Artifact vs Polycam

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings

Analysis reviewed Live tool data as of 2026-09-01
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At a glance

DimensionArtifactPolycam
PricingContact-based pricing (not publicly listed)Freemium + Pro ($79.99/yr or $6.50/mo) and Pro+ ($199.99/yr or $16.58/mo) annual plans
Target UsersAerospace/defense hardware engineers, electrical system designersArchitects, AEC professionals, media creators, product designers, forensics
Core FunctionVersion‑controlled, collaborative electrical schematic design with auto‑generated harness drawingsAI‑assisted 3D scanning and photogrammetry from photos, LiDAR, drone imagery
Key FeaturesReal‑time collaboration, branching/snapshots/release freezing, net tracing, ITAR‑compliant GovCloud, bidirectional 3D CAD linkGaussian splatting, HDRI lighting, floor plan editor, AI mesh & texture generator (beta), 15+ export formats
PlatformWeb‑based (SaaS), GovCloud deployment availableiOS LiDAR, Android ARCore, web, desktop for drone/photos
DevicesAny web browseriOS (LiDAR), Android (ARCore), drone, photo/video upload

Polycam and Artifact serve completely different domains. Polycam is a versatile reality capture tool for 3D scanning objects, interiors, and drones — ideal for AEC, media, and product design. Artifact is a specialized, version‑controlled ECAD platform for complex electrical harness design in aerospace/defense. Your choice hinges on whether you need 3D models/floor plans or collaborative schematic design with ITAR compliance.

Try ArtifactTry Polycam
Artifact
Artifact

Collaborative, version-controlled ECAD for complex electrical system and harness design.

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Polycam
Polycam

AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.

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Pricing
Contact Sales
Freemium
Plans
—
$0/mo
$12.50/mo billed yearly, $30/mo billed monthly
$33/mo per user billed yearly, $400/yr per user
$1200/yr per seat, 3 seats minimum
Popularity
3 views
7.5k views
Skill Level
Advanced
Beginner-friendly
API Available
Platforms
WebAPI
WebMobile
Categories
💻 Code & Development
🧊 3D Generation & Scanning🏠 Interior Design & Architecture👷 Construction & Field Service
Features
Real-time collaborative electrical schematic design
Version control with branching, snapshots, and release freezing
Automatic harness drawing generation
Electrical rules checks and project rules checks
Multi-layered navigation map with design blocks
Net tracing across mated connectors
BOM, pinout table, and harness drawing export
Bidirectional link to 3D CAD systems (SolidWorks, NX, etc.)
Parts library with bulk CSV import and public library
ITAR/CUI-compliant GovCloud deployment
Customer-cloud deployment option
Configuration traceability and dependency mapping
Custom annotations and treatment definitions (zipties, overbraid)
Advanced parameter management for components
Update from Library button in Properties Pane
LiDAR spatial scanning for rooms and buildings
Object capture with AI-assisted processing
Photogrammetry from photos/video (up to 2000 images on Business)
Drone photogrammetry processing for aerial models
Instant 2D and 3D floor plan generation with editable walls
AI 3D model generator (beta)
AI texture generator (beta)
Gaussian splatting tool
HDRI lighting with 5 presets (iOS and Web)
Virtual Walkthrough (full on Business, preview on Free/Basic)
Apple Vision Pro viewing
Point cloud exports (PLY, LAS, Geo-LAS, PTS, XYZ, DXF)
Mesh exports (GLTF, OBJ, FBX, DAE, STL, USDZ, ESX)
360 photosphere capture
API access (Enterprise)
Integrations
Xactimate
SketchUp
Apple Vision Pro

Who should pick which

  • Architect needing floor plans
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam generates automatic floor plans with measurements from LiDAR or photos, and the floor plan editor lets you fix overlaps.

  • Aerospace harness engineer
    Pick: Artifact

    Artifact provides version control, automatic harness drawing generation, and ITAR‑compliant GovCloud, essential for defense work.

  • Product designer scanning prototypes
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam’s LiDAR and photo‑based scanning creates detailed meshes for digital review, with export to CAD formats.

  • Electrical system team needing collaboration
    Pick: Artifact

    Artifact’s real‑time collaboration, branching, and net tracing enable multi‑engineer design of complex harnesses.

  • Media creator for VFX sets
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam supports Gaussian splatting and HDRI lighting for immersive virtual walkthroughs and 3D props.

Frequently Asked Questions

Artifact vs Polycam: which should you choose?

Polycam and Artifact serve completely different domains. Polycam is a versatile reality capture tool for 3D scanning objects, interiors, and drones — ideal for AEC, media, and product design. Artifact is a specialized, version‑controlled ECAD platform for complex electrical harness design in aerospace/defense. Your choice hinges on whether you need 3D models/floor plans or collaborative schematic design with ITAR compliance.

Can Polycam be used for ITAR‑compliant work?

No. Polycam does not offer ITAR compliance. Artifact provides GovCloud deployment for CUI/ITAR compliance.

Does Artifact create 3D models or floor plans?

No. Artifact is an ECAD tool for electrical schematic design and harness drawings, not for 3D scanning or photogrammetry.

What export formats does Polycam support?

GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF, plus point cloud formats.

Does Artifact have a free tier?

Artifact pricing is contact‑based; there is no publicly known free tier. The company targets enterprise teams.

Can I use Polycam for drone photogrammetry?

Yes. Polycam processes drone imagery for 3D models and surveys, used in AEC site surveys.

Does Artifact integrate with 3D CAD?

Yes. It offers bidirectional linking to 3D CAD systems to keep electrical and mechanical designs in sync.

Which tool has a mobile app?

Polycam has iOS and Android apps for on‑site capture. Artifact is web‑only (desktop browser).

Which tool is better for a solo hobbyist?

Polycam's free tier is suitable for hobbyist 3D scanning. Artifact is overkill and likely too expensive for hobbyists.

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Explore each tool further

Artifact
View Artifact reviewArtifact alternatives
Polycam
View Polycam reviewPolycam alternatives

Browse these categories

Best AI Code & Development toolsBest AI 3D Generation & Scanning toolsBest AI Interior Design & Architecture toolsBest AI Construction & Field Service tools
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026