Top Architects Apps to Boost Productivity and Streamline Workflow

Architects usually navigate through hectic schedules most days. Their 

schedules typically include visiting the project site, meetings with contractors and clients, and managing and transferring photos. At other times, they can be seen measuring the site, monitoring expenses and time, printing and annotating floor plans. 

 

The emergence of advanced technology has enabled them to perform these and more tasks faster than ever. Access to smartphones and tablets means they can use cutting-edge architects apps to streamline their work in a few clicks. Let’s find out about these apps in this blog. 

Best Architects Apps to Power Up Productivity

AutoCAD Mobile App

The AutoCAD mobile app enables architects to edit, create, and view DWG files on the go. They do not have to bring and print drawings on the site. This app facilitates drafting, editing, marking up, and measuring plans. 

 

Architects can leverage this one of the best architects apps to improve collaboration and incorporate real-time changes, reducing communication delays. Hence, they do not have to visit the job site. 

Exclusive Features

 

• Add comments and mark up drawings.
• Use Autodesk Cloud or external ones such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive to view and edit DWG files. 
• Harness keypad input and object snap to draw and edit.
• Update line lengths in a few clicks using the Leica DISTO laser measurement equipment.
• Check properties and coordinates. Select, rotate, move, and scale objects.

ViewER

 

ViewER allows the architects to access models from storage such as Dropbox and view 3D models anywhere and anytime. It is an effective app to superimpose CAD model renders on the ongoing video through a phone camera. 

 

This way, digital models can be combined with real objects in a single app. However, this architects app is accessible to Android users only. 

Exclusive Features

 

• Check 3D models in various formats such as Wavefront (OBJ), Autodesk Inc. (3DS, DXF, and DWF), Stanford Triangle Format (PLY), and openNURBS (3DM).
• Use AR mode to mix CAD models and real footage.
• Leverage shared or local storage to find and open models.
• Improve load times by caching models.

BIMx

 

This app is good news for ArchiCAD users. BIMx is one of the most useful architects apps as it can bring Graphisoft presentations, coordination apps, client offices, construction sites, and design studios closer. 

 

It also includes a ‘BIM hyper-model’, which can help professionals navigate the building model and comprehend the project requirements. BIMx is an ideal choice for project markups in the model context, live cut-throughs in the model, and in-context measuring. 

Exclusive Features

 

• BIM content such as construction drawings, 3D models, schedules, space information, and elements is fully accessible. 
• Animated transactions and all-round 3D cutaways.
• Facilitate combined 2D and 3D building project navigation through hyper-model technology.
• Access and share all the model data easily.

ArchiSnapper

 

Architects often spend their valuable time drafting punch lists or field reports after visiting the site. This architects app simplifies their work by enabling them to document items, assignees, text, photos, and floor plan annotations. 

 

They can use the app at home to further edit and share the punch list or field report. Hence, leaving the worries of photos or Word file transfer to draft field reports is easy.

Exclusive Features

 

• Click a picture and write the issues or observations on it.
• Foster clarity in communication by annotating and sketching the photos.
• Showcase plan-related observations.
• Voice-to-text features help in saving time.
• Keep daily reports, punch lists, safety, and quality on checklists.
• Easy integration with Deltek Ajera, SharePoint, Dropbox, Google Drive, Deltek Vantagepoint, Outlook, File Server, and more.

CamToPlan

 

Measuring is an essential task for the architects, and CamToPlan simplifies it. Draw the measurement lines in 3D on a video recorded using a phone or tablet, and measure floor plans and areas. 

 

Multiple formats for exporting a 3D model are available in one of the best architects apps – CamToPlan. Visualizing rooms, floors, baseboards, walls, furniture, and instant estimations can be done with this app.

Exclusive Features

 

• Floor plan creation with a mobile camera.
• Horizontal and vertical distance measurement in a few seconds.
• Use PNG or DXF formats to export data.

Morpholio Trace Pro

 

Morpholio Trace Pro is one of the finest architects apps that allows drawing 3D models, images, background grids, maps, and PDF drawing sets. It uses a scale for the same, in which architects can set a scale in metric or imperial units using any two points. Users can get a leading-edge sketching experience with this app as it offers a blend of aesthetics and speed. 

 

This top-notch version of tracing paper is widely recognized in the world of architecture due to its offering precision and intelligence of CAD. 

Exclusive Features

 

• Use pens, scale tools, brushes, movable layers, and stencils to create designs.
• Auto-set perspective grids after dragging in a 3D model.
• 3D models, drawing sets, contact sheets, and photo markups are easy.
• Have a walkthrough of the drawings through augmented reality.
• Harness SmartFill to calculate areas while sketching.

Procreate

 

The next addition to the list of top architects apps is Procreate, which offers a smooth experience in creating illustrations, sketches, and animations. Access to numerous handmade brushes ensures precision in drawings and ease in working with layers. 

 

If architects want to try a fresh idea, they can add a new layer of white and lower the opacity. On top of that, add a new drawing layer and start sketching again.

Exclusive Features

 

• Perfect shapes are created using quick shapes.
• Select an area and color it using the select-and-fill technique.
• Control details and composition precisely by layering your art.
• Import a reference picture and use it for drawing.

Construction Master Pro

 

Professionals leverage this app to solve complex mathematical issues related to architecture. For example, calculating volumes, areas, or right-angle solutions, usage requirements of drywall, and laying out stairs. It is one of the most reliable architects apps, which eliminates the requirement of a physical calculator and reduces errors in calculations.

Exclusive Features

 

• Dimensional conversions and math.
• Includes right-angle tools such as jack rafters and irregular valley/hip.
• Consists of an arched and expanded rake wall.
• Uses height, width, and length keys to provide volume, area, and perimeter.
• Multiple built-in solutions to expedite layouts, bids, estimates, and plans’ completion.

Sun Locator

 

Sun Locator is one solution to an architect’s questions about a site. They may have questions such as the amount of sunshine the site will get. Is a neighboring structure causing shade or obstructing sunlight? And more. It is one of the noteworthy architects apps that offers valuable insights into winter and summer solstice paths, solar paths, and sunrise as well as sunset times. 

 

Hence, professionals can use the same to get answers to such questions. This tool offers an interactive augmented 3D view, which helps learn about the amount of sunlight a structure will receive.

Exclusive Features

 

• Includes 3D sundial, which assesses the sun’s position, shadow length, and direction throughout the day and at different times of the year.
• Offers sun and moonlight simulation through augmented reality. This feature uses a phone camera to simulate a fast-forward sunrise to sunset at any time of the year.
• Its free version is called Lite and provides information limited to the current day.
• The Pro version is ideal for accessing information at any time of the year. Additionally, the sundial’s height can be adjusted in the map view. 

Conclusion

 

This technological intervention in an architect’s work has significantly contributed to faster workflows, better collaboration, convenience, and more. Numerous architects are utilizing these amazing architects apps to boost efficiency in their work.

 

Using some of the fabulous architects apps can prove effective for the architects. Thus, incorporate them in the architectural operations and experience improved productivity.

FAQs

 

Q 1: What is the most popular software for architects?

 

Ans: One of the most used software programs in architecture is AutoCAD. It offers a broad range of cutting-edge tools for architects and engineers. Revit is also a popular tool for architects however, it is more useful for the BIM (Building Information Modeling) process. 

 

Q 2: Do architects still use SketchUp?

 

Ans: Architects have admired SketchUp a lot due to its user-friendly interface and versatility for 3D modeling. 

 

Q 3: Which is better, Revit or SketchUp?

 

Ans: It is recommended for civil engineers and other new users to use SketchUp for 3D modeling as it provides a user-friendly interface and versatility. However, Revit is used by professionals for 3D modeling as it provides amazing features for detailed modeling and BIM (Building Information Modeling).