20 Apps All DIYers Need DLed
We’ve given you endless ways to put a DIY touch on your house, your wardrobe, your accessories and even your parties and patios. While there’s no shortage of inspiration, do you ever have trouble pulling the trigger on a project? These apps will take you from the planning stage all the way to the finished product. From brainstorming your next endeavor to purchasing the materials and picking the perfect colors, these apps deliver.
1. Skitch: It’s no secret that we love Evernote, and now we’re obsessed with their Skitch app. Use fewer words and more visuals on this app, which allows you to snap a photo, jot your ideas down on top of it and seamlessly share with others. Perfect for planning that next room makeover! (Free on iOS and Android)
2. Adobe Ideas: On the growing list of Adobe’s awesome new mobile tools, this app shines for creatives. Because you can draw freeform illustrations straight from your device, you can keep the creativity flowing no matter where you are. Sketch your DIY ideas now and tackle them later. (Free on iOS)
3. Sewing Guide: We love no-sew projects as much as the next girl, but knowing how to sew can really come in handy. Learn with this app then start tackling a brand new DIY world. ($1.37 on Android, $.99 on iOS)
4. Paper: If you’re a visual brainstormer, there’s nothing better than being able to doodle away and turn those passive ideas into real innovations. This app lets you do just that, but is so much better than pen and paper because you can instantly share with others. (Free on iOS)
5. iHandy Carpenter: Accurate measurements and precise angles are important elements of big DIY jobs. This app keeps you on point with a protractor, level, ruler and more. ($1.99 on iOS and Android)
6. ColorSmart: If you’re a big fan of color (who isn’t?!), hunting for the perfect hue can be as intimidating as it is exciting. This app helps you coordinate, match and find the perfect color for every DIY endeavor. (Free on iOS and Android)
7. iDarkroom: Even the best DIYer doesn’t always have access to a darkroom. This app puts the old school spin on your pics with plenty of filters and textures. ($.99 on iOS)
8. Penultimate: If you want serious interaction with your doodles, Penultimate delivers. This Evernote innovation even lets you search your handwritten notes! We love it so much we’ve named it a top app for writersand a top organizational tool. (Free on iOS)
9. Home Depot: If you’re serious about your DIY game, you’ve made a trip or two to a home improvement store. Make your trips much more efficient with this app, which can guide you through the purchase of everything from lumber to cement so you can get in, out and back to your awesome project. (Free on iOS and Android)
10. Home DIY With Craig Phillips: If you’ve done some simple projects and are ready to go deeper, this app will get you there. Simple to-do lists accompany in-depth videos of Phillips showing everything from how to use a power drill to how to lay flooring. (Free on iOS)
11. Bamboo Paper: If you want a doodling app that more closely mimics real drawing, purchase the Bamboo stylus to pair with this free app. It truly is as straightforward as drawing on paper, but with added features made possible by technology. (Free on iOS and Android)
12. IDEO Method Card: Every creative knows the ideas don’t always flow as fast as you wish they would. If you find yourself stumped, the app delivers a deck of 51 ways to spark inspiration. (Free on iOS)
13. myPantone: If you still can’t get enough color, download this app to have the entire Pantone library on you at all times. ($9.99 on iOS, $7.99 on Android)
14. Curator: When your creative mind has outgrown notebooks and slideshows, it’s time to download this app. Collect and organize your ideas in the most visually appealing way possible, then present them to others straight from the app. (Free on iOS)
15. Rookie: Don’t leave the photography and design to the experts! This app will make you feel like a pro with awesome filters, sweet text overlays and professional tools. (Free on iOS and Android)
16. DK Kids’ Crafts: While the name suggests this app is for kids, what DIYing adult doesn’t want to learn to cross-stitch? A short lesson and you’ll be making beauties like this, this and this. ($6.99 on iOS)
17. Mural.ly: If you’ve ever gotten a burst of inspiration right after that important meeting, this tool can help. Organize and collect your creative thoughts on a platform that can be shared with a team and combined with ideas from others. (Starts at $29/month)
18. Clear: Between your nine-to-five gig, putting an awesome meal on the table and taking care of yourself, you might have trouble finding time to DIY. Don’t worry, this app will let you schedule it out seamlessly and make the most of your crafting time. ($4.99 on iOS)
19. Yard Sale Mapper: Every DIYer knows how to treasure hunt. Whether you’re looking for a piece of furniture to upgrade or hunting for spare fabric for a brand new project, yard sales lead to great finds. (Free on iOS)
20. Brushes: As you might expect, this app lets you create beautiful paintings digitally. What you would never expect is that it keeps track of each stroke so you can track missteps and learn something new with every project. (Free on iOS)
Are you a DIY genius? What are your favorite apps for getting the job done?