> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/reference/trial-mode.md).

# Trial mode

Captivate supports a trial state that lets you evaluate the product before purchase. This article explains how trial mode starts, what to expect during the trial, and how to move from trial to paid activation.

## How trial mode starts

Trial mode begins when you sign in to the NewBlue Application Manager with an account that has a Captivate trial license. Request a trial through your NewBlue account; the Application Manager applies the trial when you sign in.

After the trial activates, Captivate starts normally and unlocks the features included with the trial.

## Trial watermark

Trial output includes a trial watermark. The watermark appears on Program Out, on streamed output, and on any exported video or Image Sequence.

This is a less intrusive mark than the full **not activated** warning. It is the only in-product cue that you are on a trial — there is no countdown banner, no days-remaining badge, and no end-of-trial popup inside Captivate.

{% hint style="info" %}
After you activate a paid license, Captivate removes the trial watermark. If your project uses features that are not included in your paid edition, Captivate may show a feature-entitlement watermark instead.
{% endhint %}

## Check how much trial time remains

Captivate itself does not show a trial countdown.

1. Open the NewBlue Application Manager.
2. Sign in with the account that holds the trial license.
3. Find the Captivate entry — the expiration date appears alongside it.

You can also check the expiration in your NewBlue account at newblue.com.

## What happens when the trial expires

When a trial expires, Captivate continues to open, but output is watermarked until you activate a paid license.

To avoid interruption, activate or renew before show time.

To remove the watermark, activate a full license through the NewBlue Application Manager. See [Activate Captivate](/get-started/chapter-index/activate-the-product.md).

## Related

* [About the NewBlue Application Manager](/get-started/chapter-index/application-manager.md)
* [Activate Captivate](/get-started/chapter-index/activate-the-product.md)
* [Activation flow reference](/reference/license-activation-flow.md)


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