If you're reading this, you're probably not happy with something about CompanyCam. Maybe it's the price. Maybe it's the seat minimums forcing you to pay for users you don't have. Maybe you've hit a feature wall. Whatever the reason, switching job site photo apps feels like a bigger deal than it actually is — here's how to make it straightforward.
Why contractors switch from CompanyCam
The most common reasons we hear from contractors who've switched:
- The seat minimum — CompanyCam's plans require a minimum of 3 users. Solo contractors and 2-person crews are forced to pay for seats they don't use.
- Price scaling — At $79/month for the Pro plan minimum, CompanyCam gets expensive fast as your team grows. The per-user cost adds up differently than most contractors expect when they sign up.
- No 3D scanning on standard plans — CompanyCam's 3D features are limited to higher tiers and iOS only. Contractors who need measurements or 3D documentation find themselves needing a separate tool anyway.
- Android limitations — CompanyCam's 3D and AR features don't work on Android. For crews using a mix of devices, this creates an unequal experience.
What you'll lose when you switch
Be honest with yourself about this before switching. CompanyCam does some things well:
- A large integration ecosystem — CompanyCam connects to more third-party tools than most alternatives
- A polished, well-tested mobile app with years of refinement
- Strong name recognition — some clients and GCs know CompanyCam by name and may ask for it specifically
If any of these are dealbreakers for your specific workflow, switching may not be worth it. If they're not, read on.
How to migrate your data out of CompanyCam
CompanyCam allows you to export your photos. Before you cancel your subscription:
- Go to CompanyCam Settings → Account → Export Data
- Request a full export of all project photos
- Wait for the export email — this can take several hours for large accounts
- Download and store the ZIP file before your subscription ends
Note: CompanyCam exports the photos themselves but not all metadata in a portable format. Project names and dates are usually preserved, but annotations and report content may not transfer directly to another platform. Plan for some manual re-organisation.
How to onboard your crew to a new app
The biggest risk in switching is crew adoption — not the technical migration. A few things that help:
- Pick one job site to pilot first. Don't switch everything at once. Run one active project on the new platform for 2 weeks before committing.
- Brief the crew in person, not by text. A 5-minute in-person or video walkthrough converts better than a written instruction.
- Keep it simple at the start. Photos first, advanced features later. Once the habit is formed, adding features is easy.
Why contractors switch to Manifold specifically
Manifold is built for the same audience as CompanyCam — field contractors — but with a different philosophy on pricing and capability.
- No seat minimums. Pay for your actual team size. One user pays for one user.
- 3D scanning on any phone. Orbit Measure works on any iOS or Android phone with no LiDAR. Walk a space for 60 seconds and get a measurable 3D model — something CompanyCam doesn't offer on standard plans at all.
- Floor plans from iPhone Pro. Auto-generated dimensioned floor plans using Apple's RoomPlan on iPhone 12 Pro or newer.
- Free trial with no credit card. You can run a full pilot on a real job before paying anything.
What does Manifold cost compared to CompanyCam?
For a solo contractor:
- CompanyCam Pro: $79/month (minimum, forced to pay for 3 seats)
- Manifold Photo+Scan: $24/month (one user, includes 3D scanning)
For a 3-person crew:
- CompanyCam Pro: $79/month
- Manifold Photo+Scan: $72/month (3 × $24, includes 3D scanning for everyone)
For a 5-person crew:
- CompanyCam Pro: ~$130/month
- Manifold Photo+Scan: $120/month (5 × $24)
How long does switching take?
Realistically: one afternoon to set up your account and import your key projects, one week for your crew to get comfortable, two weeks before it feels completely normal. Most contractors who make the switch report the transition is faster than they expected.
Start a free Manifold trial before cancelling CompanyCam — run both in parallel on one job so you can compare directly. Or book a 15-minute demo and we'll walk you through the switch.