Thinking about switching from Basecamp 2 to 4?

So, you're thinking about switching from Basecamp 2 to Basecamp 4? We're excited for you — Basecamp 4 is great! But before you switch, there are a couple things you should know.

You don't have to switch. Really!

Your existing Basecamp 2 account will keep on working until the end of the internet! Nothing changes, nothing goes away. Everything you have in Basecamp 2 today is exactly the same — safe and sound, working like it always has. It’ll continue this way. You can keep using your current version forever. Basecamp 4 is entirely separate from what you already have.

Is Basecamp 4 right for me?

If you rely on any of the following features in your current version of Basecamp, we’d recommend holding off on switching to Basecamp 4 for now:

1. Calendar: The landscape has changed — most companies use Google Calendar or Outlook or Apple Calendar for their company calendar. So rather than create confusion by creating another calendar, we’ve focused on a straightforward line-by-line agenda-view rather than a traditional grid view. You can add any events on this agenda view to your own personal Google, Outlook, Apple, or HEY Calendar, and then they'll also show up on your phone. If you use the Basecamp 2 calendar extensively for calendaring we’d suggest experimenting with the Basecamp 4 Schedule feature before switching over completely.
2. API Integrations: We have released the public integration API for Basecamp 4, but it may take integrators some time to port over their work to Basecamp 4. Here are the integrations that are currently available.

Naturally, since Basecamp 4 is an entirely redesigned product, there are a variety of other changes and tweaks and adjustments to existing features, but none of those should be deal breakers or show-stoppers for you. In fact, we think you’ll find most of the changes to be very welcome additions. Nearly everything is more powerful, more flexible, and even more straightforward than ever before. Here's what's new in Basecamp 4.

Can we bring our existing projects over?

You can move your projects from Basecamp 2 to Basecamp 4, with a few exceptions. Some things in Basecamp 2 either don’t exist in Basecamp 4 or they’re radically different — those things can’t be moved over. Here's the full rundown of what can and can’t be moved over to Basecamp 4.

Can we bring our existing team over?

When you create a fresh Basecamp 4 account, people from your existing Basecamp 2 account won't automatically appear in the new one.

But if you follow this guide and move a project from Basecamp 2 to Basecamp 4, every person who had access or posted something to that Basecamp 2 project will be added to your Basecamp 4 account as an outside collaborator.

To understand the varying access levels for Employees, Outside Collaborators, and Clients, you can refer to the following:

Can we use multiple versions at the same time?

Yes you can! Keep your current projects running on the version of Basecamp you’re using now, and kick off new projects on Basecamp 4. We've made it easy to switch between accounts so you’re always just a click or two away from all your projects no matter which version you're using.

Do we have to pay for both versions?

Only if you want to create new projects in both versions. Otherwise, you'll only need to pay for Basecamp 4. Don't forget to switch Basecamp 2 to a free plan!

Okay, I'm ready to go with Basecamp 4...now what?

Here's how to sign up for Basecamp 4 and begin moving your Basecamp 2 projects over:

You'll also want to take a close look at the rest of this guide:

• A quick how-to for moving Basecamp 2 projects over
• What to do with your Basecamp 2 account once you're running on 4
• Answers to: How do I ______ in Basecamp 4?

Next up: Moving Projects from Basecamp 2 to Basecamp 4 →