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What software tools or applications are most commonly used by fashion designers?
Hello! Thanks for your question about what software tools or applications are most commonly used by fashion designers.
METHODOLOGY
First, I checked on the top apps according to professionals: sites that have been reviewing the apps for a long time. I then compiled a list of apps according to store statistics (download figures, user rating), mentions in various top 10 lists, and potential revenue.
TOP TOOLS, SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS OR MOBILE APPS - ACCORDING TO EXPERTS
There isn't a general list of apps that are most recommended for fashion designers so I will present couple of lists that are presented by trusted sources in app reviews.
AppAdvice has one of the lists of iOS apps that are best for fashion designers. It comes from a source which has been known for app reviews:
1. Art Authority for iPad which costs $9.99. 1080 downloads in App Store. It was mentioned more frequently in multiple top lists.
3. PANTONE Studio which costs $5-$30. 1893 downloads in App Store. It was mentioned more frequently in multiple top lists.
4. Moodboard which costs $9.99. 389 downloads in App Store. It was mentioned more frequently in multiple top lists.
5. Ruler 2 which costs $1.99. 314 downloads in App Store. It was mentioned more frequently in multiple top lists.
6. Sewing Kit which costs $6.99. 179 downloads in App Store. It was mentioned more frequently in multiple top lists.
The other list is dedicated for best desktop software precisely for fashion designers and supplemented by multiple sources:
It seems that most prices of this software are not specified and could not be found in trusted sources. Usually these companies invite designers to send them an email with client's information and a query. After this step you are able to get the offer made for your needs.
TOP TOOLS, SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS OR MOBILE APPS
I compiled this list after reviewing multiple sources and used mostly Google Play store data. This app store shows the most relevant statistical data. The following apps were mentioned the most and are the most relevant to your request:
1. SketchBook - draw and paint (Google Play). 149 091 total ratings. 5,49 €–32,99 € pricing for inside app purchase. Was downloaded 10 million times. Lowest potential revenue - is lowest costing item x download times which is about $5.5 million (after Google fees company gets $3.85 million) . Highest potential revenue (very unlikely) - $33 million (after fees $23.1 million).
2. CAD Touch Pro (Google Play). 785 total ratings (3.9 star rating). Costs about $9.3. Was downloaded 10 thousand times. Revenue $93,000 (after fees $65,100).
3. PANTONE Studio (App Store). 528 ratings (3 star rating) in App Store. 1893 downloads. Costs about $5-$30. Revenue $9465-$56790.
4. Art Authority (App Store). 464 ratings (4 star rating) in App Store. 1080 downloads. Costs about $10. Revenue $10,800.
5. Sewing Kit (App Store). 245 ratings (3.5 star rating) in App Store. Costs about $7. About $1,253 in revenue.
6. Assembly. 1690 ratings (4.5 star rating) in App Store. Costs about $10. If we infer that users that rated the app 5 stars (95 people) bought it, then the revenue is about $950 (at best).
7. Ruler 2 (App Store). 205 ratings (2.5 star rating) in App Store. Costs about $2. About $628 in revenue
Unfortunately, I couldn't find any data on what is the most common used apps by fashion designers. I found statistics on the apps most commonly recommended by trustworthy websites used by fashion designers, so it is likely that at least some of the most recommended apps will the ones that fashion designers purchase the most.
CONCLUSION
Most of the sources usually mention Adobe products which seem to be the most popular recommended programs for fashion designers. After omitting them I can conclude that C-Design software is one of the most popular solutions for professional designers. C-Design was repeated the most in various articles as a recommendation. What is more, in 2007 Zara even chose it as their standard design solution. Zara is one of the biggest retailers in the market.
The lists above are the apps for iOS and Android most frequently recommended to fashion designers, as well as desktop programs. There is some overlap between iOS and Android products available, like Sketchbook and the PANTONE studio, but by download numbers, Android seems like the preferred platform for fashion designers working on the go.
Thanks for using Wonder!