TierMaker Alternative: irank vs TierMaker for Character Lists
irank is a TierMaker alternative for making image-based character tier lists from public templates and exporting a PNG without signing in. It also offers separate S–D character ratings with optional short reviews. Choose based on your roster size, account needs and whether you want a ranked board, a reusable template or individual character ratings.
Choose the tool around the ranking you want to make
For an anime, game or character tier list, start with three questions: are the images already available, how many characters do you need, and how will you share the result? An existing irank template lets you arrange its images and download a PNG without creating an account. Uploading your own images or publishing online requires an account.
Decide what the tiers mean before sorting. Favorite characters, story writing and gameplay strength are different criteria. A board can communicate your choices when its labels and context explain which question you are answering.
irank vs TierMaker: supported features and limits
The TierMaker column uses its official creation guide. That guide does not establish the sign-in rules for ranking an existing public template, so this comparison leaves that point unverified.
| Task or limit | irank | TierMaker |
|---|---|---|
| Use an existing public template | Arrange its images and export PNG without signing in | Sign-in rules not established by the cited guide |
| Create a template with uploads | Account required; JPG, PNG and WebP | Account required; JPG, JPEG, PNG and WebP |
| Template size | Up to 200 items and 10 tiers | Up to 3,000 images |
| Upload limits | 5 MiB and 16 million pixels per image | Up to 500 images and 50 MB per upload |
| Sharing | PNG export; account required for online publishing | Single-use download or reusable public template |
| Mobile | Browser interface with select-then-tap; no native app | Android/iOS app; subscription or lifetime purchase after trial |
Start with a character template when the images fit
irank currently has curated Project SEKAI, Ensemble Stars, Genshin Impact and Sanrio templates. The published Project SEKAI template contains 26 images and the Ensemble Stars template contains 68. Check the actual images before choosing: a template is a starting image set, not a guarantee that every character or recent release is included.
Using another person's public template creates your own separate ranked board. Your placements do not change their template. Some Genshin and Sanrio images still have numbered names awaiting identification, so inspect those images rather than relying only on their labels.
Uploading and customizing a board in irank
The editor starts with S, A, B, C and D rows. You can change tier labels and colors, move images with drag-and-drop and undo a placement. On mobile, select an image and then tap its destination. Give the top row a meaning you can apply consistently, such as personal favorites or strongest within a specified game mode.
Custom uploads require an account and accept JPG, PNG and WebP. Each source image must fit the 5 MiB and 16-million-pixel limits. Normalized images have a maximum 512-pixel longest edge. Use clear character images that remain recognizable at thumbnail size, and plan within the 200-item and 10-tier template limits.
Character ratings answer a different question
A tier list places several characters into groups on one board. irank character pages instead let you give an individual character a fixed S–D rating and an optional short review. Use a board for a complete visual ranking and a character page when you want to explain your view of one character.
The latest vote from each account counts. Public averages and distributions require more than 10 accounts, so a page with few ratings may not display those aggregates. An aggregate is not your personal tier list, and it should not be treated as a gameplay-strength ranking without knowing what voters were judging.
Consider TierMaker when your image set exceeds 200 items
A roster above 200 images exceeds irank's current single-template limit. TierMaker's official guide documents up to 3,000 images per template, added in batches of at most 500 images and 50 MB. That makes it an option to investigate for a larger image set. Count the images you actually intend to rank before choosing.
When irank fits your character-ranking task
irank fits a task where an available character template has the images you need, your board stays within the current limits and a PNG is a useful output. Its five interface languages are Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. The English library and template pages lead into the existing editor.
It is also useful when you want a separate place for an individual character rating and short review. Check the template and character pages yourself before committing to a full ranking; the relevant question is whether the available image set and output fit your project.
Try a small ranking before building the full list
- Open the Project SEKAI or Ensemble Stars template and check that you recognize the images you intend to rank.
- Choose one criterion, place a few characters, and try the tier labels, colors and undo control. On a phone, try select-then-tap.
- Export a PNG and inspect it at the size you plan to share. Continue with the full board if the images and layout work for your purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use irank without signing in?
Yes. You can use existing public template images and export a PNG without signing in. Uploading images and publishing online require an account.
Can I move my TierMaker list into irank?
The web app does not provide a one-click TierMaker URL import. Start from an irank public template, or sign in to upload your own image set within the supported format and size limits.
Does irank have a native mobile app?
irank currently works in the browser and has select-then-tap controls on mobile. It does not have a native app.
Does a character rating change my tier list?
Character ratings and ranked boards are separate. A character page accepts an S–D rating and optional review; your tier list records your own placements using a template's images.