Foto Master Licensing Update: Lifetime vs. SubscriptionUpdated 15 hours ago

Until January 2025, Foto Master offered a lifetime software license as part of its product sales. This model served thousands of customers worldwide and provided long-term value without recurring software fees.

In May 2024, Foto Master introduced Cloud AI, a cloud-based platform designed to unlock advanced capabilities for customers who want to offer modern services at events. Cloud AI powers features that rely heavily on storage, bandwidth, and processing, including AI services, online galleries, email and SMS sharing, remote management, and more. Because these capabilities depend on active cloud infrastructure, Foto Master introduced an optional subscription-based Cloud service, allowing customers to opt in when they want to use cloud-driven features.

To support a smooth transition for lifetime-license owners, Foto Master enabled a pay-as-you-go option for selected AI services inside Version 14. This allowed lifetime users to access major AI features without subscribing, helping them experience the benefits of the cloud and understand the revenue potential of modern AI-powered workflows.

In 2025, Foto Master released FMBooth for Windows and later FMX, both fully cloud-connected applications built around the Cloud AI platform. These applications are subscription-only and represent the next generation of Foto Master software. Their release created some understandable confusion among long-time customers, especially those holding lifetime licenses.

To clarify everything, we prepared the following detailed FAQ.

Why did Foto Master introduce a subscription model?
To support cloud-driven features (AI, galleries, remote management, email/SMS, storage, and processing). These continuous services require cloud infrastructure, which is why the new Cloud AI subscription was introduced. Offline use and lifetime licenses remain unaffected.

Do I still keep my lifetime license?
Yes. All lifetime licenses remain valid without additional license fees. You can continue using your existing software without any subscription fees or per-device recurring charges.

Do lifetime customers need to switch to the subscription model?
No. The subscription model applies only to new licenses. Existing lifetime customers keep their original entitlement with no changes.

Do I need a Cloud subscription to keep using my lifetime license?
No. Cloud AI is optional. Lifetime customers who prefer to stay offline can continue using their software up to Version 14 without any cloud plan.

If I want Cloud features, do I need to pay per device?
No. Lifetime customers do not pay per device. Cloud AI is a single company-level subscription, and all lifetime-licensed devices can connect without additional software fees. This is different from the new subscription licensing model, where each device requires its own annual license.

If I want to use the latest FMX version, do I need a subscription?
Yes. The newest generation (FMBooth for Windows and FMX) relies fully on the Cloud.
Lifetime license owners who maintain an active Cloud subscription can use the latest FMX without paying any additional software license fee — only the single Cloud subscription per company.

Can I continue using the Photo Booth Software without subscribing?
Yes. Lifetime customers can fully use Foto Master Photo Booth Software up to Version 14 without any subscription or Cloud requirement.

Are AI features available to lifetime customers without a subscription?
Yes. Selected AI services inside Version 14 are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Lifetime customers can use these AI features without subscribing — simply purchase credits as needed.

Is 24/7 support included?
24/7 Support is optional and billed per device, just as it has always been.

Do new customers still have the option to buy a lifetime license?
No. All new software licenses are subscription-based. The lifetime licensing model applies only to customers who purchased it before January 2025.

What This Means for Lifetime Customers and for Foto Master?
Lifetime-license customers gain strong, long-term advantages under the new licensing structure. While new customers must subscribe per device to use FMX and future cloud-connected applications, lifetime customers can use these next-generation products without paying any software license fee. They only need a single Cloud AI subscription per company, regardless of how many lifetime-licensed devices they own. This creates a uniquely favorable position for existing customers adopting newer applications.

At the same time, the shift to subscription-based licensing supports Foto Master’s ability to grow and innovate. Moving from one-time license sales to a recurring model stabilizes revenue, improves planning and forecasting, and ensures the company can continue expanding its product line without compromising quality. The subscription model also lowers the upfront cost for new customers, making Foto Master’s software more accessible and increasing the potential user base.