Hi tenten71.
Here goes:
The Personalized FAQ (PAQ) for tenten71
Installation and Software Coexistence
Q: With this latest batch of updates to be released pre-Studio Launch, will Topaz Photo replace my running copy of Photo AI? Or will they run side-by-side?
A: According to dakota.wixom: “Studio versions will install into a new directory, and you can run them alongside the non-Studio versions of the app. This way you can try out the new features and keep your perpetual version around”. The apps install in separate directories - you can have both Photo AI and Topaz Photo installed simultaneously without conflicts.
License Retention and Version Control
Q: If maintenance updates continue after 9/16 for Photo AI, and I cancel my subscription on 2/1/2026, do I keep the Photo AI version from 9/16/2025 or the version from my cancellation date (e.g., v4.0.6)?
A: Based on dakota.wixom’s clarification: “Patch updates were only free for your existing minor version (major.minor.patch). Since there will be no new major or minor versions, all patch releases will be available to you if you own the latest version of the software already”. You would retain access to patch updates received during your subscription period, but ida.topazlabs confirmed that after September 16th, “we will continue to offer maintenance updates and minor fixes” only.
License Server and Offline Concerns
Q: For legacy software, can the online license confirmation requirement be turned off? I’m concerned about license server availability in 10+ years.
A: This specific concern was not directly addressed by corporate authorities in the available discussion. However, dakota.wixom emphasized that “You will continue to be able to use all versions of Gigapixel locally” and assured users about maintaining compatibility with future operating systems. Contact support directly for account-specific license management questions.
Studio Pricing and Auto-Renewal Benefits
Q: What’s the difference between renewing 2 vs. 3 apps? Do I get any benefit from renewing all 3 apps as opposed to just 2?
A: ida.topazlabs clarified the key thresholds: “If you own 2 or more desktop apps with auto-renew enabled, you’ll get Topaz Studio at your current price for life”. dakota.wixom confirmed: “If you have auto-renewal on for 2 products you should automatically get Studio access”. There’s no additional benefit to renewing 3 apps versus 2 - both give you full Studio bundle access.
Q: If I turn off one auto-renewal but keep two active, do I still get access to all the new software while paying for only 2 renewals?
A: Yes. dakota.wixom confirmed this approach works: “Make sure you maintain active licenses and you’ll get the best price either way”. Two auto-renewing licenses provide full Studio access.
Founder Status and Pricing Lock
Q: Does “founder” status pricing mean my renewal cost is locked, or should I expect inflation increases while still paying less than non-founders?
A: dakota.wixom stated: “Grandfathered auto-renewal price as long as your plan is active” and warned: “if you let it expire you’ll lose founder status, and will also lose any preferred pricing”. margaux.topazlabs confirmed: “If you keep auto-renewal on for 2 apps, Topaz Studio will continue to be included at no additional cost”.
Studio Pricing Transparency
Q: What’s the actual cost of Studio software? The claim of saving 50-80% makes me think you’re really going to jack up the price.
A: dakota.wixom explained: “Will be equivalent to the price of your 2 products on auto-renewal at the time. This will be much cheaper than the list price”. The savings percentages refer to discounts compared to what new customers will pay, not price increases for existing customers.
Auto-Renewal Activation
Q: Confirming that turning on auto-renewal doesn’t involve paying anything now?
A: dakota.wixom confirmed: “Auto-renewal does not need to be enabled, but it’s a good idea to do so and make sure your subscription doesn’t expire prior to the launch date”. The corporate responses indicate auto-renewal setup is for billing management, not immediate payment.
Note: Based on questions throughout the 542-post discussion thread.
For account-specific questions, contact help@topazlabs.com as recommended by corporate representatives.
