Licensing: Lifetime vs. Subscription
Foto Master has evolved its licensing model over time. This article explains the current structure and what it means for both new customers and existing lifetime license holders.
The Current Model (Post-January 2025)
Since January 2025, all new Foto Master licenses are subscription-based and billed annually. The subscription model enables continuous software updates, Cloud AI integration, and ongoing feature development.
What New Customers Get
- FMX for Windows: $33/month per device (billed annually)
- FMX for iPadOS: $32/month per device (billed annually)
- DMBot: $59/month per device (billed annually)
- AGWall: $79/month per device (billed annually)
- PMWall: $49/month per device (billed annually)
- Selfie Wi-Fi: $29/month per device (billed annually)
- FMSlide: Free
- Cloud subscription: Basic ($39/mo) or Pro ($79/mo) per company
Software licenses are per device -- each booth needs its own license. The Cloud subscription is per company -- one subscription covers all your devices.
Lifetime License Holders (Pre-January 2025)
If you purchased a Foto Master license before January 2025, you have significant advantages:
Your Lifetime License
- Remains valid indefinitely -- no additional fees, no expiration
- Covers software up to Version 14 -- continue using your licensed software forever
- Works offline -- no subscription required for offline operation
- No action required -- your existing software continues to work as it always has
Accessing Cloud AI and FMX
Lifetime license holders who want to use Cloud AI features or the latest FMX software have strong advantages:
- You do not pay per device for Cloud AI -- a single company-level Cloud subscription (Basic or Pro) covers all your lifetime-licensed devices
- You can use FMX (the latest-generation software) without additional software license fees -- only the single Cloud subscription is needed
- You save significantly compared to new customers who pay both per-device software licenses and a Cloud subscription
Pay As You Go Option (Legacy)
Lifetime license holders can also try select AI features without any subscription:
- Purchase AI credits as needed at standard rates
- Use AI features directly in Version 14 software
- No monthly commitment
- No access to Cloud platform features (galleries, events, remote management)
This is a good way to test AI capabilities before deciding to subscribe to Basic or Pro.
💡 Tip: If you're a lifetime license holder using PAYG and find yourself purchasing credits regularly, upgrading to Basic or Pro will save you money on credits and unlock the full Cloud platform.
Cloud Subscription vs. Software Licenses
Cloud Subscription (Per Company)
Your Cloud subscription covers your entire organization regardless of device count:
- AI processing and credits
- Online galleries
- Event management
- Analytics and reporting
- Remote booth management
- Email and SMS sharing
- Asset management
- White-label branding (Pro)
Software Licenses (Per Device)
For new subscription customers, each device running Foto Master software needs its own license:
- The booth application (FMX, DMBot, etc.)
- Software updates
- Offline operation capability
Lifetime license holders are exempt from per-device software fees -- their single Cloud subscription covers everything.
Summary
| Customer Type | Software License | Cloud Subscription | Per-Device Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| New customer (post-Jan 2025) | Per device (annual) | Per company (Basic/Pro) | Yes |
| Lifetime holder + Cloud | Lifetime (included) | Per company (Basic/Pro) | No |
| Lifetime holder + PAYG | Lifetime (included) | None (credits only) | No |
| Lifetime holder (offline only) | Lifetime (included) | None needed | No |
How Activation Works
The activation flow differs depending on your license era:
- Subscription customers (post-Jan 2025): When you install the software and open it for the first time, you sign in with your Foto Master Cloud email and password — the same credentials you use at
cloud.fotomaster.com. There is no license key to type. The software checks your Cloud account, finds your active license, and activates automatically. - Lifetime license holders (pre-Jan 2025): Your software asks for a license key, which was delivered to you by email at purchase and is also listed in Cloud > Licenses. Paste the key into the activation field to unlock the software.
If you hit any issues activating, see License Activation Issues.
Managing Your Licenses
All licenses are managed from the Licenses section in the Cloud dashboard. From there you can:
- View all active licenses and their status
- Assign and reassign licenses to devices
- See expiration dates for subscription licenses
- Cancel or renew individual licenses
Related Articles
- Choosing Your Cloud Plan
- Managing Your Plan
- Understanding AI Credits
- License Management Across Devices
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