General project design organization prepared an overview of the best, in its opinion, applications for iOS and Android, which can help architects to comprehend and improve their projects. Even occasional use of such soft assistants will help you work more productively and not lose sight of important ideas. It is worth noting that some possibilities are opened only with the purchase of the PRO version, the price of which may differ significantly from the basic one.
BIMx by Graphisoft
(free for iOS and Android)
BIMx (Building Information Model eXplorer) is the ideal application for architects using ArchiCAD. It allows you to demonstrate the project or share it with the customer, contractors.
The application uses a hyper-model, which, unlike a 3D model, can contain the full set of documentation for your ArchiCAD project: 2D and 3D views, supplemented by layouts and camera paths (3D content is conveniently filtered). In a nutshell, it is a drawing sheet integrated into the 3D building model, with the ability to display additional information about each component of the object. PRO version available.
AutoCAD 360
(free for
iOS and Android)
AutoCAD 360 is the official AutoCAD mobile application that can download, open and edit DWG files anytime, anywhere. This application allows you to view and edit 2D and 3D drawings. Logging into an AutoCAD360 account gives you the freedom to work with files anywhere, as it supports a wide variety of platforms.
Sketchbook by Autodesk
(free for
iOS and Android)
This application is ideal for digital sketching. Sketchbook offers much more functionality than pencils and paints. And the app gallery will help you easily organize your artistic ideas.
Autodesk SketchBook - Ken Lashley from Autodesk SketchBook on Vimeo. ***
Shapr3D
(free for iOS)
Shapr3D is an iPad Pro-only app for use with ApplePencil. If you have both, and spend most of your day on the road - you should check out this app. With a beautifully designed interface, new pressure sensing technology, and precision ApplePencil, you can be productive. The application supports STEP, IGES, STL formats.
Paper from 53
(free for
iPhone and iPad; cm. website with a beautiful video)
The award-winning Paper by 53 app is one of the best programs for sketching, highlighting, sketching, or even creating real works of art. Paper is one of the most promising and well-made applications out there. The developers also created their own pencil (stylus) for using the application, with a thin USB battery inside; the stylus can be purchased online for $ 59.95. The only pity is that, despite requests from fans, the authors are in no hurry to make the version for Android.
Instructions for Paper Tools:
Morpholio trace
(free for iOS)
Morpholio Trace enables users to instantly draw over imported images or background templates, annotate, comment, and jot down ideas that come up spontaneously. Morpholio Trace is ideal for architects, designers, photographers, artists - anyone who uses images frequently in their everyday life. This unique program makes it easy to sketch ideas, communicate with pictures, mark up existing drawings. It easily integrates into a smartphone and becomes an indispensable assistant.
Trace Launch # 2 from Morpholio on Vimeo. ***
myPANTONE
(iOS 749 rubles; Android 245 rub.)
For over 50 years, Pantone has been the international language of color. This application gives you full access to the entire Pantone catalog, which includes over 13,000 colors, making it easy to create and use multiple color palettes at the same time. The user can take any color from the photo and snap it to the nearest Pantone color for further use.
myPantone on iPhone - the essential for every designer from Pantone UK on Vimeo. ***
PadCAD
(free for iOS and Android)
PadCAD is designed for small projects such as an extension to a detached house, site survey or renovation of a simple object. Any user can produce simple and clear CAD drawings and export them to professional software if needed. It is an ideal starting point for many projects. ***
MagicPlan
(free for
iOS and Android)
MagicPlan allows you to quickly create high-quality floor plans and assess upcoming work. The application sets the dimensions of the rooms and draws the floor plan using the camera of a regular smartphone or tablet. Add objects, comments, photographs, or other attributes to create a complete report or baseline for a quote. Any user can create a floor plan in just a few minutes.
Concept by Fast and Epp
(free for iOS)
Concept is a useful tool for architects. It is intended for the first visualization of ideas, before they are embodied on paper or in CAD. This is a personal design engineer at your fingertips. The app works like a pocket calculator using typical span depths for steel, concrete and timber elements. It gives an overview of the dimensions of the structures that a particular architectural idea will require.
And one more application (bonus +) in our review for those who like to work with their hands:
iHandy Carpenter
(iOS 149 rubles; Android is free)
The simplest, cutest and most convenient 5-in-one toolbox for a carpenter or builder right in your smartphone. iHandyCarpenter includes tools such as plumb line, level, steel protractor and steel tape measure. Convenient to have handymen at hand.
The interest in professional software in handheld devices is growing every day. Any spontaneous thought or fantasy can immediately be embodied in a gadget, be it a “fleeting vision” or a customer's request. The results of the work are clearly and easily demonstrated both to an ordinary client and to professional contractors. By letting customers into their kitchen, the customer and the contractor understand each other better, find the most effective solutions.
