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Earn a Pro License

doc/help/Earn-Pro-License.md

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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 typeLicense duration
Forum post, tutorial, or video6 months
Hardware donation12 months
Protocol log or sample data3-6 months
Translation or documentation6-12 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.

See also