# Pattern Shapes, by MLC vs SnapType

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pattern Shapes, by MLC at none against SnapType's 1. SnapType's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 26 months) and rating (4.5 vs 4.2). On price, review sentiment, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SnapType sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $49.99 per year. Pattern Shapes, by MLC asks for nothing beyond the download.

SnapType holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SnapType has 366 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 70% of Pattern Shapes, by MLC's written reviews are positive against 64% of SnapType's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Pattern Shapes, by MLC ships an update every 26 months, SnapType every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pattern Shapes, by MLC | SnapType |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-shapes-by-mlc/id908511013/reviews) | **[4.5 (366 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snaptype/id1124115982/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **366** |
| Positive reviews | **70.0% of reviews** | 64.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 26 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 5 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.7** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Math Learning Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542700905) | [SNAPTYPE, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1124115980) |

## What reviewers say

### Pattern Shapes, by MLC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pattern-shapes-by-mlc/id908511013)

This app allows students to explore geometry and fractions through interactive shape manipulation. Users can create designs, fill outlines, measure angles, and annotate their work. It's an open-ended educational tool for learning mathematical concepts.

**Highlights:** Explore geometry and fractions, Create custom designs, Measure angles with protractor, Duplicate, resize, and recolor shapes, Fill built-in outlines, Annotate work with drawing tools, Share creations via image or code

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SnapType

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/snaptype/id1124115982)

This app allows students to easily complete school worksheets by adding text to images of their assignments using their device's keyboard. It's a helpful tool for those who struggle with handwriting, enabling them to share their completed work via print, email, or other sharing options.

**Highlights:** Add text to worksheet images, Import worksheets from device, Use device keyboard for input, Print completed worksheets, Email completed worksheets, Share completed worksheets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Everything Unlocked | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for learning difficulties
- 👍 Helps with handwriting struggles
- 👍 Improves work quality
- 👍 Text-to-speech is helpful
- 👍 Fills an unmet need

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Location is inaccurate
- 🐛 Boxes don't move
- 🐛 Automatic blur problem
- 🐛 Voice is unnatural
- 🐛 New version is expensive

**Reported bugs**

- Location is never where you tap
- Boxes don’t move when you want it to
- Automatic blur problem
- Upgrade doesn't restore
- Crashes when trying to install on iPad

**Requested features**

- Fix automatic blur
- Add erasing function for Apple Pencil
- More space for documents (basic version)
- Ability to write on SnapType (free version)
- Enable text-to-speech for worksheet directions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pattern Shapes, by MLC free?

Pattern Shapes, by MLC is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SnapType free?

SnapType is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pattern Shapes, by MLC or SnapType?

SnapType is rated higher. Pattern Shapes, by MLC averages 4.2 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while SnapType averages 4.5 from 366 ratings.

### Do Pattern Shapes, by MLC or SnapType have ads?

Neither Pattern Shapes, by MLC nor SnapType shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pattern Shapes, by MLC or SnapType?

Pattern Shapes, by MLC ships an update every 26 months, and SnapType every 4 weeks. Most recently, Pattern Shapes, by MLC was updated on October 26, 2026 and SnapType on October 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*