Demo and full version

Shapeaway comes in one download. Without a licence key it runs as the demo; with one it’s the full version. Nothing else changes: same brushes, same tools, same files.

What the demo does

Everything except exporting models. You can sculpt, paint, groom hair, use photo references, import scans, prepare a print (split, add a base, check overhangs, read the print report) and save as many .shapeaway files as you like.

In the demo
Sculpting, painting, hair, photo references, importing	✔
Saving and opening .shapeaway files, autosave	✔
Print tools and the print report	✔
PNG images and GIF turntables	✔ Free
STL, 3MF, GLB, OBJ, PLY export	Full version
Baked maps and a low-poly OBJ	Full version
Hair export (curves and cards)	Full version

The demo never expires, and there’s no limit on time or saves.

When you try to export a model in the demo, Shapeaway says “Ready to export” (or “Your model is ready to print” for STL and 3MF) and offers three choices: Buy Shapeaway, I have a licence key, or Keep sculpting. Whichever you choose, your sculpt stays open exactly as it is, and the file opens in the full version too.

Entering your licence key

Your key arrives in your purchase email. It’s one long line that starts with SAWY-.

1. Open Settings › Licence (or choose I have a licence key when an export stops).
2. Paste the whole key into Licence key and choose Activate.
3. Shapeaway says “Shapeaway is unlocked. Thank you!”, and This copy now reads Full version, with the name or order number the key was made for.

The key is checked on your computer. There’s no account, no sign-in and no internet connection needed, then or later.

Copying the key from an email

Spaces and line breaks picked up from an email are ignored, so you don’t need to tidy the key. Do copy all of it: from SAWY- to the last character.

If the key is refused

Message	What to do
That isn’t a Shapeaway licence key: they start with SAWY-.	You’ve pasted something else, such as the order number. Find the line starting SAWY-.
Part of the key is missing. / This key doesn’t check out.	Some of the key was lost when copying. Copy the whole key again.
This key is for a newer Shapeaway.	Install the latest version from the download page, then enter the key again.

Still stuck? Contact support with your order number.

Moving to another computer

Your key is kept in Shapeaway’s settings folder (%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Shapeaway\Shapeaway), so updating or reinstalling keeps you on the full version.

To move to a new computer:

1. On the old computer, open Settings › Licence and choose Remove licence. That copy goes back to the demo; your sculpts aren’t touched.
2. On the new computer, install Shapeaway and enter the same key.

Keep your purchase email somewhere safe: it’s the only copy of your key.

Steam copies

Shapeaway bought on Steam is always the full version. Steam handles ownership, so there’s no key to enter and no Licence step. Settings › Licence simply says Full version.

Prices

One payment, no subscription. See the home page for the current price. Big upgrades (5.0 and on) are half price for owners.