From 2D Napkin Sketch to 3D Model — The Secret iPad Pro Workflow

 You know those freehand design sketches we all make on napkins—or these days, on our iPads—the ones where proportions feel right but there’s no literal scale?

In my latest video, I show you exactly how to turn those sketchiest, funkiest napkin drawings into accurate, to-scale 3D models using nothing but your iPad.

The process starts in Procreate or Morpholio Trace, where I’ll show you how to add a quick digital scale, export your sketch, and then import it directly into SketchUp for iPad—no desktop required. You’ll see how I align, scale, and set out guides that make it easy to start modeling walls and forms in real 3D space.

What I love most about this workflow is how natural it feels. You’re not abandoning the freehand energy that made the idea exciting—you’re just giving it structure.

And here’s the kicker: all of it happens on one device.
No exporting, no file conversions, no mouse clicks—just pencil, sketch, and scale.

Want the Free Files?

I’m sharing the exact Procreate sketch and SketchUp starter model I used in this lesson—both ready to open and experiment with on your own iPad.

👉 You can download them directly from the YouTube video page, where you’ll also find links to my other free resources and courses.

Watch the full tutorial and grab the files here:
🎥 Watch the Video + Download the Free Files 

Why Watch the Video

• See how I go from napkin sketch to scaled 3D layout step by step

• Learn how to set up accurate guide geometry that saves hours later

• Discover how SketchUp for iPad has quietly become a complete design ecosystem for concept work

It’s a short, practical video, and you’ll finish it knowing exactly how to bridge the gap between loose hand-drawing and precise modeling—all without leaving your iPad.

Keep Exploring

If you enjoy this tutorial, you’ll find a whole ecosystem of self-guided courses and live workshops waiting for you—each one building on this napkin-to-model workflow.

📚 Explore more here: ipadforarchitects.com/offerings 

SEO Tags

Procreate architecture, SketchUp for iPad, Morpholio Trace, iPad for Architects, 2D to 3D workflow, architectural sketching, drawing to scale, concept design, hybrid rendering, digital hand drawing