Best Drawing References Apps

225+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.4 avg rating
19 free apps
Updated May 2026

If you already know Magic Poser, this is the deeper bench. 225+ drawing references apps for iPhone, all reviewed and ranked by user rating, recency, and download trend as of May 2026.

Top Picks for Drawing References

Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool#1

Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool by Wombat Studio, Inc.

Best 3D pose reference app
Editor's Choice
🎨 Graphics & Design
3.8😐(12K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool screenshot 1
Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool screenshot 2
Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool screenshot 3
Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool screenshot 4
Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool screenshot 5
Magic Poser - Art Pose Tool screenshot 6

This app provides a 3D character posing tool for artists, allowing them to create custom scenes with realistic anatomy, lighting, and props. It offers intuitive drag-and-pose controls and extensive libraries for detailed artwork creation.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Helpful for drawing references
  • 👍 Good variety of models and props
  • 👍 Smooth posing and manipulation

Room to Improve

  • 🔒 Many features locked behind paywall
  • 🔒 Lack of free female model
  • 🐛 Buggy joint and camera controls
Poseit#2

Poseit by Maurizio Nitti

Strong Contender
🎬 Entertainment
4.3(281 ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Poseit screenshot 1
Poseit screenshot 2
Poseit screenshot 3
Poseit screenshot 4
Poseit screenshot 5
Poseit screenshot 6

This app provides a dynamic 3D posing tool for artists, evolving from a simple drawing mannequin to a versatile reference for human figure drawing and 3D modeling. It offers features like part shuffling and screen rotation for efficient posing, allowing users to improve their drawing skills or export models for other projects.

Head Model Studio - Art Study#3

Head Model Studio - Art Study by Wes Castain

3D references for artists
Worth Considering
🎨 Graphics & Design
4.6😊(2.3K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Head Model Studio - Art Study screenshot 1
Head Model Studio - Art Study screenshot 2
Head Model Studio - Art Study screenshot 3
Head Model Studio - Art Study screenshot 4
Head Model Studio - Art Study screenshot 5
Head Model Studio - Art Study screenshot 6

This app provides 3D reference models for artists to study and draw faces. It offers detailed control over lighting and rendering to help users understand facial planes and tones, aiding in portrait drawing practice.

What We Love

  • 🎨 Excellent reference tool for artists
  • 🔍 Helpful for understanding head anatomy and planes
  • 🔧 Customizable lighting and model features
  • 💰 Reasonable subscription pricing

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Premium features locked behind paywall
  • 🔒 Lack of free trial to test premium content
  • 🔧 Limited customization options for free users

More Drawing References apps to explore

4
Artista - Drawing Reference
Artista - Drawing Reference
Artista - Drawing Reference
by Max Buster
Free

Access thousands of high-quality reference photos for your art. Share your creations, learn from others' interpretations, and track your artistic progress over time. This app also features an art community for inspiration and feedback.

Thousands of reference photosShare your drawingsView others' interpretations
📚 Education
(17)
free
5
Drawing References
Drawing References
Drawing References
Portraits and Poses
Free

This app provides a vast library of curated portraits and poses for artists to practice and learn realistic drawing. It offers AI-powered portrait generation, customizable drawing aids like grids and filters, and access to additional reference collections.

Vast library of portraits and posesAI-powered custom portrait generationCustomizable grid overlay
📚 Education
(10)
free with in-app purchases
6
Sketch a Day: prompts & tips
Sketch a Day: prompts & tips
Sketch a Day: prompts & tips
Daily prompts tutorials & more
Free

This app helps you build a daily drawing habit with fresh prompts and tutorials. Connect with a supportive community of artists, track your progress, and share your creations. It's designed to make drawing effortless, social, and fun for artists of all levels.

Daily drawing promptsArtist communityProgress tracking
📚 Education
(998)
free with in-app purchases
7
Value Study: art reference
Value Study: art reference
Value Study: art reference
Analyze light and shadow
Free

This app helps artists improve their skills by analyzing light and shadow in reference images. It allows users to break down tones step-by-step, from simple black and white to more complex value ranges, aiding in the understanding of depth and form. It's a tool to enhance traditional art studies.

Step-by-step tone breakdownHighlighting areas of same valueFocus on light, shadow, and form
🎨 Graphics & Design
(3.2K)
free with in-app purchases
8
Manikin
Manikin
Manikin
Fast 3D Posing for artists
Free

This app provides a 3D posing tool for artists, offering a collection of models and tools to help with drawing anatomically correct figures. It allows for quick scene creation, storyboard generation, and comic book illustration framing, with intuitive posing and adjustable camera and lighting.

3D model posingAnatomy referenceIntuitive controls
🔧 Utilities
(4.4K)
free with in-app purchases
9
Handy Art Reference Tool
Handy Art Reference Tool
Handy Art Reference Tool
3D Lit Reference for Artists!
$1.99

This app provides artists with rotatable 3D models of hands, heads, and feet for drawing reference. Customize poses and lighting to achieve realistic results for your artwork. Additional packs for animal skulls and foot rigs are available for purchase.

Rotatable 3D limb modelsCustomizable posesAdjustable 3-point lighting
📚 Education
(1.2K)
free with in-app purchases
10
JustSketchMe
JustSketchMe
JustSketchMe
Easy character posing
Free

This app provides artists with tools to quickly create reference scenes for their artwork. It offers a variety of character models, props, and posing options to bring creative ideas to life.

Posable character modelsIntricate hand posingExtreme perspective settings
🎨 Graphics & Design
(155)
free with in-app purchases
11
Simply Draw: Learn to Draw
Simply Draw: Learn to Draw
Simply Draw: Learn to Draw
Step-by step drawing lessons
Free

Learn to draw with step-by-step video tutorials from professional artists. Receive a personalized learning path based on your interests and master new skills at your own pace. Enjoy weekly additions of new drawing sessions and helpful tips.

Customized learning journeyVideo tutorials by professional artistsLearn at your own pace
📚 Education
(700K)
free with in-app purchases
12
Easy Pose -Best Posing App
Easy Pose -Best Posing App
Easy Pose -Best Posing App
Posing app for manga/comic art
Free

This app provides a 3D human body model for artists to practice drawing various poses. It offers intuitive controls, diverse body types, and the ability to create scenes with multiple figures. Artists can inspect poses from different angles and utilize features like mirroring and wire mode.

Intuitive joint controlComic-style modelsMulti-model scenes
🔧 Utilities
(1.1K)
free with in-app purchases
13
Pose Arch
Pose Arch
Pose Arch
Find a good pose soon
Free

Discover reference poses for character drawing with this app. Create a stick figure to find similar poses, view them from multiple angles, and adjust them to fit your needs. Save your favorite poses and images for easy access.

100+ reference posesView from various anglesAdjustable poses
🔧 Utilities
(105)
ad-supported
14
Sketchar: AR Drawing App
Sketchar: AR Drawing App
Sketchar: AR Drawing App
Learn how to draw with AR
Free

Learn to draw with augmented reality and AI-powered lessons. This app offers a comprehensive drawing tool, community contests, and personalized learning plans to enhance your artistic skills. Practice art to relieve stress and impress others with your creations.

Augmented Reality drawing guidanceAI-powered personalized learning plans550+ drawing lessons
🎨 Graphics & Design
(9.6K)
free with in-app purchases
15
ArtWorkout: Learn How To Draw
ArtWorkout: Learn How To Draw
ArtWorkout: Learn How To Draw
Drawing Games・Painting・Sketch
Free

Learn to draw and paint with interactive, step-by-step lessons. This app offers over 2500 lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to pros, with a focus on accuracy and stroke quality. Enjoy a fun and engaging way to improve your artistic abilities.

Step-by-step drawing guides2500+ interactive lessonsAccuracy and stroke quality evaluation
📚 Education
(203K)
free with in-app purchases
16
Artrace: AR Drawing & Sketch
Artrace: AR Drawing & Sketch
Artrace: AR Drawing & Sketch
Anywhere, anytime AR drawing
Free

Transform your surroundings into a canvas with augmented reality drawing. Learn to sketch anything from photos or real-life objects, with guided lessons and advanced tools. Share your creations and track your artistic progress.

Draw through cameraLearn to draw easilyTrace anything
🎨 Graphics & Design
(44K)
free with in-app purchases
17
Sketchbook®
Sketchbook®
Sketchbook®
Draw, paint, & sketch anywhere
Free

This app provides a professional-grade drawing and painting experience for artists and illustrators. It offers a natural drawing feel with customizable tools, layers, and guides for precision. Unlock advanced features like custom brushes and canvas resizing with an optional premium purchase.

Full complement of brush typesHighly customizable brushesGuides, rulers, and stroke tools
🎨 Graphics & Design
(220K)
free with in-app purchases
18
Timed Sketch
Timed Sketch
Timed Sketch
The Gym for Artists
Free

Improve your drawing skills with focused, timed practice sessions. This app helps artists build observation, confidence, and consistency through gesture and figure drawing exercises. Track your progress and explore studies created by a community of artists.

Timed drawing sessionsGesture and figure drawing exercisesProgress tracking
🎨 Graphics & Design
(23)
freemium
19
Draw Gestures : Figure Drawing
Draw Gestures : Figure Drawing
Draw Gestures : Figure Drawing
Figure drawing practice app.
Free

Master figure and gesture drawing with timed pose practice. This app offers a smooth drawing experience with pressure sensitivity and tracks your progress. Ideal for artists of all levels looking to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.

Timed pose practiceSmooth, responsive drawing enginePressure sensitivity support
📚 Education
(31)
free with in-app purchases
20
DrawinGrid
DrawinGrid
DrawinGrid
Drawing grid creator.
Free

Easily create custom grids over reference images and drawing surfaces. This tool simplifies image enlargement and transfer for artists, ensuring accurate proportions with every stroke. Achieve professional results with an intuitive interface.

Custom grid creationImage enlargement toolReference image overlay
📷 Photo & Video
(4.3K)
free with in-app purchases

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