Although I'm not sure how it happened, I have become one of those people attached to their phones. It doesn't help that there are a number of free applications you can download now to make your life easier. I can nearly work directly from my phone if I really wanted to.
Anyways, I want to share some of my favorite aplications on my phone. Here is a screen shot of my "work utilities" folder on my phone. I have eight that use more often than others and of those eight, I use three on a daily basis. Check out more about them below.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKWBAzxTl9-8ppmlP3Tdv1RykITtus7c5g0s2q8C2WLqi1L_mJQFIWhC7tjuCSwGL2ZA-bTZTZYOqRikOiQQa49AxeUVleTTb1WGFbQDj2IiviwLh2yFuwi2cGcykus39dpCFiLELhZA/s400/Picnik+collage1.jpg) |
The iHandy level is so convenient. I use it to hang art and balance shelves and tables I put together. You can reset the balance point to adjust to walls and floors. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AJahuhOqRDpPgTvecV7F2oh1XoBKGn5G7qjatC2Q61Nua0IOMGnG0793O8sNte858b3X6xsGwy-ris2Y4-FnKp6QqHH-bbA9KkXvSXFdJ6BFYCoIMF4tCrSU05H1dAWF5xJB68pxQiU/s400/Picnik+collage2.jpg) |
This mini ruler has been extremely helpful for those projects I seem to think doesn't require a tape measure. I typically always carry a tape measure but when i just carry in a clutch or wristlet to a project site, I always have my phone with me. Even though it's only 3" long, sometimes it really helps. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD8tcXvtyqy-saPw05f4Hb1-v3Z1aHRNkUTjDFqmEEKhACpripdlYAg2hWLStmAc7fJFOQwR1OUnhPziYyeQLsFLdBCV0L75DwFe2ZM_-8cQ7DWwZuwU1l1J4oDog1yAFmHEUPZ365bo/s640/Picnik+collage3.jpg) |
Our firm uses Sherwin Williams for basically every project. Their paint selection is wide enough that a contractor can take it anywhere and have paint match. When documenting a space, it's nice to know what paint is already on the walls. I find that I use this app mostly to see what already exists. occasionally, I will photograph something in life to match it to a paint sample. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxOZxWsi0JjTFWl5STHYDv7MBdHOSV6MLGf7yyE7H83i77ZGr8aed7h5Bne7ckdfCwGXYqFJXJfbPfBwufO5LV6RI3mfydFPZevjOIGVmmjy_ZsnyZKk4ZX-Bp1Au_9w4_tHF3FfLzMM/s640/Picnik+collage4.jpg) |
This is by far my most used downloaded app. I will typically edit every photo that I take whether it's adding a border, adjusting the contrast, or cropping. I love the capabilities of this app. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1Hvye-UI8_CT245l8DRInXrXyAuuhlL66AY6RT97inmWCx5hF96_C8GuLOBaqNvHek-ZJQ7g7hq3rs5LkgNS2ayMVrmSHchVFVBUK0qXuPaLZ1Uct5S60W71dkVP8KHZM7GCfWVJqfw/s400/Picnik+collage5.jpg) |
Like the image says, typography makes me happy. I mostly use this app to send people cute messages but I also use it for blogging. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSVRf53NC95TyFNY40d1LXD9OSvxr3fxSuYfMAyS-PlZNZtd7xWK40HLf2kURf2-eOxv34S19_HHEAFi9rUY9t6ongkTfYit-1mJkEGlg0ngn5wzT8KmuXBcv9MGh1sYdGuA3Rb3PNhg/s640/Picnik+collage6.jpg) |
Ikea is one of my favorite places to shop. Their 2011 catalog app is a great way to see new products and get inspired by spaces. The index is easy to use and I love flipping through the pages. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpwoENaN64CEUcQpuh_PxnX5jY86rQ7tnm3QONU9muNb0_-JevvSp0HZAp8nJ_KxQzaGVJGBjo7hT7cwfmLjT6dFYfqPLN1Okb4ueA9dCcMd6oU5ymnpEvHbblW0KRXFbCtfb2IrsGHI/s640/Picnik+collage7.jpg) |
Box.net is a site that I use constantly for work. I recently discovered the app and I've been on it everyday since. I am able to view the files I upload, see who else has viewed the documents, and upload images of progress for my client. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGp_GSRCgavqDVLuLCKC3Wk042QC7hppzaP2Daf1xavKiu22p2MbyOu-dVYDPkloYbbPwd7D9gf0pi-9kLPhiCkiB6OxAyf51OQi4cz72eAFqjSb3mKrt8M1GrG3zvGOj0yYEjtutlqI/s640/Picnik+collage8.jpg) |
I was pretty aprehensive about downloading the AutoCAD app to my phone. I thought for certain it would be a pain to update drawings and that I would never use it. Of course, it is slightly a pain since it's easier to work on drawings when they are larger; not on a 3" screen. But the app is perfect for meeting on-site with contractors because I don't have to carry around a large set of construction plans. I can also easily add notes of things to be changed when I get back to my desk. This app has ended up being pretty perfect. |
What is the best thing about these apps? THEY. ARE. FREE. Yep, that's right. Each of these downloadable apps are free of charge. So go get them people!