True confession time. I still haven’t jumped on the bandwagon and picked up an iPad. It just hasn’t really bleeped on my radar as something that I absolutely, positively, cannot under any circumstances live without. I know plenty of people that love their iPad, however, and consider it a necessary part of their tools out on the road-and they’re taking their apps along with them!
Here’s an updated look at the 8 best ipad apps for today’s mobile graphic designer.
1) Adobe Ideas: Adobe Ideas acts as a mobile digital sketchbook and, with the awesomeness that Adobe design tools have long been known for, offers up to ten design layers, making it a favorite for iPad design out on the road.
2) iMockups: iMockups acts as a design board, allowing you to quickly design wireframes and mockups for your website or other project. Also available for iPhone.
3) SketchyPad: This one, I have to admit, intrigued me when I first saw it laid out. Sketchy Pad does exactly what it says it does-offers you a place to “sketch” your website or app. I’m really at a loss for how to explain it beyond that, but it’s well worth checking out.
4) AirDisplay: As someone who regularly uses their mobile phone as a minicomputer, this thrilled me. I mean seriously thrilled me. Why? Because with AirDisplay, you can use your iPad as an additional monitor to your other mobile devices. Deceptively pointless, this provides a large scale view of something you’ve spent months trying to squint at. (Also makes a great tool for entertaining the kiddies when you’re out on the road!)
5) MindNode: This mindmapping/brainstorming tool for your iPad is the perfect place to expand and connect ideas, which is great when you’re having a brainstorming fit mid-marketing campaign!
6) FTPOnTheGo: You love FTP. I love FTP. So there’s no point in pretending that something that doesn’t make accessing, editing and moving FTP files out on the road without giving yourself a massive migraine isn’t the coolest thing since sliced bread. Seriously.
7) Freeform: Freeform is a vector drawing tool for the iPad that allows you to create just about anything, then export it in an easy to use JPEG, PNG or PDF format. Nothing fancy, nothing difficult, and it’s compatible for use with most other mobile programs and applications.
8) iThoughtsHD: Another fun brainstorming tool that’s easy to export, this is fun for designers but brutally necessary for project managers out on the road.
What are your favorite iPad design apps?