Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Value Study
What is Value Study app?
Value Study is an iOS, Android, and macOS app for people who are learning to draw or paint. It helps you see where light and shadow appear in photo references or live from your camera.
One of its core features is value selection. When you pick a value, the app highlights all areas of the image that fall into that same light or dark range. This makes it much easier to spot which tones are similar at a glance.
That might sound simple, but being able to judge value is a key part of drawing and painting, and it can be surprisingly difficult, especially with complex colour images. Value Study is designed to make that learning process a little clearer and less overwhelming.
Which platforms is Value Study available on?
Value Study is available on iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android, and macOS. You can download it from the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices.
How much does it cost?
Value Study has two low-cost payment options. A one-time purchase (around $6.99) for lifetime access, or an annual subscription (around $1.99 per year). Prices are set by the app stores and may vary slightly by region. Schools can contact me for volume licensing.
Does the app collect or upload my artwork?
No. All image processing happens locally on your device. I never upload, store, or have access to your images. Your artwork stays private on your device.
What is a notan and why is it useful?
Notan is a Japanese design concept that uses only black and white (no grays) to create compositions. It's incredibly useful for checking if your design "reads" from a distance and for understanding the fundamental light/dark shapes in your composition. Learn more in the Glossary or explore Art Fundamentals guides.
Can I use my own photos or only from the camera?
You can use both! Import photos from your gallery or take new ones with your camera directly in the app.
What skill level is this app for?
Value Study is useful at all skill levels. Beginners use it to learn what "correct" values look like and train their eye faster. Intermediate artists use it for quick reference checks during painting. Advanced artists use it for composition planning and to catch muddy values before they become problems.
How is this different from just desaturating in Photoshop?
You can do this in Photoshop, and many people do.
In fact, seeing artists recommend that was what made me realise a simpler, purpose-built tool would be useful. Photoshop can convert an image to grayscale, but Value Study is designed specifically for studying values. It lets you quickly simplify an image to 2, 3, 4 or more values and isolate matching tones.
This makes it useful whether you are painting digitally in Photoshop or working with traditional mediums such as watercolour.
Is this app useful for beginners?
Yes. Value Study is a very good starting point for learning to see values. It gives you clear, consistent feedback about how light and dark an image is, which can be especially helpful when everything feels overwhelming at first. It is not about finding a single “correct” answer, and it can sometimes be more mathematical than creative, but it helps train your eye and build confidence so you can make your own decisions more easily.
Can I use this for digital painting?
Yes! Many digital artists use Value Study to check their reference photos before painting, or to analyze their work-in-progress by taking screenshots. It helps you catch value problems early, before you've spent hours rendering.
Can I export the simplified images?
Yes! You can save and export your value studies to use in another app or to print. There are no limitations to exports.
Billing & Platform Questions
Common questions about purchases, subscriptions, and cross-platform access
Do purchases transfer between iOS and Android?
Purchases are handled by the app stores, so they do not transfer between iOS and Android. Apple and Google keep purchases separate, which means you need to buy the app on each platform if you use both.
I know that is not ideal. If you are using Value Study on more than one platform, feel free to get in touch and I will do my best to help.
If I buy on iPhone, does it work on iPad and Mac?
Yes! If you purchase either the lifetime or the annual subscription on iOS (iPhone or iPad), it automatically works on all your Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID. This includes iPad, Mac, and any other iOS devices.
Can I switch from subscription to one-time purchase?
Not directly. You can cancel your subscription so it does not renew, and once it has ended you can choose the one-time purchase if you prefer.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are handled directly by Apple or Google, depending on where you purchased. For iOS/Mac purchases, you can request a refund through Apple's website or the App Store. For Android, request through Google Play. Both typically offer refunds within a certain time period if you\'re not satisfied.
Do I need to pay again for updates?
No. Both the one-time purchase and active subscriptions include all future updates at no additional cost. When I add new tools or features, they're automatically available to all users who have unlocked the app.
Why is it free to download if you have to pay?
Making the app free to download lets you try it out before deciding to pay, and it also allows for different payment options like a yearly plan or a one-time purchase. You can explore the interface and use sample images with no commitment.