best construction design apps for ipad

The Top 10 Apps for Architecture

Architecture apps have completely altered the working habits of architects around the world. On-site or in the office, they have generated a more productive and efficient workflow. Used on PC, smartphones, or tablets, these applications multiplied exponentially over the years, becoming more versatile and covering different aspects of the field. While some are very specific to professionals, others appeal to every architecture enthusiast, with user-friendly interfaces, simplified navigations, and reachable information.

ArchDaily has selected the best architecture apps used in 2020, featuring recurring essentials and newcomers on the tech scene. Read on to discover the top 10 applications, available on IOS and Android.

RoomScan Pro (iOS)

Developed by Locometric, RoomScan Pro can create an entire floor plan using any phone. Easy to use, the process only requires the user to tap his screen and highlight walls while moving across the room, and the app generates seamlessly the adequate floor plan. In addition, the application can measure and draw stairs, facades, green spaces, etc.

Concepts (iOS)

A digital sketching paper, Concepts is a flexible, accurate, and extremely responsive app. Perfect for architects, illustrators, product designers, and visual thinkers, the application allows its users to explore their creativity and sketch whatever comes to mind. Suitable for iPhone, iPad, and iPad Pro, the sketching app is accessible to anyone.

DroneDeploy (iOS/Android)

Developed to cater to the growing need for aerial site intelligent software, DroneDeploy is a mapping tool available only on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Automating a drone flight, the app captures aerial imageries, from which useful information can be generated.

Shapr3D (iOS)

A sketching and 3D modeling app, Shapr3D is very useful during early conceptual phases especially that it allows users to switch easily between 2D and 3D design. Basic tools help to change views and implement different actions.

ArchiSnapper (iOS/Android)

ArchiSnapper is a field-reporting app that allows users to efficiently draft a report during and after site visits. Offering many options, users can take pictures, draft, and comment, and the app, available on phone or tablet, organizes data and generates seamlessly the report.

The Essentials

AutoCAD 360 and Autodesk FormIt 360 (iOS/Android)

Very efficient for architects, these Autodesk apps allow you to open your AutoCAD and Revit files on your mobile. Autodesk has developed the Autodesk A360 app so that users can view and upload 2D and 3D drawings regardless of what software they used to create them. They can also navigate large-scale models, review, and markup the designs, measure dimensions and areas, and track the project status anytime, anywhere.

BIMx (iOS/Android)

Possessing a unique technology that integrates 2D and 3D building project navigation, this app allows architects to use the ArchiCAD program to access their files on their mobile, as well as making measurement adjustments on site. In fact, with its Hyper-model feature, navigation is easy and access is instant.

Morpholio Trace (iOS)

This application allows you to sketch on top of images, storing and organizing, by layers, your ideas. Morpholio Trace gives the option to add comments on images, helping with sharing initial conceptual notions. In fact, this app comes in handy during the first phases of the designs as it allows us to scribble, draw, and express the first artistic thoughts, especially with its augmented reality option.

Sunseeker (iOS/Android)

This virtual solar compass helps with on-site analysis as it identifies the sun's position and path, and illustrates visually the amount of sunlight received by the building, through an interactive 3D view. Not only intended for architects, Sunseeker has a wide range of users

MagicPlan (iOS/Android)

MagicPlan uses your mobile's camera to measure spaces and create almost accurate plans that can be exported as PDF, DXF, or JPG. Easier than other applications, you only have to stand still, preferably in the center, and let your device scan the room.

Note: This article was originally published on June 11, 2018, and updated on June 22, 2020.

Cite: Christele Harrouk. "The Top 10 Apps for Architecture" 22 Jul 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/896021/the-top-apps-for-architects> ISSN 0719-8884