> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.parsue.io/aceland-unity-packages/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.parsue.io/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/open-core-and-paid-editor-tools.md).

# Open Core & Paid Editor Tools

This section explains how AceLand packages are licensed: what is **free forever**, what is **paid**, and how the paid parts are activated, supported, and managed. It applies to every AceLand package that ships a paid Editor tier — the first being **AceLand Injection**.

### Why Open Core?

AceLand Workshop is a **one-person studio**, run by [Parsue Choi](https://profile.parsue.io/). I've always been a full believer in **open source** — the source code for the packages lives openly on GitHub, and it stays that way.

But as the number of packages has grown, so has the cost — in **time and effort** — of building and maintaining them all. To keep supporting open source *and* keep a healthy work–life balance, I've adopted this **open-core** approach: the **runtime Core stays free and open forever**, while a small, **optional paid subscription** covers the development-time Editor tools and priority support. That support is what makes it sustainable to keep improving the free Core for everyone.

***

### The Model

AceLand packages follow a **true open-core** model:

<table><thead><tr><th width="188">Layer</th><th width="331.5999755859375">What it is</th><th>Price</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Abstractions</strong></td><td>Contracts, attributes, the bridge layer</td><td><strong>Free &#x26; open source</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Core (Runtime + Source Generator)</strong></td><td>The full runtime, all features, and <strong>every update</strong></td><td><strong>Free &#x26; open source</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Editor Tools</strong></td><td>Dependency graph window, build-time validation, diagnostics</td><td><strong>Paid (subscription)</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Discord Community</strong></td><td>Public channels for bug reports, feature requests &#x26; feedback — for free Core and every open-source package</td><td><strong>Free &#x26; open to all</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Discord Supporter Channel</strong></td><td>A supporter role with access to a <strong>dedicated</strong> priority-support channel</td><td><strong>Paid (same subscription)</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="success" %}
**The Core and all of its updates are free — forever.** You can ship, build, and run your project with the full runtime and never pay a cent. Paying only unlocks *development-time convenience* (the Editor tools) and *priority Discord support*.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Two ways to pay for the Editor tools. Choose a subscription (monthly or annual) or a one-time purchase you own forever — both unlock the exact same tools, Discord role, seats, and members. See [Billing & Cancellation](/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/billing-and-cancellation.md).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**One shared licensing runtime.** All paid packages share a single, closed-source licensing runtime (`AceLand.Licensing.Editor.dll`, in the `com.aceland.licensing` package). It is **installed automatically** as a dependency the first time you add any paid AceLand package — you never install it by hand, and every paid package you own reuses the same Core. It is **Editor-only** and never enters a player build.
{% endhint %}

### What the Subscription Buys

While your subscription is **active** you get:

* **Editor tools unlocked** — the node-based dependency Graph, build-time Validation window, and Diagnostics.
* **A Discord supporter role** — access to the **dedicated** priority-support channel for the package (the public community channels are already free for everyone).

When a subscription is **cancelled or expires**:

* The **Core and all updates keep working**, with no restrictions — this is the heart of the open-core promise.
* The **Editor tools pause gracefully** — they never crash your Editor and **never break your build**. They simply show a short "renew to re-enable" page. See [What's Free and What's Paid](/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/whats-free-and-whats-paid.md).

***

### Key Facts

<table data-header-hidden data-search="false"><thead><tr><th width="201.39996337890625"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Pricing</td><td><strong>Per package</strong> — see each package's own page (subscription: monthly or annual, annual discounted; or a one-time purchase)</td></tr><tr><td>Buy options</td><td><strong>Subscription</strong> (recurring) <strong>or</strong> <strong>one-time purchase</strong> (pay once, own forever) — same tools either way</td></tr><tr><td>Free trial</td><td><strong>7 days</strong>, inside Unity, no payment required</td></tr><tr><td>Seats (machines) per license</td><td><strong>By tier</strong> — Tier 1 = 1, Tier 2 = 3, Tier 3 = 5, Tier 4 = 10, Tier 5 = 20</td></tr><tr><td>Support members per license</td><td><strong>Same as your seats</strong> (members always equal your tier's seat count)</td></tr><tr><td>Change tier</td><td><strong>Self-service</strong> on Gumroad — upgrade/downgrade anytime; seats &#x26; members adjust automatically</td></tr><tr><td>Payment processor</td><td><strong>Gumroad</strong> (Merchant of Record — handles tax/VAT for you)</td></tr><tr><td>Community support</td><td><strong>Free</strong> public Discord channels (bug reports &#x26; feedback) for all users</td></tr><tr><td>Priority support</td><td>Dedicated <strong>Discord</strong> supporter channel (paid, via supporter role)</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Where to Start

<table data-search="false"><thead><tr><th width="268.5999755859375">Page</th><th>What you'll learn</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/whats-free-and-whats-paid.md">What's Free and What's Paid</a></td><td>The exact line between the free Core and the paid Editor tier, and how graceful degradation works.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/activate-the-editor-tools-in-unity.md">Activate the Editor Tools in Unity</a></td><td>Start a free trial, subscribe, and enter your license inside Unity.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/discord-support-and-roles.md">Discord Support &#x26; Roles</a></td><td>Claim your license on Discord and get the supporter role.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/trouble-shooting.md">Troubleshooting</a></td><td>Common issues (missing license email, activation, Discord role) and quick fixes.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/manage-seats-and-members.md">Manage Seats &#x26; Members</a></td><td>Move to a new machine or add a teammate — all self-service.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/billing-and-cancellation.md">Billing &#x26; Cancellation</a></td><td>Cancel and renew your subscription — all self-service on Gumroad.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/github-sponsors.md">GitHub Sponsors</a></td><td>Support the project and get an honorary Discord role (no license).</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/aceland-unity-packages/open-and-paid/privacy-policy.md">Privacy Policy</a></td><td>Exactly what data is collected and why.</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Links

* **Subscription or One-time Purchase:** Check Core Package
* **Manage your membership:** <https://gumroad.com/library>
* **Join our Discord:** <https://discord.gg/XsCYGnYzuc>

***