> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.glyphformac.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Trial System

> Understanding Glyph's 48-hour free trial

Official Glyph binaries include a **48-hour free trial** that starts automatically on first launch.

## How the Trial Works

When you launch an official Glyph binary for the first time:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Trial starts automatically">
    Glyph detects it's the first launch and starts a 48-hour timer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Full access during trial">
    You have complete access to all features during the trial period.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Trial banner appears">
    A banner at the top shows your remaining trial time with options to enter a license key or purchase.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Trial expires after 48 hours">
    When the trial ends, Glyph shows a lock screen requiring license activation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Trial Duration

The trial is exactly **48 hours** (2 days) from the moment you first launch an official build.

* **Start time**: Recorded on first launch
* **Expiry time**: Exactly 48 hours later
* **Clock**: Based on your system time

<Warning>
  Changing your system clock will not extend the trial. Trial timestamps are recorded and compared against current time.
</Warning>

## Trial Banner

During the trial, you'll see a banner at the top of the app:

```
🟡 Trial | Your Glyph trial is active
         | [Remaining time]
         | [Enter License Key] [Buy on Gumroad]
```

The banner displays:

* **Trial badge** indicating you're in trial mode
* **Remaining time** in days, hours, and minutes
* **Enter License Key** button to activate immediately
* **Buy on Gumroad** button to purchase a license

## What Happens When Trial Expires

After 48 hours, the trial expires and:

1. **Lock screen appears** - Glyph shows a full-screen activation view
2. **App shell is blocked** - You cannot access notes or features
3. **Settings remain accessible** - You can enter a license key to activate
4. **Purchase option available** - Direct link to buy on Gumroad

### Lock Screen

The lock screen displays:

```
Official Release

Glyph requires a license key

This official build includes a 48-hour free trial. After that,
a lifetime Gumroad license unlocks Glyph forever on all of your devices.

🔴 Trial Ended | Trial expired [time ago]

[License Key input field]

[Activate License] [Buy on Gumroad]

[Retry Status Check] [Get Support]
```

## Activating During Trial

You don't have to wait for the trial to expire. You can activate anytime during the trial:

1. Click **Enter License Key** in the trial banner
2. Or go to **Settings → General → License**
3. Enter your license key from Gumroad
4. Click **Activate**

<Info>
  Activating during the trial immediately removes the trial banner and unlocks Glyph permanently.
</Info>

## Trial State Storage

Trial information is stored locally in:

```
app_config_dir()/license.json
```

The file contains:

```json theme={null}
{
  "version": 1,
  "trial_started_at": "2026-03-01T08:00:00Z",
  "trial_expires_at": "2026-03-03T08:00:00Z",
  "licensed": false
}
```

<Warning>
  Deleting or modifying this file may reset your trial state, but you won't get an additional 48 hours. The trial period is tied to the original start time.
</Warning>

## Community Builds vs Official Builds

Only **official binaries** from GitHub Releases enforce the trial:

| Build Type        | Trial          | License Required |
| ----------------- | -------------- | ---------------- |
| Official Release  | Yes (48 hours) | Yes, after trial |
| Community Build   | No             | No               |
| Development Build | No             | No               |
| Self-Built        | No             | No               |

Official builds are identified by the `GLYPH_OFFICIAL_BUILD=1` flag set during the release build process.

## Checking Trial Status

You can check your trial status anytime:

1. Open **Settings → General → License**
2. Look for the status badge:
   * 🟡 **Trial Active** - Trial is running
   * 🔴 **Trial Expired** - Trial has ended
   * 🟢 **Licensed** - Activated with license key
   * 🔵 **Community Build** - No licensing enforced

## Trial + Offline Use

### First Launch Offline

If you first launch Glyph while offline:

* Trial starts normally based on system time
* No internet connection required to start trial
* Trial countdown continues based on local time

### Trial Expiry Offline

If your trial expires while offline:

* Lock screen appears as normal
* You must connect to internet to activate with Gumroad
* Once activated, you can use Glyph offline forever

## Reinstalling Glyph

If you reinstall Glyph or move to a new device:

* **First install**: New 48-hour trial starts
* **With license key**: Activate immediately to skip trial
* **Multiple devices**: Each device gets its own trial, but one license key works everywhere

<Info>
  Your license key has no device limits. Purchase once and activate on unlimited devices.
</Info>

## Next Steps

* [License Activation](/licensing/activation) - How to activate your license
* [Purchase Glyph](https://karatsidhu.gumroad.com/l/sqxfay) - Buy a lifetime license
* [FAQ](/licensing/faq) - Common questions about trials and licensing