Apps for Stage and Performing Arts Designers

Designer in studio studying data on digital tablet
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When it comes to apps for Android and iPhone markets, designers require choices that satisfy exacting standards and meet technical demands, while also sparking the creative impulse. This is especially true in the performing arts, whose designers require mobility and functionality for ease of use even in the midst of the chaos of rehearsals, preparations, and planning.

There are some amazing apps out there now that are streamlined and smart, and that offer designers everything from inspiration and information to the technical tools to sketch, plan, and dream.

AutoCAD - DWG Viewer & Editor 

The AutoCAD mobile app from Autodesk enables users to easily view, edit, and share AutoCAD drawings with anyone, anywhere using their mobile devices. Use it to annotate and revise drawings in the office, in the field, or in a meeting. The app allows you to work on designs without an internet connection and easily opens DWG, DWF, and DXF files directly from email. Simplify design creation, review, and approval using powerful, built-in social design collaboration tools, and unleash the power of AutoCAD design beyond the desktop.

AutoCAD is available for iOS (iOS 9 or later) and Android. The app is free, with premium services available for a fee.

AutoQ3D CAD

AutoQ3D CAD is a full CAD software tool designed to help users create 2D and 3D technical drawings, and can be used for sketching designs as well. The app is designed for use by architects, engineers, designers, students, hobbyists, and others.

AutoQ3D is available for iOS (iOS 9 or later) and Android (4.0 and later). A free ad-supported version is available.

Freeform - The Vector Drawing App

The Freeform app from Stunt Software is a vector drawing tool for the iPad that is helpful for the creation of quick sketches, mockups, or diagrams. Drawings can be exported via email in JPG, PNG, or PDF formats, or they can be saved to the user’s photo library.

Freeform - The Vector Drawing app is available for iPads at the iTunes store.

iDesign

The iDesign app from TouchAware Limited offers precision 2D vector drawing and design for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The app enables the creation of professional-quality designs, illustrations, and technical drawings on the move. The iDesign app has unique features and offset controls that allow users to draw accurately, even in an app environment.

The iDesign app is available in the iTunes store for iOS devices running iOS 8.4 or later.

Autodesk Graphic

Autodesk Graphic (formerly iDraw) is a feature-packed vector drawing and illustration app available on the iPad, with support for layers, text, images, multicolor gradients, brushes, a powerful bezier pen tool, fully customizable canvas styles, clipping, PDF export, and much more.

The Graphic app is available for iPads running iOS 8.0 or later.

PANTONE Studio

PANTONE Studio from color-matching specialist Pantone offers access to a library and reference of over 13,000 PANTONE colors, including the PANTONE PLUS series and the Fashion, Home + Interiors colors. Users can easily create color palettes for inspiration and share them with friends, clients, and vendors. PANTONE Studio offers designers and color-conscious consumers a way to cross-reference libraries and take PANTONE colors with them wherever they go.

The PANTONE Studio app is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad mobile digital devices running iOS 9.3 or later. The app is free to download and contains in-app subscription options.

Penultimate

The original and popular handwriting app for the iPad, Penultimate from Evernote gives users the swift, tactile gratification of writing on paper, with digital power and flexibility. Using Penultimate, users can take notes, draw sketches, or share breakthrough ideas in the office, on the go, or at home on the sofa.

The Penultimate app is available for iPads running iOS 8.0 or later. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases also available.

ShowTool Swatch

ShowTool Swatch from Daniel Murfin brings the gel swatch book to life in the mobile environment and is an easy and beautiful way of viewing important information. Users can share ideas with friends and send orders straight to a local dealer.

The ShowTool Swatch app is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch running iOS 10 or later.

Autodesk SketchBook

Users get the chance to unleash their creativity with the Autodesk SketchBook mobile app, a professional-grade paint and drawing application offering a full set of sketching tools and a streamlined and intuitive user interface — perfect for individuals who sketch every day.

The Autodesk SketchBook app is available for Android (4.0.3 or later) and iOS (10 or later) mobile devices. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases also available.