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CamRuler is too frustrating to use (pictures)

CamRuler for iOS uses a commonly known reference object in a photo to find the measurements of another object, but the interface will make you wish you hadn't even bought the app.

Jason Parker
Jason Parker has been at CNET for nearly 15 years. He is the senior editor in charge of iOS software and has become an expert reviewer of the software that runs on each new Apple device. He now spends most of his time covering Apple iOS releases and third-party apps.
Jason Parker
HelpTutorialBasics.png
1 of 5 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Plenty of instructions

The CamRuler app has an extensive help section, but that won't save you from the interface.
ChooseCommonRefObjects.png
2 of 5 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Choose reference object

CamRuler offers several reference objects to choose from, including common paper sizes and common coins and bills from several different countries.
SizeToPaperDifficultrotation.png
3 of 5 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Resize the rectangle

I'm not far off here with the size of the paper, but trying to get that rectangle to fit around the paper in the photo was nearly impossible. It's almost like a game where the app fights you every step of the way.
TouchAreatoResizeGetCircle.png
4 of 5 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Circle-shaped paper

When I decided to touch the Area button on the bottom to resize my rectangle around the paper, the app gave me a circle with no way to go back.
NoBackButtonStartOverCircle.png
5 of 5 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

From frustration to anger

After all my minute adjustments and trying to fix the outline of my reference object, there was no way to go back to the previous screen. I guess I should just start over from scratch.

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