
- Advanced optical elements
- Polarization ray tracing
- Design optimization
- Glass catalogs
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RayLab is an application for design and simulation of optics. It can be used either as a learning tool or for the design of real optical systems. Basic version includes: • Ability to model 2D lenses and mirrors • Full control over placement and shape of optical components • Full control over aspheric surface shape parameters • Full geometric ray tracing • Sequential and Non Sequential analysis • Front Focal Length, Back Focal Length, Principle Surface calculations • Sample Models Upgrade to RayLab Pro enables: • 3D Modeling • Advanced Optical Elements such as Lens Arrays, Diffraction Gratings, Prisms, Fresnel Lenses, etc. • Polarization Ray Tracing * Ray Splitting / Beam Splitter modeling • Multi-Configuration Manager and animation functionality • Ability to perform optimizations of design parameters • Ray Transfer Matrix calculation • Various commercial glass catalogs • Zemax Importer • Multiple Analysis Windows: -- Fan Ray Diagram. -- Wavefront Error Plot. -- Grid Distortion Plot. -- Spot Diagram. -- Chromatic Aberration. -- Gaussian Spot Size. -- Polarization Analyzer. Upgrade is available with in-app purchases of various modules OR as a full featured subscription. • The subscription offers a 7 day free trial period. Subscription begins immediately but payment will only be charged to iTunes Account at the end of the trial period. • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • The account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, at the same monthly price as the original subscription. • You may manage your subscriptions and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your iTunes Account Settings after purchase. • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. • Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited if the subscription is cancelled. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: https://www.raymak.com/wp/privacy-policy
ColorAssim
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Color assimilation was first described by Wilhelm von Bezold 150 years ago: when thin colored stripes are overlaid on an image, the colors of the image appear to shift toward the stripe colors. With time, these illusions have become increasingly dramatic — from the classic Bezold spreading effect to the Munker illusion, the Monnier-Shevell illusion, and most recently the Confetti illusion by David Novick. We find that color assimilation works particularly well with human faces. ColorAssim lets you experience this directly: take a selfie or a portrait, and the app automatically segments your face and renders it nine ways — across three color sets (RGB, black-gray-white, and CMY) and three stripe phases. Watch the same face appear red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, and magenta, all at once, just by changing the color of the overlaid stripes. The effect is not a filter. Your face hasn't changed — only your perception of it has. Don't believe it? Tap the image, and the stripes covering the face fade away to reveal the unchanged colors underneath. Pinch to zoom in on the very pixels: they stay identical while the illusion comes and goes. Tap again, and the colors snap back. Share the result or save it to your photo library — with or without the stripes. And the little "?" button explains the science behind the effect. Learn more about the illusion, with demos and background: https://www.allpsych.uni-giessen.de/karl/ColorAssim/ Based on research published in iPerception (2024): https://doi.org/10.1177/20416695241258748 PS: Works with your pet, too. Just use the oval region when the segmentation gives a warning message!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ColorAssim at none against RayLab's 10. ColorAssim also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 weeks). RayLab's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). On price 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. RayLab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. ColorAssim asks for nothing beyond the download.
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, ColorAssim every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RayLab | ColorAssim |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (67 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 67 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kamyar Ghandi | Karl Gegenfurtner |
In-app purchases
RayLab
- RayLab Pro Subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- RayLab Pro UpgradeFree
- Schott Glass Catalog$0.99
- Custom Glass Editor$0.99
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- Advanced Optical Elements$1.99
- Source and Lens Arrays$1.99
- Solver/Optimizer Module$3.99
- 3D Modeling$4.99
- RayLab Pro 2$19.99
- RayLab Pro Bundle$19.99
ColorAssim
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is RayLab free?
Is ColorAssim free?
Do RayLab or ColorAssim have ads?
Which is updated more often, RayLab or ColorAssim?
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