# Earn a Pro License

If Serial Studio is useful to you but buying a Pro license isn't an option, you can earn one by making meaningful contributions. It keeps the tool improving while giving you full access in return.

## Ways to contribute

### Spread the word

- Write a post or tutorial about Serial Studio on a developer forum (Reddit, CSDN, Hackaday, and so on).
- Create a demo video on YouTube, Bilibili, or similar.
- Share on social media or community channels and send proof of reach (engagement metrics, screenshots).

### Extend hardware support

- Send binary logs or protocol data for unsupported devices.
- Donate development hardware (boards, analyzers, adapters).

### Improve the tool

- Translate the UI or documentation.
- Write or improve documentation, help pages, or code comments.
- Submit pull requests for bug fixes, new features, or platform support.

## What you get

Depending on your contribution, you'll get a Pro license key:

| Contribution type              | License duration  |
|--------------------------------|-------------------|
| Forum post, tutorial, or video | 6 months          |
| Hardware donation              | 12 months         |
| Protocol log or sample data    | 3-6 months        |
| Translation or documentation   | 6-12 months       |
| Code contribution (merged PR)  | 6-12 months       |

Contributions have to be original, useful, and verifiable.

## How to submit

1. Open a GitHub Discussion with the `value-for-license` tag.
   - Title: `Request: Pro License via [Your Contribution Type]`.
   - Include a description of what you did (links, files, screenshots).
   - Give the email address where the license key should go.
2. Wait for review. The maintainer usually responds within a few days.
3. If approved, your license key is issued directly.

## Getting started with code contributions

1. Fork the repository on GitHub.
2. Read the project guidelines and code style docs.
3. Pick an open issue or propose a new feature.
4. Submit your pull request.
5. Once it's merged, request your Pro license via GitHub Discussions.

## Why this program exists

Serial Studio is built and maintained by a single developer. Contributions of any kind (visibility, hardware, translations, or code) directly support the project's long-term sustainability. If you can't pay, contribute. Help spread the word.

If you already have an audience and would rather monetize referrals, see [Become an Affiliate](https://serial-studio.com/help/become-an-affiliate.md).

## See also

- [License Agreement](https://serial-studio.com/help/license-agreement.md): dual-license details.
- [Support Serial Studio](https://serial-studio.com/help/support-serial-studio.md): other ways to help.
- [Become an Affiliate](https://serial-studio.com/help/become-an-affiliate.md): earn commission by referring customers.
- [Buy Serial Studio Pro](https://store.serial-studio.com/): purchase a Pro license.