Side by side
Highlights vs Launchpad
Both stand on pdf readers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhoneMac
Highlights combines PDF annotation, OCR, citation lookup, and note export, with core reading and annotation available free. Users who need scripting should note that the FAQ says it is not supported.
Visit Highlights
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
Launchpad combines source collaboration, bug tracking, package distribution, and translation tools for open-source projects at no charge. Its commercial privacy options have an authorization requirement, and the stated monitoring limitation is worth noting.
Visit LaunchpadThe facts
| Highlights | Launchpad | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | highlightsapp.net | launchpad.net |
| On pdf readers | #9 of 24 | #5 of 24 |
Highlights: what it does well
- Free plan includes PDF reading and annotation.
- Multilingual OCR runs on the device.
- Exports notes in multiple formats and supported apps.
- Stores annotations as standard PDF annotations.
- Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
What to know first
- The app is not scriptable.
- Pro costs $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
Launchpad: what it does well
- Git hosting includes code review and merge proposals
- Builds Debian packages, snaps, rocks, charms, and OCI images
- Integrates bug reports from four named trackers
- API, Python client, and webhooks support automation
What to know first
- Private commercial features require Canonical authorization
- Security documentation says automatic monitoring was not in place as of July 2023
Alternatives to Highlights Alternatives to Launchpad The whole list