iPad apps for Designers, Freelancers & Creatives

Frequently bombarded with app lists for creative types that are a series of colouring-in tools or Basecamp alternatives, here’s our list of iPad apps for designers we actually use …

Most are free or cost a couple of pennies but all of them are at least that little bit useful during the creative process. Read on and if there are any we’ve missed let us know …

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SKETCHING: Paper by 53

FREE // Site // Video // Download

The ONLY sketching/doodling app we would ever warrant using. It’s certainly not a notebook or sketchbook replacement, but with acceleration based thickness & weight it’s wonderful for drawing up quick scamps & doodles. Aside from the functionality it’s also one of the most visceral and engaging UI’s to use, with bespoke notebook covers and subtle 3D paging. Check out some samples here

“AT LAST, MOBILE CREATION DONE RIGHT. Paper was designed from the ground up for touch and creating on the go. It keeps you in the flow with no fussy buttons, settings or other distractions. Paper works the way you think, like a familiar notebook or journal. Have all of your ideas with you in one place.”

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TYPOGRAPHY: Fontbook

£3.99 // Site // Video // Download

A great UI experience for discovering new font’s and foundries. A perfect mobile alternate to browsing MyFonts.com.

FontBook is the world’s most comprehensive reference on digital typography. It documents the work of 118 renowned international type foundries, representing 1650 type designers, constituting 35,000 fonts from 8050 font families (status: April 2012). The FontBook app presents this selection through 700,000 typeface samples which can be intuitively spread out, searched, layered, moved, scrolled and combined like a collection of maps.

 
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STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY: Shutterstock

FREE // Site // Video // Download

An even more appropriate reference tool than the site, the iPad app is a great way to work with clients to collate light-boxes of suitable stock imagery for projects which can be shared and collaborated on or swiftly emailed.

Shutterstock presents an elegant way to search, browse and organize millions of beautiful stock photos, illustrations, and vectors from the world’s largest subscription-based image library.

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FILE SYNCING: Dropbox

FREE // Site // Video // Download

It goes without saying you’ll be aware of the power of Dropbox, and the iPad app is a perfect compliment to the online file sharing service by giving you access to all your files and one click link sharing.

Bring your files with you when you’re on the go. Add files to your Favorites for fast, offline viewing. Easily upload photos and videos to Dropbox. Share freely with family and friends

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