iPad for Architects. laptop replacement, workflow, specs, and honest opinion

[@Still_Water2023]

Thank you Henry! I’m an Architect in Canada,I’m starting to study using ipad for architecture, just following your guide! I get an IPad Air 5 to start.😊

[@HenryGao]

Congrats on starting with one

[@dragondaddy9876]

Great review. I am an engineer who mainly reviews drawings on PDFs and occasionally uses Autocad for drawing amendments (when I am in a rush). Autocad itself tries to promote the remote app for iPad, and I wonder if you have any experience with that. Cheers.

[@jessmoccelini]

Great! I agree! I am using apple devices for 6 years now. Airdrop is an amazing tool to optimize the workflow. I spend the most of my time working on iPad than iMac for architecture too. It is worth it!

[@HenryGao]

So glad it's working for you Jess!

[@siimxny]

thank you! i’m only in 8th grade but I’m really interested in becoming an architect

[@HenryGao]

That's awesome! It's a fun career but like everything else it has many pros and cons, but I hope you consider it after extensive research first. Eric from 30X40 Design Workshop has many videos talking about it.

[@siimxny]

@@HenryGao ok! thank you

[@josea.sandovala.212]

Hey Henry, thanks for the honest opinion, I’m currently in my 7th semester of architecture, I’m really interested on getting my hands on the iPad Pro… but, I’m saving up so I can buy it. Do you recommend saving up to the pro, or going the fast way and getting the iPad Air 5th gen? Btw, thanks for the vids, u got a new subscriber!

[@HenryGao]

Go for it! iPad air is more than enough for most people. Unless you want the larger size available in Pro.

[@phknutson]

As a cartographer I'm interested in using Procreate to create some very detailed isometric maps (with high resolution images as a base map) and maps like a architectural site plan. I'm looking to get an iPad Pro and was wondering if 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM would be best.

[@Ok-kx2te]

it really depends on how many layers you need to add to your drawing since the amount of layers you can add in procreate is dependent on your ram

[@franciscoperez4480]

Thank you Henry great Video. I have one question, how would you recomend integrating Revit into the workflow? i don use AutoCad anymore, only Revit, and been wondering if useing the ipad ocassionally as remote desktop to acces a PC with revit could work. I use it revit for feasibility studies and highlevel Models and massing studies, or to do basic layouts, althought i feel i could do this more in morpholio trace, and the export pdf or jpegs, for someone to trace over in Revit later. Thanks again! great content as always.

[@HenryGao]

Should work in theory as long as you can remote in!

[@emmastyger1184]

Can you use AutoCAD and sketchup on an iPad?

[@hemalsurti125]

If budget is not a constraint then as an architect one should buy the 11inch or 12.9 inch iPad? Also is it convenient to carry the 12.9 inch iPad on sites ?

[@HenryGao]

I bring my 12.9" iPad to site all the time and it's great to see drawing on a larger surface.

[@HBK90]

It's feasible to go Mac and iPad only if your company does not use Revit, ArchiCAD or any BIM software.

[@HenryGao]

That's true, some of us are lucky to go without it! Correct if I am wrong, but I believe ArchiCad runs on Mac as well, right?

[@bahaagamel5516]

Hello I'm an architecture I really admire your videos. Keep up 🧡🧡🥳🥳

[@HenryGao]

Thank you again, glad to see you are always one of the first to watch!

[@rirby5]

This is great content Henry. Thanks for sharing your set up!

[@HenryGao]

Super welcome

[@vavachi7040]

Hello sir! I've been really confused on whether to buy an iPad Pro for architecture. My laptop didn't have much Ram to hold like 4 to 5 softwares which includes AutoCAD, Revit, lumion, SketchUp, photoshop, and blender. I was wondering if I could use the iPad pro for 2d, 3d as well as rendering? I really wanted to buy one, but i don't know if it's gonna handle everything... I think iPad has its own 2d and 3d and rendering softwares. Could you please guide me? Thank you so much.

[@terrianajosephinemariefort5837]

You need windows for those apps

[@nycbike73]

I just purchased a LTE Ipad pro 11inch. I am in construction project management and will be using it in many of the same ways you are using your ipad.

[@HenryGao]

Great, you will love it!

[@김윱-h8k]

Architecture student here, I’ve always been told to stray away from the MacBook if I were to take this major.. and I took that advice although I really wanted to use a MacBook for its simplicity and especially the air drop feature. Just wondering, what rendering engine do you use? I’ve always been told that a MacBook cannot handle all the heavy rendering stuff.

[@HenryGao]

When I needed to render, I always used Bootcamp. This worked for me throughout 7 years of school and had no problem with it. I believe Lumion works well with Mac and produce more than decent render today. At the end of the day, you have to decide that for yourself but it's entirely possible.

[@arnetvlogs7248]

6 months late, but I can confidently say that my MacBook Pro 16” (2019) runs rendering programs like Enscape really well in comparison to many PCs. I think it’s a great alternative to using a PC especially if you want to remain in the Apple OS ecosystem!

[@agonzo12]

In your video you briefly mentioned Bluebeam. I’m considering purchasing the 12.9” iPad with an Apple Pencil to review drawings. I have to use Bluebeam however because the rest of the firm uses Bluebeam studio sessions. But I am really looking forward to reviewing drawings with “a pencil” again. Do you have any positive or negative experiences with Bluebeam for iOS to share?

[@HenryGao]

Bluebeam is discontinued on iOS unfortunately. Even if you are able to run it, it's outdated. I suggest looking at Morpholio Trace for mark up using iPad, that's what I use.

[@villavan]

How many XREF can a iPad handle at a time? I'm looking forward to work as BIM modeller. Will it be helpful?

[@artriverdance]

Hi Henry, very informative video tyvm!! Can I check if you can do actual drafting work on Autocad on the iPad? I.e. draft out 2D floorplans from scratch good enough for presentation to clients? I am from interior design, so its more simple floorplans rather than complex techincal drawings.

[@HenryGao]

Honestly, I haven’t tried and I don’t know if you can but I don’t believe it will be a pleasant experience compared to doing the same work on the computer. This is why I only hand draw on iPad.

[@terrianajosephinemariefort5837]

You can’t use autocad on a MacBook device.

[@yureshsinha3904]

Hi Henry! I really enjoy and learn from your videos. One question. I am an Architect on windows with autocad and revit. I want to buy a pad. But since I am not on apple does it make sense for me to buy the IPAD and also what do you thiink of xiomi pad 5 for architects.

[@HenryGao]

Think about what you need it for? iPad provides the portability to bring with me everywhere I go, it has become a indispensable tool in architecture. Before I bought my first iPad, I had a $1600 Wacom tablet thinking that was what I needed. I ended up selling that for half the price a year down the road and barely touched it when I transitioned to iPad.

[@paulcritchley464]

I do bits and pieces like design and build Back in 04 I changed to apple eco system and convinced my wife to come on board. Got fed up with the crashing of windows Did find out I can have more programs open and keep flipping between than a two or three with windows Now we have multiple apple devices and use iCloud for storage along with a physical device There are plenty of tutorials on KZbin as well as what Apple do. I’ve found Notes apple app. Is brilliant. I can write a book in Notes and keep going back to add to it I put all my times in Notes and have all these files. LiDAR is also brilliant and I can scan walls and other things What I know now I’ve made the right choice I’m an old fart at 69 and I’m not giving work up I could ride my bike all day, but I’ll get a bit tied in the evening’s I believe you will have known regrets Enjoy your life. We all make mistakes Cheers

[@And_Rec]

Would you recommend iPad over surface pro today?

[@HenryGao]

Really depends on your needs

[@spookyaction4461]

i retired my Macbook 6 years ago and have been using an iMac and IPad Pro 12.9’ since 2015. Like the iPad so much I got both the 11” and 12.9”. Use the 11’ as a “laptop”with the magic keyboard and the 12.9” as a drawing tablet with the pencil. Waiting for the 30’ inch M1 iMac. Want to use the 12.9’ as a second monitor / drawing tablet with sidecar and Universal control.

[@HenryGao]

oh wow, you are definitely an apple fan too! I'd love to have an iMac some day, maybe when the M1X model comes out.

[@tomstopper5281]

I agreed that the iPad is not yet a substitute for a laptop but I gave up mine and now I only need a desk top and my iPad. In the future I will switch my desktop for an iMac mini so that I can travel and use the iPad screen to connect to the iMac mini.

[@HenryGao]

That's genius Tom, I haven't consider that with the mini, but I am going to look into that now since the M1 chip have been getting so much hype lately. Thank you for this idea.

[@tomstopper5281]

@@HenryGao there are two apps you can use and you will need a dongle but it is a great solution if you need a desktop computer while you travel. Yes the M1 makes the iMac mini a super powerful computer. Then when you are at home you can get a large screen or even 2 screens on your desk. So laptops are now useless.

[@HenryGao]

@@tomstopper5281good insight! Can you tell me the two app you use?

[@fivehundrediq5212]

@@tomstopper5281 I replaced my laptop with an ipad in 2013 & haven’t looked back, Calling the ipad a “substitute” to the laptop is an insult to the ipad

[@nycbike73]

what architectural and sketching programs do you recommend? Also great video

[@HenryGao]

Procreate and Morpholio Trace are my go to! Hopefully you saw my other tutorial videos on Procreate.

[@DAV.AGUIRRE]

Hey I know you instantly discarded the iPad mini, but what do you think about that 6th gen that just came out?

[@HenryGao]

I think the iPad mini is just too small to draw on, but love the footprint! The regular iPad is fine though.

[@chitpaul]

Your video is more like a fanboy advertisement for Apple. I came here to see HOW you actually USE the IPad for professional work as I am considering getting one. A bit of hands on show would have been better… the apps you use the integration, memory useage, specs etc.

[@HenryGao]

Thanks for your feedback, will consider updating this video in 2022.

[@RizkyPong]

as an apple user, i agree with almost of your points, except return to windows. I still use windows PC for daily works because i am a Revit user. Unless apple or revit developer work on their homework so that revit can be used in MacOS in the near future, i think Windows is still needed if you're a BIM or Revit user. Anyway, good video Henry. Thank you and i wait for your next video!

[@HenryGao]

Hi Ricky, I don't disagree with you. If you are a Revit user, then Windows is still necessary, though it could be run on Bootcamp on an Intel based Mac, which is what I use. I really hope Revit can be made for Mac, like many other apps, I keep dreaming! Thanks for tuning in again. I appreciate you sharing your thought.

[@RizkyPong]

@@HenryGao How was your experience using Revit running on bootcamp? Is it slow? or good enough or pretty fast? Is there any problem? I never try myself before

[@lemilemi5385]

Hi Henry im Ive been using Linea sketch on an 4 year old iPad Pro in lieu of yellow trace but i cant find competent draftspeople and need to develop designs further and accurately before sending it off for drafty for completion. Im an much older person and haven’t used auto cad in 15 years. I would love to find an app I can offset, fillet etc. would you kindly recommend an app? Thank you

[@HenryGao]

Have you tried Morpholio Trace?

[@hazimhazmir]

Been using my ipad for a year now. Very useful on site. No more carrying 1000 drawings and notebooks 🤣 It’s also easier for me to sketch on site and the most important thing is that I don’t need to print new stuff or use new paper every time there’s a mistakes or changes in design. Not an architect btw 😂

[@HenryGao]

Hi Hazim, thanks for chiming in again. Not needing to carry paper is amazing right!

[@hazimhazmir]

@@HenryGao yes ! Everything is much easier now. Thanks for sharing great contents. Started drawing & painting again, after watching your side income video. Will try to sell them soon 😂

[@HenryGao]

@@hazimhazmir yes, love it you are giving it a try!

[@MrWanted000]

I am also into apple ecosystem, but then there is 3dsnsx, revit, lumion which always draw me back to Windows

[@HenryGao]

I understand it’s not for everyone, but there are many architecture firms that use ArchiCad on Mac instead of Revit.

[@MrWanted000]

@@HenryGao yea I know, but in terms of modeling and high quality rendering images nothing compete with 3dsmax I wish it will become available one day so I can fully switch to Apple ecosystem

[@HenryGao]

@@MrWanted000 Yep, you are right. A better question you need to ask at some point in an architectural career is: do you want to design or render? It's hard to have both. I struggled with this myself and gave up rendering.

[@MrWanted000]

@@HenryGao I understand. One last question, do you draw using autocad on iPad? If yes what’s ur feedback

[@HenryGao]

@@MrWanted000 You cannot use iPad to draw in Autocad, you still need a computer for that.

[@rv9928]

Hey i just wanted to ask for a architect student which system would u chose Microsoft or IOS for the programs i need for school

[@HenryGao]

You deserve a long answer than I can provide in a comment but there are other architects sharing their thoughts on KZbin. Just search for it.

[@xingxing85]

Do you really think you need both iPad Pro and MacBook at the same time? What is your thoughts ?

[@HenryGao]

Personally, I do think you need both

[@jefefumador]

I use Bluebeam daily, but had to boot camp my Mac to get it. I can’t find anything that works as well as Bluebeam now that they don’t have a Mac version

[@HenryGao]

It's really disappointing Bluebeam is not offered on Mac. I have a M1 Mac chip and I cannot bootcamp into windows to run Bluebeam.

[@hemalsurti8510]

Could you suggest some apps for the architects to read and mark up drawings

[@HenryGao]

Personally I use Morpholio and PDF Expert, feel free to look into that.

[@atdeleted8753]

Hi just wondering can you use Revit on this and if so how does it run?

[@HenryGao]

I wish, but you cannot!

[@atdeleted8753]

@@HenryGao okay thank you

[@art_niyantachauhan]

Sir, please help me by going that lumion works in MacBook Air or not ! I have been searching this since many days and there is no perfect stop with any assurance! Please help me selecting the right tool for rendering ! Windows laptop or MacBook Air !!

[@HenryGao]

I don't believe Lumion is not compatible with Mac OS. Better stick with Windows.

[@art_niyantachauhan]

@@HenryGao Thankyou so much 😇

[@HenryGao]

@@art_niyantachauhan you are welcome

[@ayahsaad302]

hey! I have an old MacBook, and I’m thinking of either getting the new MacBook Pro or the iPad Pro, but can’t decide on one what do you suggest? (Interior architect 🙋🏻‍♀️) Also does rendering engines work on the iPad??

[@HenryGao]

You are not going to be able to replace your laptop with an iPad (yet). Buy the iPad if your goal is to draw. No rendering capability on the iPad yet.

[@nevieonce9448]

this was very helpful thank uuuuu

[@HenryGao]

Glad you think so!

[@kenjammin]

Personally I use a MacBook Air, and the iPad Pro via Sidecar. Lets me use regular Photoshop, with all of the shortcuts I've grown to remember.

[@HenryGao]

nice

[@AlbertoFigueroaArquitectura]

"carry a moleskine with a fountain pen"... ~.~ I feel being called out :D

[@HenryGao]

Considering adding an iPad to that mix?

[@ari139]

I really want it but I can’t afford it

[@HenryGao]

Maybe consider an used. You can probably find a 1st or 2nd gen at a good deal.

[@orgesm2134]

too long a video man i had to skip like 80% of it