The Capture One seven-day trial gives you full access to Capture One Pro and additional services so you can try the complete experience before you commit. This article explains how the trial works from start to finish, including what happens with billing, how to cancel, and what to expect when the trial ends.
Note: The new seven-day trial is being introduced in stages and may not yet be available in all regions. If you do not have access to it, please follow the instructions under: Activate Capture One Trial.
Contents
Compatibility
The seven-day trial is designed for new or returning trial users who want to test the latest version of Capture One.
- Capture One version: The new seven-day trial model was introduced in Capture One 16.7.2.
- Operating systems: The trial supports the same operating systems as the current Capture One Pro release. Check the Capture One system requirements page before you start.
- First-time trialists: If you have never tried Capture One before, you can start a seven-day trial after creating a Capture One account and adding your billing details.
- Previous trial users: You can start a new trial once per major release (for example, version 16.7), even if you tried a previous version before.
- Perpetual license holders: If you own a perpetual license, you can still use the seven-day trial to test new features that are not included in your current license.
- Active subscribers: If you already have an active subscription, you do not need a trial. You can install and use the latest version directly with your existing plan.
- Billing details required: The trial sits behind a paywall. You need to enter valid billing details at checkout before the trial starts, but you will not be charged until the trial ends unless you cancel.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Start your trial from the Capture One website
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Go to the Capture One website and choose the option to start a free trial.
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Sign in with your existing Capture One account, or create a new account if you do not have one.
- If you are not eligible for a trial, you will see information about your current options instead of the trial checkout.
2. Complete checkout and add your billing details
- On the trial checkout page, review the trial description and the default plan that will start after the trial (Capture One Pro Monthly).
- Enter your billing details, including your payment method and billing address.
- Confirm the terms and complete checkout. You are not charged at this point.
3. Download and install Capture One
- After checkout, you will see a download button for Capture One.
- Download the installer that matches your operating system.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps to install Capture One.
4. Sign in and activate your trial in the app
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Open Capture One.
- When prompted, sign in with the same Capture One account you used for the trial.
- The app will recognize your active trial and unlock full access for seven days.
5. Explore Capture One during your seven-day trial
- Use Capture One to import, organize, and edit your images.
- Try advanced tools such as layers, color grading, tethered capture, and styles.
- Follow in-app tours tailored to your photography role and use case.
- Check your email for helpful tips, feature highlights, and reminders during the trial.
6. Review and change your plan if needed
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During the trial, go to your Capture One account on the web to view your current trial plan and available subscriptions.
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Compare plans and switch to a different plan if another option fits your needs better.
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You can also access plan information inside the app, where plan management is highlighted for trial users.
7. Decide whether to continue or cancel
- Before the end of your seven-day trial, decide whether you want to continue with Capture One.
- If you want to continue, you do not need to do anything. Your trial will automatically convert into a Capture One Pro Monthly subscription (or the plan you selected) at the end of the trial.
- If you do not want to continue, go to your Capture One account and cancel the trial before it ends. This prevents any charges.
8. What to expect after the trial ends
- If you did not cancel, your first subscription payment will be charged at the end of the trial using the billing details you provided.
- You may be asked to restart Capture One so it can switch from trial mode to subscriber mode.
- If there is a problem with your payment, you will receive instructions on how to update your details and keep your access.
FAQ
How long does the Capture One trial last?
The Capture One trial lasts for seven days from the moment you complete checkout and successfully start the trial.
Do I have to enter my payment details to start the trial?
Yes. The trial is behind a paywall, which means you need to enter your billing details before you can begin. You are not charged when you start the trial.
What do I get access to during the trial?
You get access to all features available in Capture One Pro, as well as supported services and Capture One Mobile.
What happens when my trial ends?
If you do not cancel during the seven-day trial, your account automatically moves to a Capture One Pro Monthly subscription.
Will I be notified before I am charged?
Yes. You will receive email reminders and in-product messages during the trial explaining when it ends and what happens next.
Can I cancel the trial before it ends?
Yes. You can cancel at any time during the seven-day trial period at no cost.
What if I want a different plan?
You can review and change your upcoming plan during the trial from your Capture One account or inside the app.
What if my payment fails?
If your first subscription payment cannot be processed, you will receive notifications with steps to update your payment details.
Can I use Capture One on multiple devices?
You can use Capture One on the same number of devices allowed by the current subscription terms.
Do in-app tours or emails affect my trial?
No. They simply help you discover features relevant to your workflow.
Troubleshooting
I completed checkout but I can’t download Capture One
After checkout, you should see download links on the confirmation page and in a follow-up email. If not:
- Check your email (including spam or junk).
- Sign in to your Capture One account and check your trial status.
- Try another browser or clear your cache.
I started a trial but I can’t sign in to the app
Make sure you are using the same email you used at checkout. If not:
- Use “Forgot password.”
- Check your internet connection.
- Restart the app.
The app says my trial is expired, but I just started it
If Capture One reports that your trial has expired:
- Make sure checkout was fully completed.
- Sign in to your Capture One account and confirm your trial status.
- Restart Capture One after signing out and in again.
I was charged but I thought I was still in the trial
The trial lasts exactly seven days from the moment you start it. If you were charged, the seven days have ended.
I canceled but I can’t use Capture One anymore
If you cancel during the trial, you should still have access until it ends. If not:
- Confirm the date and time the trial started.
- Restart Capture One to refresh your license.
- Sign in again with the same account.
- If the issue continues, contact Support with screenshots.