The licensing options for Finale 3D are designed to accommodate individuals and companies, enthusiasts and industry leading professionals. To accomplish this goal, there are three licensed versions of Finale 3D: Lite, Hobbyist, and Pro. Additionally, there are discounted licenses for individuals with multiple computers, and companies with multi-user design teams. This article includes answers to licensing questions and examples to help you select and manage the licenses that are best for your situation.
For everyone:
Where do I start?
Finale 3D is completely free to try, so start by installing the software on your computer. Go to the Download page to begin. All versions of Finale 3D are contained in the same download package. There is no need to worry about the different license types when you are downloading and installing the software. When you run Finale 3D without a license, you will be in demo mode. This mode gives you access to all the features of the “Lite” version, but saving an exporting are disabled.
What are the system requirements for Finale 3D?
If you have a PC, or a Mac that is set up to run Windows, chances are good that Finale 3D will run on your computer. The best way to find out is to give it a try. For more details, see System Requirements.
How can I try all the features?
To request a free 14-day trial of Lite, Hobbyist, or Pro, use the button at the top of the Pricing page.
What is the difference between Lite, Hobbyist and Pro?
The key features in each version of Finale 3D are listed near the top of the Pricing page. Scroll down on the same page to see a complete Feature Comparison. Also watch the Feature Comparison Video.
What is the renewal price for my license?
The renewal price for all Finale 3D licenses is the same as the original purchase price. For example, if your purchase a Pro license for $1049, the license is good for 1 year and the renewal price is $1049 to extend the license for another year.
Can I purchase Finale 3D as a monthly subscription or buy a lifetime license?
Finale 3D is only available as an annual license subscription. This enables us to continuously make improvements, add new features, and provide high quality customer service and support.
What happens if I don’t renew my Finale 3D license?
Finale 3D is only available as an annual license subscription. If you purchase a license and choose not to renew it, then the software will revert to demo mode. In this mode, you will not be able to save or export your work.
Can I install Finale 3D on multiple computers?
Each Finale 3D license is for one user and can only be activated on one computer at a time. You can unlink your license and move it to another computer up to 12 times per year. If you have a Hobbyist or Pro license and you need to have two computers activated at the same time, you can purchase an Extra Machine license.
How do I move my Finale 3D license to a new computer?
To move your license, install Finale 3D on your new computer, login, and follow the instructions onscreen. You can move your license up to 12 times per year.
What is an Extra Machine license?
Each Finale 3D license is for one user and can only be activated on one computer at a time. An Extra Machine license allows a user with a Hobbyist or Pro license to activate Finale 3D on another computer. For example, if you have a computer at your office, and a computer at home, an Extra Machine license will allow you to have Finale 3D activated on both computers. If your primary license is Pro, then the Extra Machine license will allow you to activate Pro on a second computer. If you have Hobbyist, the Extra Machine license will allow you to activate Hobbyist on a second computer. If you only purchase Extra Machine and don’t have a Hobbyist or Pro license, the Extra Machine license will do nothing.
How can I upgrade my Finale 3D license?
You can upgrade your license at any time by contacting support@finale3d.com.
For individuals:
I am an individual, how do I purchase a Finale 3D license?
Go to the Pricing page, add the version of Finale 3D you would like to purchase to your shopping cart and complete the online checkout. Your license will be activated automatically within 1 to 2 minutes. There are no license keys to enter, simply login to Finale 3D to begin using your license.
For companies and organizations:
I represent company, how do we purchase Finale 3D licenses?
Licenses for users within a company can be purchased on the Pricing page. To leverage the multi-user discounts, all licenses for an company must be purchased using the same Finale 3D account. This account can belong to a member of the company who will use Finale 3D, or it can belong to someone who is only serving the role of license administrator. The person designated for this role within your company will be responsible for purchasing new licenses, assigning the licenses users, and managing annual license renewals. Please be sure to select someone who is authorized to make payments on behalf of your company.
My company has multiple users, which kinds of licenses should I buy?
For your first user, you will need a standard (i.e., full price) Hobbyist or Pro license. You can add more users at a discount by purchasing Additional Hobbyist or Additional Pro licenses. Examples of various licensing scenarios are shown in Table 1. All types of licenses can be purchased on the Pricing page.
What is an “Additional Hobbyist” or “Additional Pro” license?
After purchasing a Hobbyist or Pro license, you can add more users by purchasing discounted Additional Hobbyist or Additional Pro licenses. If you are an individual or a company with a single user, these license types don’t apply to you. The discounted Additional Hobbyist and Additional Pro licenses only function if you also own a standard Hobbyist or Pro license. Examples of various licensing scenarios are shown in Table 1.
How do I assign a license to someone in my company?
After purchasing licenses for your team, assign them by going to “finale3d.com > Login > My Account > Assign Licenses to Other People“.
Can I purchase an Extra Machine license to allow another person in my company to use Finale 3D?
No. An Extra Machine license does nothing unless the same person is also assigned a Hobbyist or Pro license. To add users to your team, please purchase a discounted Additional Hobbyist or Additional Pro licenses.
I assigned an Extra Machine license to a user in my company, but the user is still in Demo Mode, why?
An Extra Machine license allows a user with a Hobbyist or Pro license to activate Finale 3D on two computers. If the user is not assigned a Hobbyist or Pro license, the Extra Machine license does nothing.
Table 1 – License examples
| Scenario | License needs |
|---|---|
| Individual with one computer | (1) Lite, Hobbyist, or Pro |
| Individual with two computers | (1) Hobbyist or Pro + (1) Extra Machine |
| Company with one user, one computer | (1) Lite, Hobbyist, or Pro |
| Company with one user, two computers | (1) Hobbyist or Pro + (1) Extra Machine |
| Company with two Pro users, one computer each | (1) Pro + (1) Additional Pro |
| Company with two Hobbyist users, one computer each | (1) Hobbyist + (1) Additional Hobbyist |
| Company with two Pro users, two computers each | (1) Pro + (1) Additional Pro + (2) Extra Machine |
| Company with two Hobbyist users, two computers each | (1) Hobbyist + (1) Additional Hobbyist + (2) Extra Machine |
| Company with one Pro and one Hobbyist user, one computer each | (1) Pro + (1) Additional Hobbyist |
| Company with one Pro and one Hobbyist user, two computers each | (1) Pro + (1) Additional Hobbyist + (2) Extra Machine |