Display Trial Info
' Office VBA sideIf VBAPL_IsTrialMode() Then Dim daysLeft As Long daysLeft = VBAPL_GetTrialLimitLeft() MsgBox daysLeft & " days left in trial."End IfTrial Mode
Lower the barrier to entry for your potential customers by offering a Trial Version of your software. VBA Padlock allows you to distribute your application with built-in evaluation limits that automatically prompt for purchase once the trial expires.
Trial Strategies
Section titled “Trial Strategies”Select the evaluation model that best fits your application’s use case:
30-Day Evaluation
Section titled “30-Day Evaluation”The application runs for a fixed number of days starting from the first launch.
- Tamper-Proof: Detects if the user changes their system clock to cheat the trial.
- Countdown: Displays “X days remaining” in the trial dialog.
10-Run Trial
Section titled “10-Run Trial”The application works for a specific number of launches (e.g., 50 runs).
- Long Key Only: Requires the Long (ECC) key format.
- Precision: Ideal for utilities that are used occasionally rather than daily.
Beta / Seasonal
Section titled “Beta / Seasonal”The application works until a specific calendar date (e.g., the end of the year).
- Universal: All users expire at the same time, regardless of when they started.
- Perfect for: Beta testing phases or early-access promotions.
The Nag Screen
Section titled “The Nag Screen”The Nag Screen is an optional reminder dialog shown at every launch when a Trial Key is active. It encourages users to convert by providing direct buttons for purchase and activation. Without a key, even if evaluation is allowed, the Nag Screen will not be displayed automatically.
Configuration Options
Section titled “Configuration Options”In Advanced Activation Options, you can fine-tune the trial behavior:
| Mode | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Always Prompt | Shows the activation dialog on every launch. |
| Nag Screen | Shows a friendly reminder with a “Continue Trial” button. |
| Silent Mode | No dialog is shown. You must check the status via VBA code. |
Integration in Your Code
Section titled “Integration in Your Code”Use the VBA Bridge to customize the behavior of your application based on the trial status.
Check in DLL
' Inside VBA Padlock StudioIf GetLicenseType() = 2 Then ' 2 = Trial Mode ' Disable "Premium" featuresEnd IfRecommended Workflow
Section titled “Recommended Workflow”Most professional developers follow this sequence for distributing trials:
- Distribute Trial: Provide your workbook. Ensure Allow compiled VBA code to run without activation is checked for a silent start, or issue a Trial Key for a guided evaluation.
- Display Nag: Once a Trial Key is entered, the user sees the remaining days and the Purchase Now button at every launch.
- Customer Buys: The user purchases an activation key on your website.
- Full Activation: You send a Full License Key locked to their machine.
- Clean Transition: Once the full key is entered, the trial limits and nag screens disappear instantly.
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”Key Generator
Configure trial limits and generate evaluation keys. View reference →
Localization
Translate trial countdowns and nag screen labels. Learn how →
Licensing System
Understand the difference between trial and full licenses. View overview →