# iBeams

> Structural engineering tool for beam analysis and diagram visualization. (iPhone/iPad app by Norm Schuster.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams/id398882202 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Norm Schuster](https://appshunter.io/developer/398882205)
- Category: Productivity, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 17.0 · 5 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2010-10-26
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams/id398882202/reviews.md

## What is iBeams?

iBeams is a tool for structural engineers.  The app displays various beam and load configurations along with the corresponding reaction, shear, moment, and deflection diagrams.  Load and geometric values can be edited.

## Key features

- Beam and load configuration display
- Reaction, shear, moment, deflection diagrams
- Editable load values
- Editable geometric values
- Structural engineering analysis

## Recent user reviews (10 of 11)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams/id398882202/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Only useful for simple cases

*2015-01-24*

You can't do combined loading with this app so it is not very helpful.  Your choices are point load, partial distributed load, or full distributed load.  I would pay a few bucks for a version that let me combine those three.

### 5/5 — Lifesaver in Structures class

*2014-10-08*

I'm an architecture major, and this app was a lifesaver to find for my homework! Helps out tremendously when the shear/moment/deflection diagrams are needed.

### 3/5 — Nice beginning but very limited

*2013-02-22*

This is a nice concept for a handy utility program. Pretty much limited to beginning undergrad interest. A big step forward would be allowing superposition of load cases on beams with the same end conditions. Also include triangular load cases.

### 4/5 — Very convenient

*2013-01-26*

Very convenient for engineering beams without using a pc.  Nice companion to iBeams Pro at the Mac App Store.

### 4/5 — Great idea

*2011-10-29*

This is a great helper tool for assessing the results of more complicated models. I would typically run these checks by hand, but this will allow more flexible "playing" with inputs. 

One request, though. Please make it so units show next to the numbers on the main screen. It's key to being confident that the inputs are correct (k/ft and not k/in for instance). Then it will be a five star app!

### 5/5 — For students or pros!

*2011-09-16*

Great start, awesome app!

It needs an Overhanging Beam and maybe more materials to choose from. It would also be nice if it allows the user to design the beam with custom supports, not just the default ones. How about saving to PDF? That'll be neat.

Great jobs guys.

### 3/5 — Ok, but needs a few tweaks....

*2011-07-05*

A useful app with a few minor drawbacks:
1) Double tapping to another app (to paste results into Numbers for example) and you lose all your work when returning to iBeams as it defaults back to a blank entry calc.

2) There is no way to export your results, a email out would be great.

3) The ability to enter E values of other materials wood (gettit?) be handy too.

Otherwise a handy, quick to use app. And free too, so one cant grumble too much!

### 3/5 — Good app

*2011-04-07, version 1.0.1*

Would be better if it could support multible loads, pls change

### 5/5 — Awesome!

*2011-03-20*

Very easy to use and extremely helpful app!

### 3/5 — Good job

*2011-01-06*

Very quick and simple. Thank you!

## Frequently asked questions about iBeams

### What kind of diagrams does iBeams show?

iBeams displays reaction, shear, moment, and deflection diagrams for various beam and load configurations. This helps visualize the structural behavior under different conditions.

### Can I customize the beams and loads in iBeams?

Yes, you can edit both the load and geometric values within iBeams. This allows for custom analysis tailored to specific engineering problems.

### What devices is iBeams available on?

iBeams is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It is designed for iOS users.

### How often is iBeams updated?

The latest version, 3.5, was released on October 3rd, 2025. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, the app has been maintained since its initial release in 2010.

### What is the age rating for iBeams?

iBeams has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide audience, including younger users interested in engineering concepts.

### Does iBeams have ads?

No, iBeams does not contain advertisements. As a free application, it provides an ad-free experience for its users.

### What is the user feedback on iBeams?

iBeams has a rating of 3.5 stars from 2 ratings. This suggests a mixed but generally positive reception from its user base.

### Is iBeams suitable for professional structural engineers?

iBeams is designed as a tool for structural engineers, offering visualization and analysis of beam configurations. Its ability to edit values makes it useful for custom problem-solving.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.5 — 2025-10-03

Added support for iOS 26.

### 3.3.1 — 2023-06-20

Fixed issue with thumbnails not updating correctly.

### 3.3 — 2023-06-12

Introducing an entirely refreshed version of iBeams!

• rewritten in Swift
• new beam configurations with concentrated moments
• improved settings dialog
• improved entry of beam properties
• added support for iPhone

### 2.1 — 2016-10-26

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

iOS 10 compatibility fixes.

### 1.8 — 2015-06-16

Fixed a bug where beams with partial uniform loads were not producing the correct results for imperial units.

## Apps similar to iBeams

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Continuous Beam](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/continuous-beam/id1278637736) | — | $9.99 | Productivity |
| [Deflection Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deflection-pro/id1217160203) | 4.6 (13) | $34.99 | Productivity |
| [Offset Calc App ANSI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/offset-calc-app-ansi/id1463259532) | 5.0 (14) | $6.99 | Productivity |
| [Deflection](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deflection/id670400597) | 4.6 (114) | $6.99 | Productivity |
| [Spread Footing](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spread-footing/id1493456986) | — | $9.99 | Productivity |
| [Structural Engineering Calc.](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/structural-engineering-calc/id590507987) | 4.5 (20) | $3.99 | Productivity |

## More apps by Norm Schuster

- [iBeams Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibeams-pro/id618700117)

All apps by Norm Schuster: https://appshunter.io/developer/398882205

## Related topics

[ibeams](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ibeams) · [beam design](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/beam-design) · [beamcraftht](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/beamcraftht) · [anlagenmechaniker](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/anlagenmechaniker) · [ibeams pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ibeams-pro) · [structural analysis practice](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/structural-analysis-practice)

---

*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 2026-06-01.*
