Basecamp
Basecamp is project management and team collaboration software from 37signals, combining tasks, discussions, files, and schedules in project spaces. It offers web, mobile, and desktop access; version 5 was released in 2026.
Contents15 sections
Key facts
Background: Origins in Web Design
Jason Fried recalls that 37signals built an internal system to organize client feedback and communication in its web design business, then commercialized it. Product revenue surpassed design revenue about a year later, prompting a focus on software.[1]
2003Prototypes and Development Team
Shape Up dates the prototypes to July 2003: Jason Fried directed design, David Heinemeier HanssonDavid Heinemeier HanssonDavid Heinemeier Hansson is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur and racing driver, the creator of the web framework Ruby on Rails and co-owner, with Jason Fried, of the software company 37signals, maker of Basecamp and HEY. He has co-written business books including Rework with Fried, won a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014, has served on the board of Shopify since 2024, and created the Linux distribution Omarchy.Open the full entry programmed the software, and Ryan Singer contributed interface design. Ruby on RailsRuby on RailsRuby on Rails (often shortened to Rails) is an open-source, full-stack web application framework written in the Ruby programming language that builds database-backed web applications following the model–view–controller (MVC) pattern. Created by David Heinemeier Hansson and first publicly released in 2004, it is known for design principles such as “convention over configuration,” and companies including GitHub and Shopify use it in production.Open the full entry emerged from this development work.[2]
February 5, 2004Public Launch
Basecamp launched on February 5, 2004. In his twentieth-anniversary retrospective, Hansson described an initial version with messages, to-do lists, and milestones, but no file uploads, built to centralize client projects.[3]
2006Equity Transaction in the Developer
In 2006, Jeff Bezos bought a non-controlling minority stake in the developer from Fried and Hansson. Hansson explained in 2017 that the proceeds went to the founders rather than funding company operations.[4]
2012Rebuilding Version 2
Shape Up describes a ground-up redesign for Basecamp 2.0 in 2012, applying design and scope-management techniques developed on earlier complex projects.[2]
2014Company Adopts the Product Name
In 2014, 37signals focused on Basecamp and adopted its name for the company. Historical references can therefore denote either the software or its developer.[5]
November 3, 2015Basecamp 3
Basecamp 3 launched on November 3, 2015, combining tasks, message boards, Campfire group chat, and direct messages. Clientside separated client feedback from internal discussions; Work Can Wait let individuals schedule notifications around working hours.[6]
May 2021Response to Company Policy Changes
On May 4, 2021, Fried apologized for internal disruption and employee departures following company policy changes. He said he and Hansson owned the consequences, while retaining the policies subject to clarification.[7]
May 3, 2022Company Returns to 37signals
The company resumed the name 37signals on May 3, 2022. Fried explained that HEY had made it a multi-product business; Basecamp remained the software’s name.[5]
September 27, 2022Basecamp 4
On September 27, 2022, 37signals announced Basecamp 4, highlighting the Lineup project timeline, Hill Charts, and activity logs. The announcement said version 3 users would receive the features without migrating to another platform.[8]
November 2023Duke Libraries Announce Departure
On November 30, 2023, Duke University Libraries announced it would not renew Basecamp, citing conflict between its values and public views expressed by 37signals leadership. It planned content exports and a move to other collaboration tools.[9]
2026Basecamp 5
Released in 2026, Basecamp 5 redesigned the home screen and notification sidebar, adding global and project calendars, subtasks, Markdown and table editing, voice notes, and updated API, command-line, and AI-agent support.[10]
October 2026Features and Pricing
As of October 2026, project spaces offered message boards, to-do lists, chat, calendars, kanban-style boards, and files. Automatic Check-ins collected recurring team updates, while client controls limited what outside participants could see.[11]
The pricing page then offered a free one-project plan and fixed-price paid plans without per-user charges. Active-project and storage allowances varied by plan.[12]
Alongside the web service, Basecamp offered iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, and Windows apps, plus command-line tools and integrations. Most notification emails could be answered directly.[13]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
Basecamp: Official website: https://basecamp.com/ (opens in a new window)[14]
37signals: Official website: https://37signals.com/ (opens in a new window)[15]
Sources
- Basecamp — Where we came from (opens in a new window)
- Introduction | Shape Up (opens in a new window)
- Basecamp turns 20 (opens in a new window)
- The deal Jeff Bezos got on Basecamp (opens in a new window)
- 37signals: Hello again (opens in a new window)
- Launch: Basecamp 3 – Signal v. Noise (opens in a new window)
- An Update (opens in a new window)
- Helping Small Businesses Cut Complexity: 37signals Launches Basecamp 4 (opens in a new window)
- Why We're Dropping Basecamp - Duke University Libraries Blogs (opens in a new window)
- Basecamp — Basecamp 5 is all new for 2026 (opens in a new window)
- Basecamp — Features, benefits, benefits, and benefits (opens in a new window)
- Basecamp — Pricing (opens in a new window)
- Basecamp — Get Basecamp for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, on the web, and on the command line (opens in a new window)
- Basecamp (opens in a new window)
- 37signals (opens in a new window)