Useful Apps for Architects

Smartphones and tablets are being used more and more by architects and designers, giving them the ability to connect in real time to collect, edit and share data instantaneously.

Six useful applications for architects are shown here.
1. MagicPlan. The powerful application removes the need for a tape measure by creating an accurate floor plan complete with measurements taken from a photograph. Standing in the middle of the room, users take a picture in landscape mode on their iPhone or iPad in one rotation, tapping to indicate each corner of the room. MagicPlan will then measure and create a plan that can be itemised a sorted into residential or commercial categories as well as the type of room, such as the kitchen or living room. Users can snap multiple rooms and assemble them into one large floor plan along with furniture and appliances by dragging and rotating the plans to fit.

2. Architects Formulator. This application requires a small investment but will give users over 400 Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Concrete and Excavation formulations. It is a highly professional application that offers comprehensive tools for architects including special formulas for concrete and steel design, parking and sidewalk design and even basic formulas for wind load and wind overturning force.

3. AutoCAD WS. AutoCAD WS enables users to view, edit and share DWG, DWF and DXF™ drawings for free. The biggest advantage is being able to access and revise drawings on-site with the great range of familiar drawing tools which can then be effortlessly shared with a team with no additional software download required.

4. Houzz. Houzz is a large database of home and design photos that encourages design and decorating inspiration. Thousands of images can be viewed and then tapped and stored into designers’ own “ideas books”, then shared to become a virtual scrapbook. Houzz is a great way to gain inspiration, view different design styles and products or visually communicate an idea to a client.

5. Morpholio Trace. Trace is a clever application that allows architects and designers to digitally sketch over imported images or backgrounds.

6. Photoshop Express. Adobe’s free version of Photoshop Express allows users to select photos from a device and edit them effortlessly. The powerful manipulation tool allows users to crop, add brightness and sharpness to their images. The clean interface is easy to use and features a condensed editing toolbar from the desktop version. Adjusted images can be collated into online galleries and easily shared with colleagues, clients and social media portals.

More and more apps and softwares appear which are useful for artists(who create architectural rendering and architectural visualization, even architectural animation), architects and designers. Technology brings convenience to the world.

3D Design Softwares

There are lots of 3D design software programs available today. These programs are selected both for price and functionality. Design softwares range in price from free to several thousands of dollars. 3D Studio Max is a high end program used in industry because it is compatible with AutoCAD. We usually use this to create architectural rendering and architectural visualization. It is also used in game design and in movies. Blender is a free, open-source program that has many of the same features as some of the mid to high end 3D modeling and animation programs. For users looking for less technical programs that is artist friendly Cinema 4D had many options that let users buy just the functions they desire and uses a more basic toolset that is less overwhelming. Programs such as Massive are used in movies to create crowd scenes. Each character in Massive is given an artificial intelligence so that t will interact with the other characters and environment, such as the large scale battle scenes in the Lord of the Rings series. These are just a few examples of the types of software available to designers. Choose a 3D design software that are most suitable for you and you really like best.

Types of 3D Design Software

Many 3D design software programs are available today. Programs are selected both for price and functionality. Design software ranges in price from free to several thousands of dollars. Blender is a free, open-source program that has many of the same features as some of the mid to high end 3D modeling and animation programs. 3D Studio Max is a high end program used in industry because it is compatible with AutoCAD (we usually use this one to create 3d rendering, architectural rendering and architectural visualization). It is also used in game design and in movies. For users looking for less technical programs that is artist friendly Cinema 4D had many options that let users buy just the functions they desire and uses a more basic toolset that is less overwhelming. Programs such as Massive are used in movies to create crowd scenes. Each character in Massive is given an artificial intelligence so that t will interact with the other characters and environment, such as the large scale battle scenes in the Lord of the Rings series. These are just a few examples of the types of software available to designers.

3D Animation Program

3DMagix is one of 3d animation programs, providing a comprehensive software package equipped with the ability to design and model, animate, render and perform other post-production touch-ups. Its complete toolkit has full range of options for professional-quality 3D production. Its easy-to-understand interface contributes to its 3D capabilities, from advanced modeling to video game design. 3DMagix also allows a project to be saved under various file types so that it can work in conjunction with other 3D animation software. We haven't used such software, but 3ds max and vray to create architectural visualization and 3d rendering, also architectural animation.

3D Software-Houdini

Houdini has three versions. That is Houdini Master, Houdini Escape and Houdini Batch. By the way, there is a free version, Houdini Apprentice. which is for noncommercial use. They are available for Macs and Windows. All of the programs feature standard 3D capabilities, including 3D modeling and animation. Houdini is 3D animation software created by Side Effects Software. If you want to produce architectural rendering, architectural visualization and 3d rendering, Houdini can be used.

3D Software-Autodesk 3DS Max

Autodesk 3DS Max 2011 is the latest version of the software. The software works for Windows and Mac. Autodesk 3DS Max provides professional-quality 3D modeling and animation. The market for this software includes professional animators, game and graphic designers and visual effects artists. Use the software to create 3D objects for games, graphics for television and movies and print design. We use the soft ware to create 3d rendering, architectural rendering, architectural visualization and architectural animation. As of 2010, Autodesk 3DS Max 2011 is the latest version of the software. More information can be found at the website: store.autodesk.com

3D Architecture Software

Nowadays there are handreds of thousands of Architecture Softwares for creating 3d architectures. Our company is good at using 3ds max to create 3d rendering, like architectural rendering, architectural visualization, and even architectural animation. We have very mature skills in using 3ds max.

Beside the software, there are much more, like maya, modo and so on. Nest post let us share some 3d architecture softwares.