Paint by Number

Paint by Number is a numbered coloring game for people who want guided pictures instead of a blank canvas. Its strongest fit is casual play across Android, iOS, and Windows, with offline access for coloring away from a connection. The trade-off is that premium access runs through app stores and the maker’s trial terms lead into a paid subscription.

Overview

Each image is broken into cells marked with numbers that correspond to colors, making the activity a sequence of small choices rather than freehand drawing. That format suits beginners and anyone looking for a structured pastime; it is a poor fit for people who want to make original artwork. The maker describes the game as suitable for all ages and says its artists create textured and gradient paintings. Picture-book stories add a narrative element for players who want more than standalone coloring.

The maker says the game has over 100 million users. Players can join its Facebook community for daily activities and bonus pictures, which may give regular users a reason to return. Use is limited to personal, non-commercial purposes, so it is not for commercial coloring work.

Key features

Numbered pictures and offline play

The numbered cells remove guesswork from choosing colors, while simulated painting keeps the focus on filling out a design. Offline access is useful during travel or when connectivity is unreliable. These strengths make the app convenient as a casual game, though the fixed numbered format offers less creative freedom than a drawing tool.

Accounts and privacy

Users may register to track progress, sync activity across devices, and access member features; Facebook and Google credentials can be used to create an account. Registration may involve a name, email address, and password. The privacy policy also says the app may collect payment, activity, device, and approximate location information. Personal information may be processed in Hong Kong, mainland China, or countries where the maker and its service providers operate. The maker says it takes reasonable security measures, while acknowledging that no system can be guaranteed completely secure. Players who prefer not to share account data can weigh that against the benefits of syncing.

Pricing

Paint by Number is freemium, with Free access at no cost.

Premium access is sold through an app store as a one-time lifetime purchase or a monthly or yearly subscription; each has custom pricing. A premium trial may be offered, but it requires a payment method and a chosen subscription frequency. The selected subscription is charged when the trial ends, so readers should check the store’s terms before starting. The trial duration is unspecified, making it hard to compare the trial with the ongoing cost. Free access is the sensible starting point; paid access is for users who decide the additional premium features are worth a recurring or lifetime purchase.

Platforms

The game is available on Android, iOS, and Windows, and supports offline access. That combination suits players who want to color across common mobile platforms and Windows, including without an internet connection. Premium purchases go through app stores, so the purchase route depends on the platform’s store.

Who it's for

Paint by Number suits casual players, beginners, and families seeking a guided coloring activity, particularly those who value offline play or picture-book stories. Its all-ages positioning broadens the audience, while the personal-use restriction rules it out for commercial projects. Players seeking freehand creation, or those unwilling to register or consider app-store subscription terms, may prefer another option.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Numbered cells make coloring approachable without drawing skills.
• Pros: Offline access and availability on Android, iOS, and Windows support play in more settings.
• Pros: Textured and gradient paintings, picture-book stories, and community bonus pictures offer variety beyond the basic coloring format.
• Cons: The free plan’s content and limits are unclear, making it hard to know how much is playable without paying.
• Cons: Premium prices and trial duration are unspecified, and a trial requires a payment method before the selected subscription begins.
• Cons: Personal, non-commercial terms exclude business use, and registration may involve personal data and cross-device syncing.

Alternatives

For a similar numbered game with an explicitly ad-supported free option and a published weekly subscription price, consider Coloring Book: Color by Number. Choose InColor if macOS support matters and a free selection with ads or a $15.99 a month subscription better fits your needs. Color Tap is a free-to-download iOS and macOS option with all content available in the download. On iOS and Android, Colorfy offers a free app with ads and in-app purchases, plus a 7.99 USD one-time in-app purchase whose billing period Apple does not specify. Coloring provides 60+ free pictures on iOS and Android, with optional subscriptions and picture packs.

For Android or iOS, Fine Artist offers free play with optional Pro access for unlimited use, plus one-time purchases for no ads or full access. Numicolor is a free, ad-supported browser game for Android, iOS, and web. Pixel Color has a free download and a weekly subscription that unlocks all content and features; it suits players willing to pay for full access on Android or iOS.

Browse more options in Coloring Apps.

Verdict

Choose Paint by Number for structured, offline coloring across Android, iOS, and Windows, especially if picture-book stories and textured artwork appeal to you. Its broad platform support is the clearest reason to pick it. Look elsewhere if you need transparent premium costs before signing up, want commercial use, or prefer a creative tool without numbered designs.