Tape Measure Арр

What it does

Tape Measure is a utility app that transforms a phone into a virtual ruler using augmented reality. It allows users to measure distances and object dimensions simply by pointing their camera. The app can also automatically generate 2D plans with calculated area and perimeter from the measurements taken.

Where it shines

The app's strength lies in its simplicity and directness. After a very brief setup for measurement units (00:09), the user can immediately begin measuring in AR (00:51). The process of creating a plan is intuitive, and the app provides a clean summary screen (01:02) where units can be toggled instantly between metric and imperial, making it highly practical for quick estimations.

UX highlights

The AR targeting reticle is a simple yellow square, providing a clear focal point for placing measurement points (00:51).
Once a shape is closed, the app automatically transitions to a 2D plan view, removing the need for an extra tap (01:01).
The plan summary screen includes live conversions for units (m, in, ft), which is a thoughtful touch for users working with mixed systems (01:31).
Saving a plan is straightforward, with a simple title input field and a prominent save button (01:05).
The app offers different measurement modes like Horizontal, Vertical, and Room Plans, accessible from a clear bottom sheet menu (01:42).

Monetization & growth

The app uses a soft paywall with a free trial, presented immediately after a brief "personalization" screen (00:17). It showcases both annual and weekly plans, highlighting a significant discount for the longer commitment. Social proof, in the form of rotating user testimonials, is embedded directly on the paywall to build trust. The free trial is an explicit opt-in via a toggle, which is a transparent approach.

Who it’s for

This app is ideal for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, real estate agents, or anyone needing to take quick measurements without a physical tape measure. Its simplicity makes it accessible for casual use. The ability to save and share plans could also appeal to contractors or designers for initial estimates.

Notes & opportunities

The onboarding is extremely fast, which gets users to the core functionality quickly but also means the paywall appears before they've experienced the app's value. The app could test showing the paywall after the first successful measurement to improve conversion. Additionally, the "Room Plans" mode prompts the user to measure height first (02:04), which could be made clearer with a visual guide or tutorial.