The role of a designer can be diverse and ever-changing. Technology is intended to increase productivity, but it can be tough to keep up with the latest apps. There is a surplus of digital competition and as more technology is created, more designers are exposed to tools that improve their craft. These eight iPad tablet apps are meant to enhance and support your design experience.
1. Slack
Slack is a business communications tool that helps keep geographically diverse teams together, in one place. If you are a designer that is part of a collaboration, Slack will help you to keep track of your priorities. This app also serves as a platform where all project communications can be in one place. Users can share and edit documents within the app and Slack integrates into your workflow and the programs you already use (Google Drive, Dropbox, Twitter, Zendesk, etc.).
2. Adobe Comp
Adobe knows creatives. You can trust Adobe products and whenever there’s a bug, they are quick to fix. This app is a must for graphic designers and artists. Top features include gestures that drop-in placeholder text, basic shapes, and editable text boxes; guides and grids to align and work with spacing controls; free fonts; edit or rewind and export the idea from any point in the project timeline. Adobe Comp can be used with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Muse, Capture, Photoshop Mix and Photoshop Fix.
3. Parallels Access
This app helps designers safely, quickly, and simply access their applications remotely from a phone or tablet. Utilizing a mobile device to access files remotely ensures the continuity of business and projects. Parallels Access gives the user 24/7 access to their laptop (and desktop) but without having to cart around the computer. Simply launch a Mac® computer or PC application from the app. Parallels Access uses iOS® operating system text controls in full-featured Mac computer or PC apps. Within the Parallels Access, the user can switch between any of the apps or windows with a single tap.
4. Pinterest
It has been said that imitation is the best form of flattery. The Pinterest app is the ultimate sharing platform. It’s inspiring to see the craft and creativity of millions of users. Designers from around the web utilize this app to stay organized and inspired. The highlight of Pinterest is the user’s ability to create boards. These boards serve as a digital corkboard where each “album” can be dedicated to a specific theme or idea. And, the Pinterest app has a collaboration feature which lets users share ideas with friends, clients, etc.
5. Tayasui Sketches
Designers will find this app to be effective even just for practicing or keeping your skills fresh. This sketching app was designed for use on mobile devices. It features over 20 realistic tools including watercolor wet brushes. It has a brush editor and a color eyedropper which makes photo editing much more sophisticated and precise.
A highlight of this app is the Community function where users can share drawings with other users and vote for other drawings. It’s a fun bonus to a useful app.
6. Behance
Behance, part of the Adobe suite, is an online platform to discover and showcase creative work. Each day, work is featured from top portfolios in design, fashion, illustration, architecture, photography, typography and more. Users can search and explore millions of projects within the app to heighten inspiration and creativity. This app is a gem because it enables users to connect and follow their favorite, top creatives. Creatives post about their projects and give updates to their followers.
7. BiColor
The simplicity of this app helps kick-start the creative process for users. The minimalist puzzles and game designs challenge the user to utilize their problem-solving skills. Designers may find BiColor increases their workflow, but also the game’s design is an inspiration as well. This is the app to use when your brain feels stumped on a design project. Zone out, and reap the benefits of brain puzzles.
8. Coolors
Coolors is a color scheme generator. The user types in colors or uploads an image of their project to get a matching color combination recommendation through the app. The palette can then be exported and saved as a PDF, PNG, SVG, SCSS or COPIC.
Whether you’re a design student just getting started or an experienced designer with years of experience, being able to work on the go is essential and we think these apps can really help you make the most of your time. If it’s time to look at certified pre-owned Apple® products because you need an upgrade or your current device needs repairs, your local Experimax team is ready to help. X-perience the difference at Experimax where you will receive the assistance you need every visit.
