By Steve Bennett, originally published on Adventures in the World of BIM
It’s still hard to believe, but HMC has given everyone an iPad 2! Now the possibilities for collaborating just went through the roof. Do we call each other on FaceTime now instead of the phone? Do we share info via iMessage? Anyways, now that I’ve had time to sit on it and let it soak in, I found myself crafting a list of apps that I’ve found useful to share, and naturally it included all the Autodesk apps. When I was done crafting it, I couldn’t believe how many apps are available already. You can find any of these apps by searching the iTunes store with the name provided. Read on for my full list…
Autodesk apps – all free unless noted:
AutoCAD WS – Dwg viewer/editor
Design Review Mobile – Wiew and markup DWF files (like a PDF but any Autodesk tool can print them)
Sketchbook Express – Hand sketching app
Sketchbook Pro for iPad – More features *** $4.99
Pixlromatic – Another photo editing software, but from Autodesk
Buzzsaw – If you are on a project with a buzzsaw account, you can access your files and view them in AutoCAD WS or Design Review Mobile
Bluestreak – Working on a project using Bluestreak and Revit Server? Get your notifications and messages on your iPad now!
123D Sculpt – Feed your inner sculptor with this clay modeling app
Autodesk ForceEffect – Physics simulator for testing forces against design models
Autodesk Imagine Design Create – eBook about design created with Autodesk products
Fluid FX – Something for the kids to tinker with *** $0.99
Time FX – Another clock app
TinkerBox – A physics puzzle game for the kid in all of us
Constructware – Access info from the jobsite application from Autodesk
Autodesk Area Mobile – Access Autodesk forums for media and entertainment products like 3ds Max or Maya
I’ve also come up with a few other apps that are essentials or just needed for when you feel like taking a break. Some of these come courtesy of Evan Troxel in the Ontario studio from his essential list, plus a few others.
Productivity:
Keynote – Presentations
Numbers – Spreadsheets
Pages – Word processing
DocScan HD – Take a picture with the iPad, fix flaws, markup/make notes, convert to PDF/image and email/share.
CloudOn – Microsoft Word, Excel & PPT on your iPad, integrated with Dropbox
Skitch – Take a picture, add markups, share with anyone
Neu.Annotate PDF – Open PDF’s, mark them up with shapes, highlights & added text & share
Photo editing:
Instagram – Take and edit photos for a vintage effect
Adobe Photoshop Express – Photoshop on the go
Utility Apps:
Dropbox – Virtual storage
Evernote – Note taking
Goodreader – PDF reader and more
Dragon Dictation – You say it, it types it
Google Earth – Aerial mapping
SamCard – Take a picture of a business card, creates a contact from it instantly
Sketching Apps:
Penultimate – Digital sketchbook
Reading Apps:
Flipboard – Consolidate multiple feeds (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, blogs, news sources) into one location to “flip” through content
Communication Apps:
Skype – Video chat
Astronomy Apps:
Star Walk for iPad – If you enjoy astronomy or are simply interested in that bright dot in the sky, this will show you everything in stunning detail using gps and gyroscopic aware location technology ($2.99 and totally worth it!)
Relaxation Apps:
Gravitarium2 – Music/interactive app running over 5000 particles and allows you to use up to 10 fingers at once. $1.99
MULTiPONK – Four players, one iPad, combined with classic Pong and pinball games