# FieldFab — CAD for the HVAC installer

> Augmented reality CAD tool for HVAC installers to design ductwork transitions. (iPhone/iPad app by Robert Sale.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fieldfab/id1533610600 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Robert Sale](https://appshunter.io/developer/1533610602)
- Category: Graphics & Design, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 65 App Store ratings · 8 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16 · 112 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2020-10-21
- Data updated: 2026-07-23
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fieldfab/id1533610600/reviews.md

## What is FieldFab?

This software allows HVAC installers, primarily retrofitters, to build the very best ductwork transitions they possibly can while in the field. Doing ductwork transitions by hand can be a tedious and labor intensive process, but is very often necessary in order to achieve good airflow. When you cut each piece you have to keep track of which side will have tabs, how long the tabs are, and sometimes even if you do it right you end up with gaps or noticeably crooked faces.

If you've ever found yourself building a transition in the attic of a three story house then you will absolutely love Field Fab. Now you can take your measurements, input them into Field Fab, and you can then view the results via Augmented Reality using your iPhone or iPad's camera before even cutting a single piece of sheet metal! This saves you trips back and forth to the van and saves you the hassle of bringing a large piece of sheet metal into the attic.

Sometimes it's nice to have the transition ordered at your nearest sheet metal fabricator to have delivered before install day. Well with Field Fab, your sales crew can take the measurements and view them before an installer even shows up. Field Fab includes a sharing feature that allows other people to view the transition you made in FieldFab by sharing a link, which means it works over text message and email. No attachments!

If you would like attachments, FieldFab also has the option to export to PDF.

FieldFab is open source and available on GitHub for anybody to download. https://github.com/robertmsale/FieldFab

## Key features

- Augmented reality visualization
- Ductwork transition design
- Field measurements input
- Sheet metal cutting optimization
- Sharing and PDF export
- Open source

## Recent user reviews (8 of 8)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fieldfab/id1533610600/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Has potential!

*2024-02-27*

Would love to be able to create 90 degree elbows with custom sizing, then see it in AR :)

Duct fitting section doesn’t work yet. When is it anticipated to be done? Trying to find apps like this for visualizing duct for mechanical room designing

**Developer response:** Thank you Rudy! That is also an excellent idea. My typical schedule for working on big features are Spring and Fall, as those are the slow seasons for HVAC in the Pacific Northwest. But I will make duct fittings a priority in the coming months, and I have some upgrades to the augmented reality part of the app that will make positioning ducts a lot easier. 

If you have any more suggestions feel free to shoot me an email at samovar_panels0d@icloud.com and thank you again for your awesome review!

### 1/5 — Off sets

*2023-05-10*

Off set directions of movement is not as easy to figure out as should be.  Some times it just does not seem to go as far as you want ends not moving the full inch if required.

### 5/5 — Contact

*2022-03-03*

Hello Robert, I would like to speak to you about your app, see our website at ShopData. Com.  Perhaps their is some integration we could talk about

### 1/5 — Tried and app does work, trying to change numbers nothing will respond

*2021-08-08*

I don’t know if it’s because it’s not up dated with lasted version of iOS

**Developer response:** The way to input measurements in FieldFab is by dragging the numbers up and down. It was designed this way to avoid invalid inputs and make converting between different units of measurement more accurate and less prone to errors. 

If you are unable to change the measurements by dragging the numbers up and down you could send me an email with more information (such as device and iOS version) about your issue I will look into it. My email is robert.sale@outlook.com. I appreciate it and hope to hear back soon

### 5/5 — Seriously difficult to figure out how to use. But worth it!

*2021-08-02*

Took way to long to figure out how to adjust the measurements in the program. Would think you can just pop in numbers like 20” wide but actually have to use your fingers and slide up or down to change the numbers. Otherwise your stuck with 12”x12”x12” cube you start with. Also the AR is really too fast move a little and the box is outta sight. I will recommend this to the other installers but show them how to use it. 

Thank you the program will be tested in the field tomorrow.

**Developer response:** Thank you for the feedback! Input validation can be tricky. I am currently researching different ways to input measurements and I will use this to improve the user interface. As for a tutorial on using the application, if you click the settings button there is a help icon that will take you to FieldFab's website from inside the app with a detailed how-to section describing the intricacies of inputting measurements as well as how to lay out. If you have any questions, concerns, or additional feedback to improve FieldFab please feel free to contact me at Robert.sale@outlook.com.

### 1/5 — What the..?

*2021-07-13*

Maybe the developer can make some YouTube videos of how this works, because from my experience, it doesn’t do anything remotely useful.

**Developer response:** That’s actually a good idea and I will definitely try to make a video demonstrating how to use this app to build ductwork. In the mean time, I have posted a how-to section showing how to put in your measurements and use them on the website 

https://www.fieldfab.net/how-to/

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to my personal email Robert.sale@outlook.com. I use this app every day to build duct and would like the opportunity to show you how useful it is.

### 2/5 — Good idea- doesn’t work.

*2021-04-29*

Good idea but it doesn’t interact with the environment. Basically you can’t measure or try to “fit” your object to an object in camera. 

Maybe I’m just missing something but I couldn’t use it.

**Developer response:** Thank you for the feedback. The ability to use Augmented reality to automatically place ductwork for you is not currently available but is a feature I plan to implement in a future update. As of right now you have the ability to use gesture controls to move and rotate your duct into its desired position on camera. If you need any assistance with using FieldFab I would be more than happy to assist you. I can be reached at robert@fieldfab.net

### 5/5 — As an industry professional...

*2020-10-22*

This is a game changer! I’ll be sharing this app with all of the contractors who I work with on a daily basis. What an easy way to save yourself costly mistakes, especially seeing as the price of materials keeps going up!

## Frequently asked questions about FieldFab

### What is FieldFab used for?

FieldFab is an augmented reality CAD application designed specifically for HVAC installers. It helps them create precise ductwork transitions in the field, streamlining the design and fabrication process.

### How does FieldFab use augmented reality?

FieldFab utilizes your iPhone or iPad's camera to let you view your designed ductwork transitions in augmented reality before cutting any sheet metal. This allows for accurate visualization and placement in the actual installation environment.

### Can FieldFab help with complex ductwork?

Yes, FieldFab is particularly useful for complex ductwork transitions that are often tedious and labor-intensive to create by hand. It aims to prevent gaps and ensure noticeably straight faces in your fabricated pieces.

### Can I share my FieldFab designs with others?

Yes, FieldFab includes a sharing feature that allows others to view your transition designs by sharing a link, which works over text message and email. You can also export your designs to PDF.

### Is FieldFab available on multiple devices?

FieldFab is available for iPhone and iPad devices, leveraging their augmented reality capabilities for accurate field design.

### What is the update frequency for FieldFab?

FieldFab was last updated on March 7, 2025, indicating active development and support. The latest version is 3.1.0.

### Does FieldFab have ads?

No, FieldFab is ad-free, allowing users to focus on their design work without interruptions.

### Is FieldFab open source?

Yes, FieldFab is open source and available on GitHub for anyone to download and inspect. The repository can be found at https://github.com/robertmsale/FieldFab.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.1.0 — 2025-03-07

> Migrated to hierarchical navigation and storage of duct transitions
> Added optional new UI for iPads
> Added particle physics for observing airflow through the duct transition
> Added pressure drop calculator based on airflow requirements
> With new hierarchical navigation, you can now copy duct transition files as needed

### 3.0.7 — 2023-11-05

Updated to support iOS 17. Fixed Workshop view not using sheet metal texture in rendering, and fixed export to PDF so markup does not get stuck in a loop.

### 3.0.6 — 2023-01-28

Now looks absolutely brilliant on iPad and Mac!

The iPad and Mac version has been completely reimagined to take advantage of that additional screen real estate. When building a transition you now get to see the 2D & 3D views side by side with the option to make the 3D view full screen. Also if you use Stage Manager for iPad you can resize FieldFab and it will continue to look great as it automatically adjusts itself.

The 2D views now show you the cutting lines more clearly by drawing red lines in areas you should mark on your sheet metal.

The 3D view cross brake algorithm has been rewritten so, even if the face is heavily skewed, the point of intersection is in the proper spot.

### 3.0.5 — 2023-01-13

Added auto save feature, fixed offsets producing inaccurate measurements, and allow for larger numbers in balance point calculator.

Also includes a change log accessible from the main menu to see what has changed each update.

### 3.0.4 — 2023-01-08

Rearchitected from the ground up to allow for additional functionality to be added to FieldFab.

FieldFab now includes a Balance Point calculator which you can use for PTCS heat pump commissioning, and an intake combustion air calculator for figuring out whether you need to add a dedicated intake for gas powered equipment (Furnace, Water Heaters, etc.).

Shareable links are fixed. Now if the name of your session contains any spaces or symbols, those get encoded into the link properly. Old link formats do not work with this version of FieldFab.

Export to PDF now included! Now you can attach your transition designs to your company's CRM software in the form of a PDF or email it to sheet metal fabrication shops! 

Added another background for the 3D view, and added a feature to give the the ductwork a "cross brake" look.

FieldFab now looks amazing on bigger screens such as iPads or Macs with Apple Silicon.

TAB PRESETS! No more setting each tab individually. You can now activate one of the presets and save even more time building duct transitions.

Measurements are now visible in the "All Faces" view so you can really see the effects of changing your measurements.

Many more features are on the way. Stay tuned!

## Related topics

[duct design](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/duct-design) · [hvac design](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hvac-design) · [ductwork](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ductwork) · [duct](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/duct) · [hvac duct](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hvac-duct) · [sheet metal](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sheet-metal)

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-23.*
