I am going to do at least two things on today’s show – eat a little crow and talk about how I use my iPad. I get asked this question often enough to where I have been meaning to talk about why you might want to use an iPad and what applications are actually worth your consideration and money. This will be a deep dive into a few applications that might very change how you go about your business. Welcome to Episode 158: Architects and iPads.
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Today we are talking about using an iPad on the daily – something that I couldn’t even fathom just a few years ago. I can’t speak for Andrew since he has been using an iPad for years longer than I have but I think we might use our iPads a little bit differently than one another. I am going to break today’s conversation into 2 chunks – that latter chunk taking up the priority of our time together, but the first part will be some fundamental reasons why I am starting to prefer my iPad over almost all of my other pieces of technology. The second half will be on the applications that I use – which isn’t really all that many.
On Episode 47 – Apps for Architects, (which was over 4 years ago) we discussed at a pretty high level different sorts of applications that an architect might want to consider using. We broke things into the following 7 categories:
- Sketch Apps
- Graphics
- Develop(ment)
- Collaborate
- Present
- Document
- Management
With between 4-7 applications worth considering listed in each section, that was a lot of ground to cover. We aren’t going to do that this time. The intent of this show is to trim alllllll the fat and just talk about apps that I actually use and think that you should as well.
Morpholio Trace jump to 10:06
This might be the most interesting app that I use, mostly because a few years ago I would have bet you serious money that I would never use a sketch app on a tablet. Things have drastically changed for me.
What I like
Other than it looks great and I like how intuitive the platform is? I need to say this up front before I get into the weeds. There are things that this app can do that I don’t use and as a result, I am not going to talk about them. I don’t use the AR (augmented reality) sketching, I don’t bring in active massing models from Sketchup, etc. I use it like it was paper – it has replaced my trace paper and sketchbooks – and I am perfectly happy with that and I would still recommend this as the very first application you should get if you are an architect who just bought an iPad.
How I use it
I use for anytime I need to draw something, and I’m not talking about art, I am referring to problem solving and communicating with others.
I sketch native details, I draw plans, I sketch on top of plans, I review and redline multi-page pdfs, and I use it when I am on Teams or Zoom calls. This last item is worth going into some detail on because it might have been one of the main reasons I starting using an iPad and this particular app. I am left handed but I use my right hand to control my computer mouse. Attempting to draw using the normal drawing tools that are baked into programs like Zoom and Teams using a mouse and drawing with the wrong hand is a painful and frequently embarrassing exercise.
What I don’t like
Entering text on this app is trash – and I would bet you that the people at Morpholio know this. Every time you enter text within a drawing, each entry creates a new layer that is unique to that text. You can’t group all text onto a single layer, or a series of layers. UPDATE Since I am on friendly terms with the folks at Morpholio, they have let me know that there is a MAJOR update coming (within the next few months) where text is concerned on the app.
Another item I do not like is that the pixel count is occasionally to small for the level of detail I am looking to articulate. This typically happens when I bring a large size pdf document – say 30”x42” and I want to draw out some detail modifications on one of the 20 drawings on this page. The PDF looks nice and crisp but when I zoom in and I want to articulate a 1/8” hemmed edge on a flashing detail, the lines become too pixelated to be of any use. I will say that I understand why this is, and at some level, what I want isn’t currently reasonable.
I pay $20/year but they have different costs for students or if you think you want to buy it once and be done with the recurring yearly fees.
Moleskine TimePage jump to 33:48
Since I am focusing on the applications that I actually use, and if I add an additional level of consideration based on frequently I use them Moleskine “Timepage” is rightfully in the #2 spot.
What I like – Timepage
The first thing that stood out to me when I started using Timepage was its visually stunning interface. The color schemes are calm, customizable, and visually appealing without being overwhelming. It makes calendar management feel less like a chore and more like an experience. Timepage also integrates seamlessly with my other calendars like Google, iCloud, and Outlook, which means I can pull all my schedules into one place. This cross-platform synchronization means I am less likely to miss something I’m obligated to do. Not to put too fine a point on it but I I keep my personal and professional calendars in separate places and it can be a pain to have to check both places.
How I use it
I use Timepage to plan my day-to-day schedule by syncing it with my work and personal calendars. Having everything in one place helps me focus and prevents over-scheduling. When I am doing what I should be doing (meaning I am organized), I start each morning by reviewing the day’s events which includes work meetings, personal tasks, and reminders for deadlines. At some point, I am 99% sure that I am going to start a 4th calendar that is focused on financial considerations in my life and those items will manifest themselves into this overall picture of what I am trying to accomplish.
Timepage fits into my workflow by offering more than just a standard calendar. Its features for daily and weekly planning, along with light task management, make it a valuable tool for organizing both work and personal events. Simply put, it helps keep me on top of my schedule … but it’s better because I pair it with Moleskine “Actions” which I will get into in a minute.
What I don’t like
While Timepage excels at event management, it lacks robust task management features. This leaves me juggling between multiple apps when I need to stay on top of to-dos and longer-term projects … that’s where “Action” comes in. While I understand the need to monetize a premium app, Timepage’s subscription model can feel excessive for an app that’s essentially a calendar unless you add Actions in, which is another subscription model. However, I like the way it looks so much that I am willing to swallow this vinegar because the aesthetic interface is just enough sugar to make it tolerable. There are lower cost options available so you will have to decide how much the appearance matters to you
Timepage is currently $15/year
Moleskine Actions jump to 40:53
Much like other Moleskin apps, “Actions” has a beautifully minimalistic design that I immediately appreciated. The interface is clean, with vibrant, customizable color schemes and a simple navigation structure that makes it feel easy to use without any learning curve. The integration with Timepage is seamless and something I find extremely useful. If you use Timepage already, you can see your Actions tasks right in your calendar view, which ensures that both scheduling and task management are connected.
Why I like it
“Actions” fits seamlessly into my daily workflow by offering simple but effective task management tools. I rely on it to manage my daily to-do lists, prioritize upcoming tasks, and break down project-related work. Its integration with Timepage enhances its value, allowing me to align task management with my scheduling effortlessly.
How I use it
I use “Actions” primarily for managing my daily tasks. It’s my go-to app for creating quick to-dos and keeping track of personal and work-related tasks in one place. In the morning, I’ll open the app and check my “Today” list, which contains tasks that I need to prioritize for that day. The app really shines in its focus on actionable tasks. It doesn’t try to be a full-fledged project management tool, which is something I like because it doesn’t overwhelm you with features you don’t need. I appreciate that I can focus purely on action items without being bogged down by timelines, dependencies, or milestones like in other more complex apps such as Asana or Monday.com. The integration with Timepage is seamless and something I find extremely useful. If you use Timepage already, you can see your Actions tasks right in your calendar view, which ensures that both scheduling and task management are connected.
What I don’t like
While “Actions” excels at simple task management, it lacks some features that I would expect for more complex project tracking. There’s no way to create dependencies or view tasks in a timeline, making it difficult to manage long-term projects with multiple moving parts.
One major drawback is that “Actions” is heavily focused on the iPad experience. There’s no desktop app or cross-platform functionality, which limits how I can interact with my tasks when I’m not using my iPad.
“Actions” is an excellent app for anyone looking for a sleek, intuitive task management tool that excels at organizing simple, actionable items. Its beautiful design, ease of use, and integration with Timepage make it a great choice for users already invested in the Moleskin ecosystem.
Bluebeam jump to 45:52
Why I like It
One of the standout features of Bluebeam is its suite of precision tools for drawing, measuring, and annotating PDFs. Whether I’m marking up construction plans, adding comments, or measuring distances, the tools are highly accurate and tailored for the needs of the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry.
The main reason it is on my list, is that Bluebeam offers strong collaboration capabilities through its cloud-based platform, Bluebeam Studio. I can share documents with colleagues and collaborate in real-time, which is essential for the typical team-based projects with which I work.
Bluebeam on the iPad offers a near-seamless experience compared to the desktop version, which is impressive. I can easily view and markup plans on-site without having to carry printed drawings. I use Bluebeam on my iPad during site visits to pull up drawings, annotate in real-time, and share updates with the team before even leaving the site. This reduces the need for follow-up emails and ensures that any changes are documented immediately.
How I use it
My primary use of Bluebeam is for reviewing and marking up construction drawings. Its advanced annotation tools help me provide clear feedback on documents and plans. It also has a strong suite of measurement tools that allow me to perform on-the-spot estimations, ensuring that dimensions are correct and accurate.
Bluebeam is a critical part of how I can collaborate with my team. We typically set up Studio Sessions to share documents and gather input from multiple stakeholders in real-time. If I need to get input from the structural engineer, interior designer, and contractor, I’ll invite them to a Studio Session where they can all add their comments and revisions to the same document. This avoids back-and-forth email chains and speeds up the review process.
One of the most useful aspects of Bluebeam on the iPad is its ability to be used on-site, allowing me to address issues and make changes in real-time. During my time on site, I use the app to annotate construction plans, taking note of discrepancies between the drawings and what I am observing on site. I can mark these up and then send newly annotated drawings directly to the contractor for correction … which leads me to the next section – which is a biggie.
What I don’t like
I can’t draw on it – which is 100% of what I want to do!
The iPad version is a slimmed down version of the desktop version and it doesn’t offer the full range of features. Certain advanced tools and settings are either missing or more cumbersome to use on mobile. Features like advanced quantity takeoffs or certain types of customizations are easier to manage on the desktop version. Finally, as if it were necessary, Bluebeam has a fairly steep learning curve for people unfamiliar with the platform, but time and use will remedy this concern.
$9 for the app subscription
Goodnotes jump to 51:04
This is a new one for me – certainly the newest on this list but I am currently taking it out for a spin, which also explains why it is in the #4 spot.
Why I like it
I use Goodnotes almost exclusively for taking internal meeting notes. The ability to create structured notebooks helps me keep everything organized by responsibility or silo of responsibility. I create dedicated notebooks where I jot down key points, ideas, and action items. I can quickly add sketches or diagrams to illustrate concepts without needing separate tools.
How I use it
I break everything down into fairly small bites and organize my personal notes over time – and I want these notes to BE MINE as they are created just for me most of the time and not something that I would want to store on the network.
This next item is fairly new to me, but Goodnotes is also a good app for reading and annotating research materials. I can import articles, highlight important sections, and take notes directly on the document. For example – if I’m preparing for a presentation or researching a new design trends or concepts, I’ll import PDFs of relevant articles or studies, annotate them, and save my notes for easy reference later.
What I don’t like
While Goodnotes is fantastic for handwritten notes, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility when it comes to typed text. The formatting options are quite limited, and there’s no real word processing functionality. For example, if I need to include longer sections of typed notes or mix typing with handwriting, it becomes cumbersome. I find myself wishing for better text formatting options, like bullet points or headings, to help structure my notes more clearly. There’s also no easy way to switch between writing and typing without it feeling disjointed, which can be frustrating when I want to alternate between the two during a meeting.
Goodnotes also does not offer real-time collaboration, but for me, I don’t care about that particular feature and it isn’t a need for me.
Its strength lies in its paper-like handwriting and sketching capabilities, making it ideal for users who prioritize digital handwriting and need robust document annotation features. However, its limitations in text formatting, cloud sync, and real-time collaboration may make it less suitable for company-wide adoption, especially in environments that require extensive team collaboration or cross-platform accessibility. I would recommend Goodnotes for individual use, particularly for professionals who value the tactile feel of handwritten notes and sketching, but caution that its limitations may hinder full integration into a company’s workflow.
Would you rather? jump to 59:02
Occasionally we come up with a question that is equal parts challenging and dumb … which automatically makes today’s questions the sort I like to discuss. I will admit up front that Andrew brought up a consideration that I had not thought about and as I tried to loophole my way out of the box he placed, he might have taken the victory on this one.
Would you rather always have 1 shoe with the shoelaces untied, or always have to carry a full glass a liquid around wherever you go?
I don’t like Andrew’s answer but his logic is sound … which means that the consideration for either decision is broken. No matter which answer you choose, there is terrible ramifications but one route is more about how people view you, and the other involves massive inconvenience.
Ep 158: Architects and iPads
When I decided to take on today’s topic, I intentionally chose to isolate out just the applications I actually use, rather than a list of ones that are simply interesting but ultimately don’t provide value or benefit in the act of me performing my job. idea of using an iPad in the first place is a pretty big departure for me because it wasn’t that long ago that I thought I would NEVER get any value from it (other than watching movies on a plane or while I am on the treadmill). Everything changed when I started sketching on it … now it was something that I kept with me and as a result, using the iPad for other purposes just started to make more sense. I am happy that I can do 80% of my job with it as it weighs less and the battery lasts a lot longer than my computer, which is a win-win situation for me.
Cheers,
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