This week I’m reviewing Tangle Library. This app provides step-by-step tutorials for drawing Zentangle patterns on paper. Zentangle is a drawing technique which involves unplanned, non-representational drawing of patterns with the intention of entering a meditative state. It can be used within the context of art therapy to reduce anxiety (Schwarzer et al., ND) and stress (Bennett et al., ND), develop fine motor skills (Hesterman & McAuliffe, 2017), increase positive emotions (Hui & Ma’rof, 2019), and improve psychological well-being (Masika et al, 2020).
Intended Use: The app is intended for education (teaching users how to draw Zentangle patterns).
Target Audience: The app is listed as being appropriate for ages four and up. Developmentally, drawing from a tutorial is appropriate for users approximately age seven and up.
Usability: The interface is primarily graphic. Users tap a pattern they want to draw and the pattern is broken down into steps they can follow along (current step is displayed in red). There are directional arrows which allow the user to go back and forth through the tutorial at their own pace.
Cost: The app is $4.99 and there are expansion packs (totally tangled, alphatangle, kidz tangle, and tangle of kells) available for $1.99 each.
Technical Requirements: Available for iOS.
Pro’s: The app is simple to use and doesn’t require an internet connection which makes it accessible on the go. The tutorials are easy to follow.
Con’s: The app does not allow users to practice within the app so they will need physical art supplies for their art making. The cost may be difficult to justify when there are other drawing resources available for free.
Is it worth it? The app is a good introduction to Zen Tangle patterns and offers step-by-step instructions. I like having access to the patterns in one place that doesn’t require a wifi connection or having to pause a video. That said, there isn’t anything on here that you cannot find for free elsewhere on the internet for free (for examples, check out Mr. New’s Art Class playlist on Youtube).