The best applications for architects, planners, and designers

Among the myriad of applications for smartphones and tablets, there are those that are particularly popular among architects and designers. We have prepared a list of 10 most popular applications, which will be useful in the design of various objects by both professionals and amateurs.

PadCAD

PadCAD is destined for designing small and insignificant objects and for their reconstruction. It allows creating clear and comprehensive drawings from the scratch while maintaining the ability to export them to the professional CAD application desktops. This app is ideal for the design “on the go.” PadCAD creators believe that their brainchild “is most convenient to use for the general contractors, small architectural firms, and appraisers.”

The demo version can be downloaded free of charge; the official version costs $14.99 for iOS and free for Android.

AutoDesk FormIt

AutoDesk FormIt app has been developed inside of Autodesk Revit software package. It allows the use of real, objective information. It helps in creating a sketch at the early design stage and in subsequent data processing in real time. AutoDesk FormIt is intended for continuous building information modeling (BIM), supported in Revit (by synchronizing projects in the cloud). Simple, convenient, and free!

The app can be downloaded for free for iOS and Android.

Sketchup Mobile Viewer

In early 2014, it was announced that the next generation of the most convenient and easy to use program for the design SketchUp by Trimble would be included in a single system of building information modeling (BIM). SketchUp Mobile Viewer was released specially for lovers of applications in this year’s April, provides access to work on files anywhere. In addition, users have full access to view and download every file from 3D Shop. The famous in architectural circles program can now be on your smartphone.

The app is available for $9.99 for iOS. The Android version is currently under development.

iRhino 3D / Droid Rhino

This application has been developed by different developers (official Rhino partners) but is used for creating and viewing 3D models created in Rhino3D using a smartphone or tablet. Both devices are equipped with the tools to move the camera, zoom and rotate various 3D models. They also can be shared with your friends via the Internet in the application itself.

The app is available for $3.99 for iOS and $2.99 for Android.

 AutoCAD 360

AutoCAD application that allows creating 2D and 3D drawings may seem too difficult at first glance, but it is not true. This program works on iOS and Android platforms. It allows the creation of three-dimensional models of apartments easily and to plan space with millimeter precision. AutoCAD also supports the zoom function and panorama of all drawings. GPS may be used to navigate through drawings. With the help of the application, you can add text annotations to all drawing and to move objects in space. The application is fairly easy to learn, it is constantly updated. And most importantly, it is free.

Official AutoCAD application is available for IOS version, updated not too long ago. It is based on the main large capacities of the previous version. This app allows viewing and editing 2D or 3D drawings and a subscription to AutoCAD 360, which, however, can be quite expensive, allows direct manipulation with files using a variety of different devices and platforms. The emergence of the cult program for smartphones helps the architect to engage favorite thing being outside the office.

The demo version of the application can be downloaded free of charge, the official version costs $4.99 for iOS and Android.

Concept Idea Calculator

Instant and accurate structural aspects at the early stages of design, as well as the process of research for ideas on the feasibility and appropriateness of the project, may be a very difficult task for the architect. The conceptual pocket calculator uses standard parameters of the span to depth ratio for standard steel, concrete, and wood elements, gives users an overview of the size, which may be required for constructive solutions. The app includes photos of various projects, enabling users to view how materials will look like in the final form.

The app can be downloaded for free for iOS. The Android version is currently under development.

Sun Seeker

This app shows where the sun is, and which way it is doing in the sky every day. The data is available for the current day and for any other day of the year for any point of the globe. The program has two main modes: flat compass and works through the iPhone’s camera with the ability to overlay data on the actual image. Sun Seeker app is extremely useful for architects literally at all stages of the design.

iOS app is available for $6.99

Morpholio Trace

This application allows users to create sketches on top of imported images, to add comments and to share ideas underlying in the intelligent sketches. Morpholio Trace is one of the most beloved and popular applications for sketching and creation of free sketches. This is a very important and necessary application because not always pencil and paper are at hand. This product serves you as an alternative to conventional means of architect’s assistance.

iOS app can be downloaded free of charge.

 Archisketch (last Archipad)

Archisketch application has been designed to ease the process of digital painting and drawing, which allows to not only import drawings and create thumbnails on top of them but also to work in a certain scale. Latest updates have brought in the work of the application more complex levels of functioning, which still serve the purpose of increasing the accuracy. Archisketch is an important program for professionals in the business, fully integrating capabilities of sketching and real design.

iOS version of the app can be downloaded free of charge.

Arrette Scale / Arrette Sketch

The application allows users to rate each other’s work, to share ideas and sketches. Arrette Scale and Sketch allows making additional design changes on the scale without the need for printing of entire piles of paper documentation. Such features as layer blending of images and importing the basic samples from the original IOS applications (for example, maps and photographs) raises the application to a very high, up-to-date unprecedented level of functionality. It deserves the first place!

Smart Tools

Smart Tools program is a set of tools that can be useful in the repair. These are tools for measuring angles, the height of the object – 15 types of such tools. With the help of Android smartphone, you can measure the distance from one point to another, or the angle between the ceiling and the wall. The app uses the camera for the measurement and provides the most accurate result. For example, it is possible to measure the angle of an object of any shape. Smart Tools also allows you to determine the level of noise and vibration. The app is free, and it is fairly easy to download.

Master Design

Master Design application for the interior is hardly suitable for professional architects. However, if you want to do simple repairs in the apartment, it may be useful to you. The program helps to create the layout of an apartment or a country house taking into account the real dimensions, and to arrange the furniture. The app collects quite a lot of photos of different models of furniture for any room. Master Design allows creating a plan and making the visualization of your future apartment.

The app allows creating and moving images and analyzing the arrangement of furniture. Three-dimensional graphics allows looking at the room from the top, turn on various degrees to achieve maximum actuality. This free of charge application is available on Android devices.

Vrender Company 2017.