iOrnament review
A focused iPhone drawing app for crystallographic symmetry, mandalas, and animated patterns.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
iOrnament turns individual strokes into ornamental patterns using crystallographic symmetry rules. It is aimed at artists making mathematical symmetry and mandala designs, as well as people exploring ornamental drawing for relaxation or education. Available for iPhone and iPad, the app includes an interactive tutorial on wallpaper-group mathematics and a sampler of classical ornaments. Its specialized approach is the point: this is for creating patterns, not a general-purpose illustration workspace.
The core drawing feature supports all 17 crystallographic wallpaper groups, and Design mode lets users combine multiple symmetries. Image import applies symmetry to imported material; animated drawing, zoom, rotation, and unlimited undo and redo support experimentation. Pens and brushes include rainbow, gold, and glow effects, while Apple Pencil and pressure-sensitive input allow expressive strokes. The unusual depth is in how the app makes mathematical symmetry a drawing tool, rather than simply offering decorative brushes. Choose it if that specific creative method is central to your work; artists who need a broad illustration workflow should look elsewhere.
The published listing describes a paid iOrnament plan, with a starting price of $0.99; there is no free plan. Layers, brushes, and other upgrades are available through in-app purchases, so the entry price does not cover every listed enhancement. Work can be saved and recovered, then exported to Photos, email, or Facebook. The listed integration is iOrnament Crafter. Pick iOrnament for low-cost symmetry and mandala drawing on iOS; it is less suitable if broad export choices or a general drawing toolkit matter more than pattern-making.
iOrnament pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports all 17 crystallographic wallpaper groups.
- Apple Pencil and pressure-sensitive input support expressive drawing.
- Combines symmetry design, animation, and pattern-focused undo and redo.
- Where it doesn't
- Its focus on ornamental symmetry is narrower than general drawing apps.
- Layers, brushes, and other upgrades require in-app purchases.
- Export options are limited to Photos, email, and Facebook.
iOrnament fact sheet, pricing and score →
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