GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer vs PatternGenius
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer
This app offers robust PDF editing and viewing capabilities, alongside comprehensive file management tools. It allows users to annotate PDFs, manage files from various cloud services, and secure sensitive data with advanced encryption. Enjoy a superior reading experience with features like PDF Reflow and split-screen viewing.
- PDF annotation and editing
- Extensive file format support
- Cloud service integration (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
- AES-256 military-grade encryption
- Split-screen viewing for iPad
- File management and organization
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First released in 2009, GoodReader® is truly a veteran of the App Store. In the modern app business, it's not easy to stay relevant that long. We're proud to say that after 17 years and counting, we've been delivering wonderful updates with extraordinary new features. And we're going to keep doing that! GoodReader is a perfect combination of document-reading and file-managing capabilities. It's your one-stop shop for all your document needs on your iOS device. Use the app once, and you'll be hooked. Soon you'll be wondering how you ever managed to work without it. -= File Reading =- PDF, TXT, MS Office, iWork, HTML, pictures, music & audio-books, videos. This is what you can view in GoodReader, plus you can also annotate PDF files and edit TXT files. -= PDF Reading and Annotating =- PDF files is where GoodReader truly shines. Reading experience is so superior, it's hard to describe. To rephrase one of our customers' review, "try it, and you'll see." While you're at it, give our PDF Reflow feature a try. You'll be surprised how much better PDF reading goes when you don't have to scroll left/right all the time, for every single line of text. Annotating PDFs is another star feature of our app. Adding notes and drawings, highlighting text, and then sharing your annotated files or annotation summaries will be your main productivity and collaboration asset. -= File Management =- While reading files is a big part of GoodReader, it's not all it can do. It can also serve as a central hub for all your files, even those that can't be opened by GoodReader itself. It's like bringing your personal computer experience to your mobile device — easily managing huge collections of files and folders will make you forget you don't have your laptop around. -= Connecting =- Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Box.com, WebDAV, SMB, FTP, SFTP — these are all accessible from inside GoodReader. Download, upload, and sync individual files or huge folder collections. -= Security =- With GoodReader, your data security steps up to the level previously only dreamt of. With Pro Pack®, our new set of professional-level super-features, you'll get AES-256, a military-grade encryption, for all your data, at a price of a cup of coffee! And it's completely independent from the built-in Apple's Data Protection, so even if a hacker steals and unlocks your device, your data will still be protected by another strong layer of security, our own. -= Multi-Windows =- Seamlessly view and manage multiple files simultaneously on iPad. -= Notes =- Capture ideas and comments while reading or studying a technical document without even leaving the app. Sort and group your notes into categories. (Note: Some features require a Pro Pack® subscription.)
PatternGenius
Design intricate knit patterns with a comprehensive vector symbol set. Easily create charts, add custom images, and notes. Publish your designs as PDFs or to your camera roll. Unlock advanced features like color integration, larger chart sizes, and auto-generated written instructions through in-app purchases or a subscription.
- Vector-based symbol set
- Tap and Paint modes
- Undo/Redo functionality
- Row/stitch numbering
- Export to PDF and Camera Roll
- Color integration
- Auto-generated written instructions
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Create knit patterns using a beautiful vector based symbol set that includes a large number of increases, decreases, texture, cables, variable symbols, and more. Publish to your camera roll or as a PDF. Generated patterns include the chart, key, custom images, notes and written instructions (in-app purchase). Free Basics: * Access all symbols including our unique variable symbols. * Tap and Paint modes, Undo/Redo, and row/stitch numbering. * Share charts and keys to Camera Roll and PDF. * Archive and sync with Dropbox. * Add your own picture and notes. * Unlimited number of projects. * 25x25 charts (larger charts available with in-app purchase). * Remove ads with any in-app purchase. AllGenius Subscription adds: * ColorGenius: Add color to your charts including colorwork, symbol color and fill. * ChartGenius: Change number of rows/stitches (up to 150x150), hide/show rows, Favorites Bar & more. * SelectGenius: Cut/Copy/Mirror/Fill/Replace a selection (region, row, column, entire chart) and mark repeat sections. * KeyGenius: Customize the abbreviation, short, and long descriptions for all symbols. * TextGenius: Auto-generated written instructions for any chart. * Privacy: https://www.patterngenius.com/about/privacy-policy/ * Terms of Use: https://www.patterngenius.com/about/terms-of-service/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: PatternGenius at Free against GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer's $5.99. PatternGenius also leads on iOS requirement (13.6 vs 17.6). GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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
PatternGenius is free to download; GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer costs $5.99 up front. GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and PatternGenius sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer has 14K ratings behind it against 45, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer's written reviews are positive against 43% of PatternGenius's.
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer ships an update weekly, PatternGenius every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and July 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer | PatternGenius |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.7 (14K ratings) — better | 4.2 (45 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 68.7% of reviews — better | 42.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 14K — better | 45 |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #38 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 13.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 53 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Good.iWare, Inc. | Create2Thrive Inc. |
Customer experience
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer
PatternGenius
Bugs and requests
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer
Reported bugs
3 issues- Syncing issues with cloud storage providers
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between apps
Requested features
5 requests- Continuous scrolling for better reading experience
- Improved search functionality with advanced filters
- Ability to set custom color schemes and themes
- Enhanced support for ebook formats like EPUB
- Streamlined annotation tools and workflow
PatternGenius
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer
- Pro Pack (monthly)7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Pro Pack (annual)7 Days trial$17.991 Year
- Auto Sync$9.99
- Pro Pack$79.99
PatternGenius
- All Genius7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- All Genius7 Days trial$24.991 Year
Questions
Is GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer free?
Is PatternGenius free?
Which has better reviews, GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer or PatternGenius?
Do GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer or PatternGenius have ads?
Which is updated more often, GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer or PatternGenius?
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