Does CompanyCam do 3D scanning? (Honest Answer for 2026)

Short answer: sort of — but with significant limitations that most contractors don't find out about until they've already upgraded.

What CompanyCam Actually Offers for 3D Scanning

CompanyCam has a feature called LiDAR Mode, which lets users take measurements from photos using a LiDAR-equipped iPhone. It's genuinely useful — but it's not the same as a full 3D scan, and there are three catches most people don't mention upfront.

Catch #1: It's locked behind the Elite plan

LiDAR Mode is only available on CompanyCam's Elite plan, which starts at $249/month for 3 users. If you're on Pro ($79/mo) or Premium, you don't get 3D measurements at all. To unlock it you're looking at a significant jump in cost.

Catch #2: It requires specific hardware

LiDAR Mode only works on iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, 14 Pro, 15 Pro, or newer iPad Pro models — all of which include Apple's LiDAR sensor. Android users are locked out entirely. If your crew runs a mix of phones, not everyone can capture LiDAR data.

Catch #3: It measures from photos, not full 3D models

CompanyCam's LiDAR feature lets you tap two points in a photo to get a measurement. That's useful for quick distances — but it doesn't generate a full 3D model, a navigable 3D walkthrough, or an auto-generated floor plan the way a dedicated scanning platform does.

How Manifold Handles 3D Scanning

Manifold takes a different approach. 3D scanning is available on the Photo+Scan plan at $24/user/month — no premium tier required. Here's what you actually get:

• Full 3D model of any room or space, scanned in about 60 seconds
• Auto-generated floor plan from every scan
• Remote measurements accurate to half an inch — without going back to site
• Navigable 3D walkthrough you can share with clients, engineers, or subcontractors with a single link
• Works on any iPhone 12 Pro or newer — no extra hardware, no setup

The Real Question: What Do You Actually Need?

If you need quick point-to-point measurements on job site photos, CompanyCam's LiDAR Mode may be enough — if you're already on Elite and have the right iPhone.

If you need complete spatial documentation — a 3D model of the site, floor plans for drawings or handoffs, and the ability to take remote measurements without revisiting — Manifold's scanning is a better fit, at a fraction of the cost.

Side-by-Side Summary

CompanyCam LiDAR Mode: Requires Elite plan ($249+/mo for 3 users) · LiDAR iPhone only · Point-to-point measurements only · No full 3D model or floor plan

Manifold 3D Scanning: Available at $24/user/month · Any iPhone 12 Pro+ · Full 3D model, auto floor plan, remote measurements · Share with anyone via link, no account needed

If you're evaluating field documentation software and 3D capability matters to your workflow, see how Manifold compares to CompanyCam as a full alternative.