The latest advancements in technologies have enabled greater mobility and working flexibility for any architect carrying a smartphone. From initiating ground floor plans to mapping sun paths, apps play a vital role. Smartphones and devices are being rapidly integrated into the construction industry; with the result being, a huge number of free architecture apps for builders and architects.
1. AutoCAD 360 (iOS/Android) | Architecture Apps
The basic version of this app is free; however, the pro version plans can cost you a few dollars. Get all your CAD plans on your mobile device. This is the official AutoCAD mobile app that allows you to upload, open, and edit DWG files at any time and from anywhere.
2. Morpholio Trace (iOS)
The app is perfect for intellectualizing design, and also makes collaboration and sharing ideas with team members easy. Created by and for architects, Trace works just like tracing paper: with simple layers and tools, you can sketch and comment on top of images.
3. Sketchbook (iOS)
Designed by Autodesk, this app offers you the freedom of sketching coupled with some useful ways of exporting drawings on different canvas sizes and at diverse resolutions.
4. Sun Seeker (iOS/Android)
This is an invaluable tool for recognizing the perfect orientation for new building structures while out on site. ozPDA’s smart solar path system allows the users to spot the right sun position and path for their present location using GPS and magnetometer.
5. MagicPlan (iOS/Android) | Architecture Apps
This is a free app that produces room plans by using your device’s camera and augmented reality. Measure rooms, produce floor plans, and propose work estimates, and all of these can be conveniently edited and exported as pdf, dxf, and jpg. All you need to do is stand and point the camera, the app does the rest.
6. ArchiSnapper (iOS/Android)
ArchiSnapper is an app for architects, engineers, and contractors in creating reports onsite and making access to blueprints. This is a simple app for creating field reports and punch lists. Architects save up to one hour per field report. Very quick and professional support.
7. iRhino 3D (iOS)
The easy zoom, rotate, and pan features mean you can show off every aspect of your work at a moment’s notice. It’s an awesome way of showcasing your models. This app allows you to easily access all your 3-D models at any time and at anyplace. All you need to do is download them into the library and view them.
8. Paper (iOS)
Paper is the immersive sketching app for capturing ideas anywhere. Over 25 million people have found their personal creative space in Paper—handwriting notes, drafting, diagramming, sketching, and giving form to their vision
9. Autodesk Formit (iOS/Android)
For easy drafting, sketching, and modeling on job sites. You can markup files while you’re with a client or contractor, share, and update when you’re back at your desk.
10. SketchUp Viewer (iOS/Android) | Architecture Apps
This is a viewing Architecture App mainly used for 3D SketchUp models. It also provides measurement and dimension tools, along with section and plan views. This app can also be used to download 3D models from SketchUp’s Warehouse.
