1. Style range
Check whether the app covers the look you want: black-and-white pencil, color pencil, outline or line drawing, cartoon, or painting effects. Pencil Sketch has 30 styles across all of these in one style toolbar.
2. Adjustments after the effect
A single preset rarely suits every photo. Look for brightness, contrast and sharpness controls after applying a style, so you can keep the details that matter.
3. What is free and what is paid
A free download rarely means every style is free. Check which styles need a purchase, the subscription period and the renewal price shown in the app before you subscribe.
4. Saving and watermarks
Check whether free saves carry a watermark and how you can share the result. In Pencil Sketch, free saves include a watermark; subscribers save without one.
5. Device support
Confirm the minimum iOS version and whether the app runs on iPad. Pencil Sketch runs on iPhone and iPad with iOS 15 or later.
6. Privacy and ratings
Read the privacy policy to see how photos are handled, and check the current App Store rating and recent reviews in your region.