Clip Studio Paint Licensing Model Explained: A Comprehensive Guide
Clip Studio Paint, a popular digital painting and comic illustration tool, has a licensing model that can be confusing for new buyers and upgraders alike. In this article, we will break down the different options available, including the Perpetual Model, EX Version, Update Pass, and 12-Month Plan, to help you make an informed decision about your software purchase.
New Buyers (Not Upgrades)
For new buyers, there are two options: the Perpetual Model and the EX Version. Both options are one-time purchases, but they have some key differences.
The Perpetual Model is available for $54 (regular price) or $21.60 (sale price). The pros of this model include a one-time purchase and the ability to keep your 1.x license. However, it requires online check-in every two weeks, and you will not receive feature updates without an Update Pass.
The EX Version is available for $237 (regular price) or $142 (sale price). Like the Perpetual Model, it is a one-time purchase, and you can keep your 1.x license. However, it also requires online check-in every two weeks, and you will not receive feature updates without an Update Pass.
Update Pass
The Update Pass is a seasonal pass that allows you to receive feature updates between Perpetual versions. It is similar to a DLC model or battle pass for video games. The Update Pass is required to receive feature updates between Perpetual versions.
12-Month Plan
The 12-Month Plan is a subscription-based model available only on iPad. The prices are $10.99/year for the Pro Version and $31.99/year for the EX Version. There is also a Single Device option available for $10.99/month (Pro) or $45.99/month (EX).
Upgrades
For users who already own a previous version of Clip Studio Paint, upgrades are available. Upgrading from 2.0 to 3.0, for example, costs $22.99 (regular price) or $16 (sale price) for the Pro Version, and $65.99 (regular price) or $46.99 (sale price) for the EX Version.
For users who own a 1.x license, upgrading can be more complicated. You will need to upgrade through multiple versions, and the cost can add up quickly.
Pricing Comparison
Comparing the prices of the different options can be helpful in determining which one is best for you. The outright purchase of the EX 2.0, for example, has a regular price that is higher than last year, but a sale price that is lower than last year. The outright purchase of the Pro version has a regular price that is higher than last year, but a sale price that is lower than last year.
Reverting to Last Perpetual Purchase
If you stop paying for the Update Pass, your features will revert to the last Perpetual purchase.
Pricing and Upgrade Information
- Upgrading from 1.x to 2.0 costs $19.99 (regular price) or $1.99 (sale price) for the Pro Version, and $56.99 (regular price) or $34.19 (sale price) for the EX Version.
- Upgrading from 2.0 to 3.0 costs $22.99 (regular price) or $6.00 (sale price) for the Pro Version, and $65.99 (regular price) or $46.19 (sale price) for the EX Version.
- The Update Pass pricing is the same as the upgrade pricing.
Benefits of Update Pass
The Update Pass provides incremental feature updates through new versions, and you will continue to receive updates as long as you keep paying.
Subscription Plan Pricing
The Subscription Plan pricing is $10.79 for the Pro Version and $45.99 for the EX Version.
Key Information
- Version 2.0 and higher only allows one install of Clip Studio Paint per license.
- Device switching is possible, but with limitations.
- End-of-year promotions are only available for new purchases, not upgrades.
Frustrations with Software Upgrades and Licensing Models
Many users are frustrated with the need to upgrade software twice, feeling that it is greedy to lock improvements to existing tools behind a paywall. Users are also frustrated with the lack of quality of life improvements and the focus on new features instead of improving existing ones.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Remove online check-in for Perpetual purchases.
- Remove paywall for new features between versions (Update Pass).
- If you pay for an Update Pass, keep the features granted during that period.
- Remove requirement to buy multiple versions to get current features.
Perpetual Purchases and Device Limitations
Users are unhappy with the reduction from two devices to one device for Perpetual purchases, feeling that it is a reduction in customer value. Users suggest that it should be possible to track device usage and allow users to switch between devices or have one instance closed down, rather than being limited to one device.
Performance and UI Improvements
Users want to see improvements to the software's performance, which has not improved significantly. Users also want to see improvements to the UI, which has not changed significantly since Manga Studio 4.
Recommendations for Perpetual Version Owners
- If you already have a Perpetual version, the Update Pass may be the lowest point of entry.
- If you own a 1.x license, it may be better to keep it and use it on a spare laptop, rather than upgrading to a newer version.
- 1.x owners may be better off holding out for 4.0, as the full price may outweigh any upgrade path.
- Feature updates seem to come out about three times a year, so it may not be worth buying the Perpetual version and Update Pass.
- Waiting until the next version comes out with the features you want may be a better option.
Licensing Model and Upgrade Path
- Avoid the Update Pass if you're a person who wants to buy it once and have a Perpetual version.
- Buying the next version when it comes out with features you want may be a better option, rather than upgrading through the Update Pass.
- We hope that this information will help others make an informed decision about their software purchases.