Designer Licensing FAQs

What is changing with Designer licensing, and why is this happening?

Designer is transitioning to a tiered licensing model starting April 1st, 2025, which includes Designer Starter and Designer Pro. This change allows us to reinvest in the platform, delivering advanced features, including new plugin and AI capabilities, and ensuring greater stability and support for our users.

How will the transition process work for existing users?

Your current free Designer license will expire at midnight March 31st, 2025. You will have to select a new license type (either Starter or Pro). Designer Pro and Starter installers and subscription options can be found in Cloud dashboard. Designer Pro will be available from March 19th and managed through the Disguise Cloud dashboard. If you don’t already have a Cloud account, you’ll need to create one to continue using Designer.

You will also need to activate your Designer Pro license using your Cloud account. Designer Starter does not require activation, but you must log in to Disguise Cloud in d3Manager when using Designer. License activation information can be found here.

Why do I need to activate a new Designer license if I already have one?

Previously, Designer licenses required renewal every six months. The current licenses will expire on April 1st, 2025, marking the transition to our new licensing model. All users will need to activate a new license to continue using Designer. You will be able to activate your new license from March 19th 2025.

Why do I need a Disguise Cloud account to access and activate my Designer license?

Managing licenses through Disguise Cloud allows for easier access, streamlined renewals, and better integration with other tools and services within the Disguise ecosystem, including Mapping Matter.

What is the difference between Designer Starter and Designer Pro?

Designer Starter is designed for training and learning purposes and includes the current functionality of our Designer software with the exception of joining a session with Full Designer instances (Disguise media servers or machines with Designer Pro licenses). Designer Pro will also cover the full functionality of the software but with the ability to programme live projects, as well as edit them in real-time in a session with other Disguise servers or Pro license instances. Designer Pro will also include plugin and AI enhancements that will be released later this year.

For more info on Designer Pro, view the Designer Pro page. For more info on Designer Starter, view the Designer Starter page.

If I have a Disguise server, will my server license be impacted by these new pricing changes?

No. This new licensing model applies strictly to the Designer instance running on a laptop or PC. It will not impact the versions of Designer running directly on your Disguise servers.

Will I lose access to my existing projects if I don’t purchase a Pro license?

No, your existing projects will remain accessible. If you switch to the Designer Starter, you’ll still be able to open and work on your projects using the software’s core features, however once saved in Starter, the project cannot be opened in Pro.

I work in Education and own Disguise products, has my license changed?

This new licensing model applies strictly to the Designer instance running on a laptop or PC. It will not impact the versions of Designer running directly on your Disguise servers. For licenses running on a laptop or PC please speak to your Account Manager about your change or email support@disguise.one.

I run Disguise training courses, what options do I have with this new scheme?

If your training course does not include use of a Disguise server then Designer Starter is ideal, as there is no restriction on core functionality. Students should sign up to Disguise Cloud, install Designer Starter, and then log in to d3Manager with their Disguise Cloud account.

If your training course includes the use of a Disguise server then there are two options:

1. Install Designer Starter on the Disguise server and log in to d3Manager on the server with a Disguise Cloud account. All other Starter instances can then join a d3 session with the server. Note that an intermittent blue flash will be present on outputs.
2. Students use Designer Pro. Please contact your account manager to discuss options for this.

I’m a Certified Disguise Trainer and run courses on Disguise, am I expected to pay for Designer Pro?

All Disguise Certified Trainers will be given a Designer Pro subscription free of charge.

I’m already paying for Disguise Cloud, will there be a Disguise Cloud plus Designer Pro package?

We will be announcing Disguise Cloud and Designer Pro bundles later this year.

Where can I find support if I have questions during the transition?

Our team is here to help! You can reply to any of our communications, reach out to your account manager, or contact our support team at support@disguise.one for assistance with licensing, activation, or understanding the plans.