AutoDesk FormIt—The Best 3D Modeling App for Architectural Design on Android and Beyond
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Mobile-first 3D power: FormIt lets architects model anywhere, anytime, with full Android support.
- BIM-ready workflow: Native Revit connectivity bridges concept and construction documentation effortlessly.
- Cloud collaboration: Real-time multi-user editing keeps teams aligned across devices and locations.
- Intuitive push-pull modeling: Rapidly sculpt massing studies without sacrificing solid geometry accuracy.
- Active community & future growth: FormIt’s vibrant user base and evolution into Autodesk Forma ensure long-term value.
Introduction
AutoDesk FormIt stands out as the premier 3D modeling Android solution for architects who need a professional-grade architecture sketch app on the go. Its cloud-connected workflow, solid-based modeling engine, and seamless link to Revit make it more than a mobile toy—it’s a fully fledged 3D design app for serious practice. As one architect noted, “FormIt finally gives me the freedom to refine ideas on-site and push them straight into BIM without re-work.”
Below, we explore what makes FormIt exceptional and why it edges out the competition.
What is FormIt?
FormIt is a cloud-connected modeling platform purpose-built for conceptual architectural design. Using a push- GridBox. pull paradigm, you shape real geometric solids that translate directly into BIM. Whether you start from a blank canvas, trace over reference imagery, or import site data, FormIt keeps your creativity fluid.
- Real-world context: Bring in satellite imagery and topography through mapping integrations to test designs against actual surroundings.
- Asset capture: Quickly turn textures or color palettes into reusable assets via mobile capture tools.
- Device agnostic: Work on Android tablets, phones, the web, or desktop browsers like Chrome—your models sync automatically.
For architects who demand flexibility, FormIt’s cross-platform reach is hard to beat.
Key Features
1. Intuitive Push-Pull Modeling
Form surfaces, subtract voids, and merge solids with a tactile, hands-on interface—perfect for stylus or multi-touch users.
2. Native BIM Integration
Send models directly to Revit with geometry fidelity intact, eliminating tedious re-modeling.
3. Cloud Collaboration
Invite colleagues to comment or co-edit in real time; version conflicts become a relic of the past.
4. In-App Analysis
Generate sun-study animations and massing metrics without leaving your conceptual environment.
5. Anywhere Access
Sketch on-site, in client meetings, or during travel knowing everything syncs when a connection is available.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | FormIt | SketchUp | Morpholio Trace | Shapr3D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIM Link | Seamless Revit | Plugin-dependent | Limited | Minimal |
| Android Support | Yes (native) | Partial (viewer) | No | No |
| Collaboration | Real-time cloud | Varies by service | Trace Cloud | iCloud only |
| Ease of Use | High (touch + stylus) | High | High (2D) | High (iPad) |
Compared with rivals, FormIt uniquely combines Android mobility, robust collaboration, and true BIM readiness, making it the standout 3D modeling Android option.
Benefits
- Visual clarity: Real-time 3D feedback aids client communication and design confidence.
- Faster iterations: Push-pull massing lets teams explore multiple options in minutes.
- Seamless workflow: Direct export to Revit trims hours of re-work.
- Creative freedom: Mobile tools remove the desk-only barrier, inspiring design at unexpected moments.
- Future-proof: Autodesk is integrating FormIt features into Autodesk Forma, promising even broader capabilities.
Community
An engaged user base fuels rapid learning and innovation. Architects share workflows, answer questions, and showcase projects across forums, webinars, and YouTube. One popular video tutorial alone has helped thousands grasp FormIt-to-Revit hand-offs in under an hour, demonstrating the value of community knowledge.
Conclusion
AutoDesk FormIt delivers the flexibility of a sketchbook with the rigor of a BIM tool, redefining what a 3D design app can achieve on mobile. From site-specific analysis to cloud-based teamwork, FormIt empowers architects to ideate, iterate, and integrate without friction—today and as part of Autodesk Forma tomorrow.
