Prepare to start your next DIY project? Full preparation is the key: the right tools, the precise amount of materials, and enough skills to avoid a mess. Of course, don't forget your smartphone!

The emergence of numerous DIY applications on Android and iOS platforms makes your phone a right-hand assistant for completing any task. We have selected seven of the most popular apps to help you succeed in DIY projects.

1. YouTube

This household video app is definitely the first choice - try to find a DIY project on YouTube (both Android and iOS platforms) without multiple tutorials, it's almost impossible. Hobbyists and professionals upload a huge number of practical videos covering all kinds of DIY challenges you can think of, from faucet repair to fence painting.

Use the search box at the top of the app interface to find videos related to the current DIY task. Given that YouTube is rich in content, search terms should be as accurate as possible to filter out irrelevant videos. Then, use filters such as ratings, views, or video upload time to further narrow the search results. The video you choose will also recommend more related videos, which may be helpful to you.

The last piece of advice: Don't just focus on well-made videos, those that explain perfectly. You may learn the same amount of things from those videos that show mistakes – so you can avoid making the same mistakes.

2. TapMeasure

Tape measure is a must-have tool for any DIY toolkit. But why choose a physical tool when your phone offers an augmented reality version? TapMeasure (iOS only) runs on ARKit, a new augmented reality (AR) platform that Apple has opened for developers. It allows apps to overlay digital graphics into the real world when users watch through their iPhone or iPad cameras.

You can call up an AR tape measure to measure the distance between two points, but TapMeasure has much more than that. Do you need to hang your paintings or photos upright? Use the app to check their orientation on the wall. Want to see the effectiveness of your project before using the tool? TapMeasure allows you to build a virtual world that you can explore in 3D space.

The app can even export your files to more advanced 3D modeling programs such as SketchUp so that you can continue to refine your design on your computer. If you want to ask for advice from friends, you can share your virtual model through a simple web link.

3. Paint Tester

When you start a classic home renovation project - painting your walls, you definitely don't want the colors to go wrong. Paint Tester (available on both Android and iOS platforms) will use augmented reality technology to help you choose a color palette.

While it doesn't perfectly reflect reality, the app gives you a general idea of ??how your walls look in various colors. Point your phone camera to the wall, and Paint Tester displays a variety of color combinations to help you choose the right tones for your space. Then you can go to the hardware store to buy your favorite colors.

In addition to AR, the app can detect walls in photos—as long as they are well lit—and then provide a simple slider and color mixer to test different shades. If you have a physical color sample, paste it onto the wall, Paint Tester expands it to fill the entire surface from top to bottom. Thinking about decorating? This application can apply multiple colors at the same time.

4. The Home Depot

Unless you stock up on a large amount of materials and tools, your DIY project will most likely require a trip to a hardware store or two. To make this process less tedious, you can use the Home Depot app (available on both Android and iOS platforms).

Browse the supplies you need among the millions of products you need with the app's simple interface. You can also search using voice commands or photos of items you want. Once you have selected the supplies, you can order directly to your door-to-door delivery, or find the exact shelf locations where you can find these items at your local store.

If you are not a big fan of The Home Depot, check if the hardware store you choose has developed its own app. For example, you can find reliable apps from retailers such as Lowe's (both Android and iOS) and Ace Hardware (both Android and iOS).

5. Smart Tools

Smart Tools (Android only) is an excellent all-in-one application for DIY enthusiasts, and it offers digital versions of six different tools: rulers for measuring lengths and angles, for calculating distances and Area measurement tools, GPS-enabled compass, sound level meter, flashlight and unit converter.

All tools allow you to use your phone to perform any quick measurements and calculations required for your project. The application is not as accurate as the actual tape measure, but it provides you with a good way to estimate how much material you need to cover a wall, for example.

The disadvantage is that you need to pay to use the app (total price of $3), and it is currently limited to Android only. However, you can find other iOS apps that copy different features of Smart Tools. For example, AR MeasureKit (for iOS) allows you to place a floating virtual ruler against any surface in augmented reality.

6. DIY On A Budget

DIY On A Budget is an emerging social network focused on helping others complete DIY projects and get feedback on your own work. This makes the app (Android only) valuable for any type of project.

Browse the gallery of DIY works by other members, read the tips and tricks of community submissions, and vote — for example, what color to choose to paint things or how to handle a specific task — to get feedback on your current project.

While DIY On A Budget is much smaller than Facebook's network, it does allow you to like and comment on other people's posts. As the community grows, please pay attention to this area.

7. Houzz Interior Design Ideas

Laboring inspiration? Houzz Interior Design Ideas (available on both Android and iOS) will provide you with practical suggestions for improving your home, whether it is to redesign the living room or build an outdoor patio area. While it leans more towards interior design than actual DIY, the app can inspire your creativity and help you imagine what your redecoration attempt will look like in the end.

Browse some of the app's over 14 million HD photos that can give you ideas on how to handle every room and space inside and outside your home. If you want to shop, Houzz also sells furniture and other accessories—for some of its approximately 9 million home products, you can place an augmented reality version of the item into your room and check if it’s done before spending the money. Suitable for your decor style.

The above is the detailed content of Every DIYer should know about these apps. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!