Overlay vs Polycam
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Overlay | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS only (iPhone/iPad) | iOS, Android, Web |
| Primary Use | 2D graphic design and photo editing | 3D scanning and reality capture |
| AI Features | Background removal, generative fill & expand | AI photogrammetry, AI 3D model generator (beta), AI texture generator (beta) |
| Export Formats | PNG, JPEG, PSD, PDF | GLTF, OBJ, FBX, USDZ, PLY, LAS, STL, DAE, ESX, DXF, Geo-LAS, PTS, XYZ, point cloud |
| Best For | Social media creators, mobile graphic designers | Architects, engineers, forensics, product designers |
If your work is 2D design on the go — making social graphics, montages, or quick edits — Overlay is a capable, affordable mobile-first tool, but it's iOS-only and lacks vector support. For anyone who needs to capture the real world in 3D — floor plans, LiDAR scans, drone mapping — Polycam is the superior choice with cross-platform support, pro-grade exports, and a Business plan that undercuts rivals like Matterport. Pick Overlay for mobile creative design; pick Polycam for professional 3D capture.
AI 3D scanning that turns phones and drones into instant 3D models and floor plans
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: Overlay vs Polycam
Not marketing copy and not our opinion — a structured sweep of public discussion (reviews, forums, communities and video comments), showing what people praise and what they complain about for each tool.
Overlay
No verifiable community signal. We scanned public discussion on Jul 15, 2026 and found posts matching the name “Overlay”, but could not establish that they are about this product rather than something else sharing its name. Rather than publish a score built on the wrong subject, we publish none.
Polycam
60 mentions across 4 sources · 41% positive — mixed (weighted across 4 sources)
Hacker News, YouTube, Product Hunt, App Store
What users praise
- • Accurate LiDAR scanning for spaces and objects down to the inch.
- • Instant 3D modeling and floor plan generation from scans.
- • Works on iPhone, Android, and web—no desktop software needed.
- • Supports multiple capture modes: LiDAR, photogrammetry, drone, 360.
What frustrates them
- • Subscription charges after cancellation, including $400 surprises.
- • Dimensions are paywalled behind expensive plans, frustrating users.
- • Free tier has unclear feature limits and dark patterns.
- • Poor handling of reflective or glossy surfaces like pianos.
Researched Sep 8, 2026
Who should pick which
- Social media creatorPick: Overlay
Overlay provides quick layer composites, templates, and AI background removal perfect for Instagram stories or thumbnails, all from an iPhone. Its low subscription cost fits tight budgets.
- Architect capturing as-built floor plansPick: Polycam
Polycam's automatic floor plan generation with editable measurements and LiDAR scanning directly addresses this need. Recent news emphasizes its use in AEC for as-built documentation.
- Forensics investigator documenting a scenePick: Polycam
Polycam's fast, accurate 3D scanning with point cloud exports (LAS, PLY) and measurement tools is ideal for incident reconstruction, as noted in its best-for forensics teams.
- Android user needing mobile designPick: Overlay
No — Overlay is iOS-only. For Android users, Overlay is not an option. Polycam is cross-platform, but if the goal is 2D design, neither fits well for Android.
- Product designer scanning prototypesPick: Polycam
Polycam turns physical prototypes into digital models for review or 3D printing, with exports like STL and OBJ. Its AI texture generator (beta) adds realism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overlay vs Polycam: which should you choose?
If your work is 2D design on the go — making social graphics, montages, or quick edits — Overlay is a capable, affordable mobile-first tool, but it's iOS-only and lacks vector support. For anyone who needs to capture the real world in 3D — floor plans, LiDAR scans, drone mapping — Polycam is the superior choice with cross-platform support, pro-grade exports, and a Business plan that undercuts rivals like Matterport. Pick Overlay for mobile creative design; pick Polycam for professional 3D capture.
Can Overlay create 3D models or scan objects?
No, Overlay is strictly a 2D graphic design app. For 3D scanning, use Polycam.
Does Polycam have a desktop app for editing floor plans?
Polycam offers a web platform for editing floor plans and viewing scans, but there is no dedicated native desktop app. However, exports can be used in third-party desktop software.
Is Overlay available on Android?
No, Overlay is exclusive to iPhone and iPad. There is no Android version.
Can Polycam generate AI 3D models from text prompts?
Polycam has a beta AI 3D model generator, but it is not a text-to-3D tool; it likely assists in generating models from captures. Specific input methods are not detailed.
Does Overlay support team collaboration or shared libraries?
No collaboration features are mentioned for Overlay. It’s a single-user mobile app. Polycam offers team libraries and collaboration on Business plan.
What export formats does Overlay support?
Overlay exports to PNG, JPEG, PSD, and PDF with transparency support. No 3D formats.
Is there a free trial for Polycam's Pro plan?
The free tier is limited to 3 captures, which serves as a trial. Pro and Business are subscription-based with no explicit free trial mentioned beyond the free tier.
Can I use Polycam with a drone?
Yes, Polycam supports drone photogrammetry processing, allowing you to upload drone-captured photos to generate 3D models and maps.
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Last reviewed: July 7, 2026