App: Paper

CAD may have rendered blueprints obsolete, but the sketch journal has had no digital match—until now. Paper, by software developer FiftyThree, responds to a finger or stylus and emulates the variations in line weight, texture, and bleed of conventional tools. Drawings can be stored in virtual journals with customizable covers; then you can email, Tweet, post on Facebook, or stream them to Tumblr. Only the Draw tool comes free with the iPad app; pick up Sketch, Write, Outline, and Color at $1.99 a pop. • fiftythree.com

About the Author

Wanda Lau

Wanda Lau, LEED AP, is the former executive editor of ARCHITECT magazine. Along with 10 years of experience in architecture, engineering, and construction management, she holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Michigan State University, an S.M. in building technology from MIT, and an M.A. in journalism from Syracuse University's Newhouse School. Her work appears in several journals, books, and magazines, including Men's Health, ASID Icon, and University Business. Follow her on Twitter.

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