Architecture Apps for Android AutoCAD 360 vs Autodesk FormIt 360 vs MagicPlan ... and 11 more
Edited by Jay, Eng
There is no question that mobile app technology can greatly assist those working or training in the architecture, or design sector. Whether you're busy at the drafting table, or find yourself on-site, having a digital toolbox of solid, useful Android apps can save you some time, as well as increase productivity.
Although the majority (nearly all) of the apps we discuss below work with a phone, it's highly recommended to use a tablet when possible. The larger viewing area on a tablet makes it easier to see both drawing details and app functions.
Method 1: AutoCAD 360
Autodesk's AutoCAD 360 is the official AutoCAD® mobile app and comes loaded with a vast number of features.
With easy-to-use drawing and editing capabilities, AutoCAD 360 makes life easier for architects and designers alike. Whether you're drafting or editing/marking a current DWG file, this app is up to the task.
- 1ProductivityType.
- 2Features.
- Open and view DWG files with ease.
- Accurately measure while on-site or in the field.
- Easily share designs with friends, family or colleagues, directly from the app.
- Advanced annotation tools, layer management, and
- Free Pro version trial is offered to everyone with ZERO obligation.
- Work offline then sync up your edits/changes later when you have a valid connection.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $4.99 - $101.18 per item.
- 4
Method 2: Autodesk FormIt 360
Autodesk's Formlt 360 is another great mobile app for designers and architects.
With the ability to capture building designs on the fly, formlt 360 ensures creativity is never hindered, and that those good ideas never slip away.
- 1ProductivityType.
- 2Features.
- Use maps to set work locations which can be easily searched for later.
- Create 3D forms with lightning.
- Control forms using gestures.
- Move objects around freely and accurately.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 3: MagicPlan
MagicPlan is an app that creates floor plans from images the user takes.
Add objects, annotations, and attributes to produce a complete floor plan with ease. MagicPlan is an excellent tool for architects, realtors, designers, artisans, interior designers or anyone interested in creating professional floor plans.
- 1ProductivityType.
- No measuring, drawing or moving of furniture.
- No particular expertise or training required.
- Get plans in PDF, JPG, PNG, SVG, DXF, and CSV formats (paid version).
- Share floor plans with Magic Plan users (paid version).
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $3.99 - $279.99 per item.
Method 4: Fusion 360
Autodesk's Fusion 360 is a powerful Android app that helps users collaborate on their 3D designs with anyone.
Supporting over 100 files formats, Fusion 360 is ideal for professionals who work collectively from different company's or locations. View, markup, comment, and share CAD models anytime, anyplace.
- 1ProductivityType.
- 2Features.
- View and track all project updates and activities.
- Supports SLDPRT, SAT, STEP, STL, OBJ, DWG, and many more file formats.
- Zoom, pan and rotate all by touch.
- Share design screenshots directly from the app.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 5: Floor Plan Creator
Floor Plan Creator is another useful Android app that does exactly as the app title suggests, produces workable floor plans.
View designs in 3D and take a virtual tour of your floor plan.
- 1Art & DesignType.
- 2Features.
- Supports multiple floor plans per project (straight walls only).
- Mouse and S-pen compatible.
- Supports both imperial and metric measuring units.
- Users can define measurements and dimensions.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $0.99 - $9.49 per item.
- 4
Method 6: Home Design 3D - FREEMIUM
Home Design 3D is another great floor plan creator app for both professionals and homeowners.
Whether you're designing and entire home or just remodeling one, Home Design 3D makes the process more efficient and enjoyable.
- 1LifestyleType.
- 2Features.
- Draw plots, rooms, and dividers in both 2D and 3D.
- Add doors and windows with easy resizing.
- See your designs
- Render designs in realistic 3D photos.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $1.09 - $12.99 per item.
- 4
Method 7: BIMx - BIM Explorer
Graphisoft's BIM Explorer app is a powerful project communication tool that allows for easy access to all of a building's construction documentation.
With 'BIMx hyper model', users experience fluid and smooth handling of even highly complex 3D models, or heavy 2D documentation.
- 1ProductivityType.
- 2Features.
- Responsive finger navigation, zoom, pan and rotate with ease.
- ARCHICAD + BIM Explorer works seamlessly for presenting or sharing designs with clients and contractors.
- Access all Building component-related BIM data.
- Supports Google Cloud print.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $51.69 - $51.74 per item.
- 4
Method 8: CAD Touch Free
CAD Touch Free is a computer aided drafting app that makes on-site drafting a breeze.
With an easy-to-use interface, CAD Touch offers precision and flexibility that a traditional drafting table and pencil, simply does not.
- 1Art & DesignType.
- 2Features.
- Draw new lines, polylines, circles, arcs, rectangles, etc.
- Edit 2D DWG files and view 2D/3D
- Supports both metric and imperial measurements (architectural feet and inches).
- No internet connection required.
- Comes loaded with five comprehensive tutorials.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 9: Sketch
The official Sketch app from Sony is a great little drawing and editing tool that's easy to use regardless of the user's skill level.
Sketch is perfect for those times you need to draft out an idea or design while it's still fresh in your mind.
- 1EntertainmentType.
- 2Features.
- Enhance images with text and stickers.
- Create intricate designs using layers.
- Responsive zoom function for editing fine details.
- Explore tons of art submitted by the Sketch community (no account required).
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $0.99 - $2.99 per item.
- 4
Method 10: SketchBook - draw and paint
Autodesk's SketchBook is another favorite drawing app that offers a wealth of creation and editing options, directly on a mobile device.
SketchBook is handy when the ideas are flowing, and you want to draft up a quick design. With a neat and straightforward layout, users can keep their focus on being creative, rather than fumbling for functions and options.
- 1EntertainmentType.
- 2Features.
- Comes stock with ten free preset brushes, customizable pens, and markers.
- Zoom up to 2500% for fine detail editing.
- Proportional and symmetrical transformation tools.
- Full layer editing (up to three layers).
- Full-screen workspace free of obstructions.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $6.49 - $38.99 per item.
- 4
Method 11: Artecture Draw, Sketch, Paint
You can never have too many powerful drawing apps when you work with architecture and design.
Artecture Draw, Sketch, Paint is an excellent addition not only because of its ease of use and functionality, but because it has no ads.
- 1EntertainmentType.
- 2Features.
- Included drawing tools; Pencil, Marker Pen, Oil Brush, Airbrush, Palette Knife, Oil Blend brush, Oil real brush, Water Color.
- Create and edit with multiple layers.
- Render final work in jpeg, png, or bmp file formats.
- 30 high-quality drawing and editing tools.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- 4
Method 12: Planner 5D - Interior Design
An easy-to-use Android app that allows users to create realistic interior and exterior designs in both 2D and 3D models.
Although primarily used by interior designers, architects also find it useful when creating interior spaces.
- 1LifestyleType.
- 2Features.
- Edit and view your design models in 2D and 3D virtual reality modes.
- Take advantage of a massive catalog of items to use in your designs.
- Works with or without an internet connection.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version
- In-app purchases ranging from $2.99 - $70.99 per item.
- 4
Method 13: 3DC.io 3D Modeling
3DC.io by 3D Creationist is a modeling creation app that prides itself on its simplicity of use while producing impressive looking 3D models.
This app is geared towards users of any skill level or experience.
- 1EducationType.
- 2Features.
- Uses basic shapes such as cubes, cylinders, and spheres to create virtually any 3D model, simple or complex.
- Drag, rotate, scale and move shapes around to quickly build 3D models.
- Less intense learning curve compared to traditional CAD apps.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free version.
- In-app purchases ranging from $1.39 - $7.49 per item.
- 4
Method 14: Bubble Level Galaxy
If you find yourself unexpectedly on-site without your regular tools, the Bubble Level Galaxy app could save the day.
Contractors, architects, designers, and inspectors all use levels, and in the event of you find yourself without one, you can utilize this mobile app with confidence.
- 1ToolsType.
- 2Features.
- Accurately see if a vertical or horizontal surface is plumb or level.
- No ads displayed.
- 3Cost/Fees.
- Free.
- 4
The apps listed above will work wonders for those who are actively working professionally in the architect, design or construction fields, or if you're a hobbyist or student. If you are working with design in some capacity and you're not using a mobile app or two, you could be missing out.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
