Comparison
Artwork Codex vs Artwork Archive
Both platforms help artists catalog and manage their artwork. Here's an honest, feature-by-feature comparison to help you choose the right tool.
Free plan plus live demo
Try the full workflow in the browser, then keep a small archive on the permanent free plan with no time limit.
Studio media is more than images
Studio includes original-resolution image storage, direct video upload and playback, private documents, media ZIP export, and 200 saved catalogs.
Lower unlimited annual cost
Studio is $288/year for unlimited artworks and rooms. Artwork Archive's unlimited artist tier is $432/year when paid annually.
Feature-by-feature comparison
Pricing & Plans
| Feature | Artwork Codex | Artwork Archive |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, 5 artworks with no time limit | No permanent free plan; 14-day trial |
| Starting paid plan | Starter $9/month or $96/year, 100 artworks | $9/month paid annually ($108/year) or $10/month, 100 pieces |
| Unlimited artworks | Studio $29/month or $288/year | Master $36/month paid annually ($432/year) or $42/month |
| Paid-plan trial | 14-day first-time trial | 14-day trial |
Core Inventory
| Feature | Artwork Codex | Artwork Archive |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork cataloging | ||
| Media model | Studio: 20 media items per artwork, direct video upload, original image storage | 30 images per piece; external YouTube/Vimeo links for video |
| Original image files | Studio originals up to 250MB each, 50GB storage quota | Original image files up to 30MB each |
| Direct video upload | Studio videos up to 2GB with playback | No direct upload; external video links |
| Custom inventory codes | ||
| Configurable code templates | ||
| Dimensions, medium, year, pricing | ||
| Edition & print run tracking | ||
| Consignment management | ||
| Exhibition history | ||
| Advanced search & filters | ||
| Bulk upload (quick add) | ||
| Batch edit & renumber |
Sharing & Presentation
| Feature | Artwork Codex | Artwork Archive |
|---|---|---|
| Private viewing rooms | Starter: 5; Studio: unlimited | Professional and Master |
| Password-protected sharing | Private Rooms on paid tiers | |
| Public artist portfolio | ||
| Portfolio presentation | Gallery templates, cover entry, logo, headshot, bio, light/dark modes | Public profile website |
| Website portfolio embeds | Universal embed code and direct embed link | Universal embed code and direct embed link on eligible paid plans |
| PDF catalogs / reports | 200 saved on Studio | Reports and catalog pages |
| Saved PDF history |
Documents & Certificates
| Feature | Artwork Codex | Artwork Archive |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Authenticity (COA) | Included on Studio | |
| Invoice generation | Online invoicing | |
| Printable labels with QR codes | ||
| Label sheet layouts | 4 or 8 per page | 2, 4, or 10 per page |
| Artwork documents | Private documents on Studio | Professional and Master |
Sales & Contacts
| Feature | Artwork Codex | Artwork Archive |
|---|---|---|
| Sales tracking | ||
| Contacts CRM | ||
| Invoice PDFs | ||
| Auto sale status updates |
Data & Import/Export
| Feature | Artwork Codex | Artwork Archive |
|---|---|---|
| CSV import | ||
| CSV export | ||
| Media ZIP export | Studio | Original image download/share options |
Platform
| Feature | Artwork Codex | Artwork Archive |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile-responsive web app | ||
| Native mobile app | iOS app in progress; mobile web works now | iOS |
| Artist + collector account types | One account can be artist, collector, or both | Separate artist, collector, and organization plans |
| Row-level security | Not specified |
Try the product before you compare another pricing table
Launch the live demo, then start free if it feels like the right fit for the way you catalog and share work.
Free plan included. No credit card required to sign up.
Where Artwork Codex stands out
Direct video upload and original media storage
Studio now supports direct video uploads up to 2GB per file, dashboard lightbox playback, and original-resolution image storage up to 250MB per image. Artwork Archive's public help documents describe YouTube and Vimeo video links rather than direct video upload, which means the video stays dependent on an external hosting account instead of being preserved inside the artwork archive itself.
Password-protected viewing rooms
Both platforms offer private viewing rooms on paid plans. Artwork Codex includes password protection, expiry dates, and unlimited rooms on Studio ($29/month or $288/year), giving you a simple way to share curated selections with collectors and galleries without them needing an account.
Portfolio with custom branding
Both platforms include a public artist presence. Artwork Codex is built around portfolio templates, a separate cover entry, selected works or collections, optional logo display, headshot, bio, contact links, and light or dark presentation.
Certificates of Authenticity
Artwork Archive also supports COA generation, so this is no longer a one-sided feature comparison. The difference is pricing fit: Artwork Codex includes COAs inside the same Studio studio toolkit as unlimited artworks, viewing rooms, catalogs, labels, invoices, documents, media storage, and media export.
Exhibition labels with QR codes
Print professional labels for exhibitions and galleries in sheets of 4 or 8. Each label can include a QR code linking to the artwork's public page. Artwork Archive also has mature QR label reports, so this is a feature to compare by layout, workflow, and annual cost rather than by simple availability.
A genuine free tier
Artwork Archive offers a 14-day trial and then requires a paid subscription. Artwork Codex includes a permanent free plan with up to 5 artworks, with no time limit and no credit card required. It's a real way to get started and see if the platform works for you before committing.
When Artwork Archive may fit better
Native mobile app
Artwork Archive offers a dedicated iOS app. Artwork Codex works on mobile browsers now, with a native iOS app in development.
Many still-image detail shots
Artwork Archive allows up to 30 images per artwork. Artwork Codex Studio allows 20 media items per artwork, but those media items can include direct video uploads and original-resolution image storage. If you routinely need more than 20 still images on one record, compare that workflow carefully.
Mature reporting library
Artwork Archive has a broad, mature reporting system, including catalog pages, certificates, and several QR label formats. If reporting variety matters more than annual price, it deserves a close look.
We believe in honest comparisons. Every platform has strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific needs.
Start cataloging your artwork today
Try the live demo, then start free if Artwork Codex feels like the right fit.
You can explore the dashboard with sample works before creating an account.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my data from Artwork Archive?
Yes. Export your data as CSV from Artwork Archive and import it directly into Artwork Codex using our CSV import tool with smart field mapping.
Is there really a free plan?
Yes. The free plan includes up to 5 artworks with no time limit. No credit card required to sign up.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
Your data is never deleted. If you cancel your paid subscription, your account reverts to read-only mode. You can still view your data, and resubscribing restores full access instantly.
Is my data secure?
Yes. All data is protected with row-level security policies, meaning only you can access your records. Images are stored on a global CDN with signed uploads.