Color Tap vs Lake

Color Tap is a free color-by-numbers app that gives children a way to explore pixel art. Its library contains hundreds of pictures, with the press page counting more than 800 templates. The makers say they curated and licensed the artwork from pixel artists around the world. Pictures are bundled with the app and remain available offline after installation. In the painting area, touch controls where coloring happens, while the artwork's zoom level affects how much is filled at a time. The makers describe the experience as intended for children, including children with autism spectrum disorder, and cite playful visuals, animation, and sound design. Separate soundtrack versions are provided for headphone and non-headphone listening. The app is free to download, with all content included; the makers say it has no ads, in-app purchases, or subscriptions. They also say the iOS app neither tracks users nor collects data in the app. Color Tap is listed for iOS and macOS, though its download page points to the Apple App Store. The App Store names Great Scott AB as developer.

Lake is a freemium iOS coloring app built around hand-drawn books from independent illustrators. The homepage advertises more than 1,500 unique illustrations and says additional books are coming. Tools include artistic brushes, palettes, a color picker and a rainbow with over 700 shades. Coloring is freeform, works offline and can include imported images. Lake presents coloring as a way to support mindfulness, relieve anxiety and unwind, while saying part of each subscription fee goes directly to artists. The app is intended for iPhone and iPad and is available in English plus 10 other languages. Lake began in 2016 with an idea for illustrators and fans to co-create. The App Store lists it as free with in-app purchases and a free trial. Listed options are Lake Coloring at $9.99 a month or $39.99 a year, and Lake Premium at $29.99, paid once, with no term specified. Apple’s listing says the developer may collect purchases, coarse location, identifiers, product interaction and crash data not linked to the user.