Tattoo try-on apps compared
updated
There are three kinds of tattoo preview. 3D body planners (plan.tattoo) put the design on a turnable body at true size, with no photo of you. AR apps (such as Inkhunter) draw it live on your skin through the phone camera. Photo try-on tools (such as Tatship and TryInk, and AI photo editors) place or blend it onto a photo of your body. 3D is best for size and wrap, AR and photo for seeing it on your own skin.
The three kinds, side by side
| 3D body planner | AR on your skin | Photo try-on | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | plan.tattoo | Inkhunter | Tatship, TryInk, AI photo editors |
| What you need | a browser | the app, your phone camera | a photo of the area |
| Real size | set in cm on the body | not stated | not stated |
| See it from all sides | yes, turn the body | move the phone | one photo, one angle |
| Your own skin | no (a plaster body) | yes | yes |
| Your photo leaves your device | no photo needed | not stated | Tatship: processed by Tatship; TryInk: stays on your device |
When a 3D body is the better choice
When the question is size and placement: how long 18 cm is on a forearm, whether a piece fits between the shoulder blades, how it wraps the calf. And when you'd rather not upload a photo of your body.
When AR or a photo is the better choice
When you want to see the piece on your own skin tone and shape. Use them after you've settled the size: a photo can't tell you how big the piece is.
A good order
Size and placement on a 3D body first, then a photo or AR check on your own skin, then your artist.
Sources: Inkhunter on the App Store · Tatship · Tatship privacy policy · TryInk on the App Store