License FAQ

1. What is a license code?

A license code is the credential for software activation, auto-generated by the platform, bound to "product + edition + term + machine". Client software needs it to activate.

2. How do I activate?

Enter the code in the software (some products fill it automatically); the software reads the machine code and calls the platform activate/verify API. View it under "Profile → My Licenses".

3. Yearly / Perpetual?

"Yearly" means the license expires after one year and must be renewed; "perpetual" means no expiry. Check the product page for details.

4. Edition differences (Basic / Pro / Ultimate)?

Editions define feature tiers set by the developer. Your edition determines available features; you can pay to upgrade inside the software.

5. Switching computers / reinstalling?

Unbind the old device in "Profile → My Licenses" first, then activate on the new one. Unbind before reinstalling to avoid hitting the machine limit.

6. Lost license code?

Log in and check "Profile → My Licenses". If the code was issued via in-app payment without a bound account, contact the developer.

7. Upgrade or renew?

After paying in the software, it calls the platform upgrade API: per the developer's strategy, upgrade in place (same code) or issue a new code; renewal extends the expiry.

8. Verification failed / invalid license?

Check system time, machine code and whether you are on the bound device; otherwise contact the developer or platform support.

9. How do I add my machine code?

The machine code is generated by the client software (one per computer). In "Profile → My Licenses → My Machine Codes", click "Add Machine Code" and paste the code shown in the client software. Once registered, clicking Authorize in the client binds automatically; developers can also issue and bind licenses manually using the machine code. A machine code can only be registered once — duplicates are rejected.

10. I didn't buy the software on the platform — can I manage my License by adding my machine code?

Yes. As long as the developer of the software uses the Powersoftware.app authorization system, you can manage your License. Check "Profile → Purchased Software" to see whether the software has License authorization enabled. Once enabled, after adding your machine code in "Profile → My Machine Codes", you can view and manage the License linked to that machine code in "My Licenses".

11. What is "Try First, Pay Later"?

"Try First, Pay Later" is a licensing model for client software: users can download the software for free and try all features during a trial period (configured by the developer, typically 7–14 days). After the trial, a paid license edition is required to continue using paid features.

12. How do I claim a trial license?

When you launch the software for the first time, it automatically calls the platform API to claim a trial license (idempotent per product + machine code — the same device will not receive duplicate trials). Trial validity = claim time + developer-configured trial days.

13. How do I purchase a license after the trial?

After the trial expires, the software will prompt you to purchase and open the platform purchase page (with your machine code). The page shows each edition's feature list and price. Pay via Alipay (China site) or Alipay + PayPal (international site). After payment, the platform issues a license code, displays it on the purchase page (copyable), and sends it to your registered email.

14. How do I upgrade to a higher edition?

If you already own a lower edition (e.g. BASIC), you can upgrade to a higher one (e.g. PRO / ULTIMATE) and only pay the price difference (the system deducts your existing edition price automatically). The upgrade strategy is set by the developer: SAME_CODE (license code unchanged) or NEW_CODE (new code issued).

15. What is "Platform Collection for License Fees"?

Developers can enable "Platform Collection" when publishing a product. When enabled, the platform displays edition prices and feature lists on the purchase page; users pay through the platform, which automatically issues license codes and sends emails after payment. When disabled, developers handle payment themselves — the platform only provides license code issuance and verification.

16. Can I get a refund for a license code?

License codes are digital goods and are generally non-refundable once issued. If the license has not been activated and within 7 days of issuance, you may apply for a refund; the license will be revoked upon refund. See Service Agreement §8.