We are thrilled with the enthusiastic feedback to our expanding suite of AI-powered capabilities in Visual Paradigm — including the AI Chatbot, AI Diagram Generator (supporting Use Case, Class, Sequence, State Machine, ERD, SysML, ArchiMate, Mind Maps, DFD and many more), AI-Powered BI Analysis, Agilien for Jira, AI Strategy & Process tools, Markdown Presentation, and over 50 specialized AI apps.
To support the ongoing high costs of AI development, cloud infrastructure, model training, and reliable service delivery, we are updating our licensing policy effective January 2026.
What’s Changing?
All AI-powered features and applications are now classified under Visual Paradigm Desktop software maintenance coverage.
This means access to these features is subject to two key conditions:
- Your license must be of a qualifying edition (Professional Edition or higher for most AI features; Enterprise Edition for certain advanced features such as full ArchiMate diagram import/generation).
- Your license must be covered by active software maintenance (or be an active subscription license, which includes maintenance by default).
Who Can Use AI Features?
| License Type | Edition Requirement | Maintenance / Subscription Status | AI Feature Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Subscription License | Professional or higher | Active subscription | Yes – full access to available AI features |
| Perpetual License | Professional or higher | Active software maintenance | Yes – full access to available AI features |
| Perpetual License | Professional or higher | Maintenance expired | No – AI features disabled |
| Perpetual License (Modeler / Standard Edition) | Modeler or Standard | Any status | No – most AI features not available in these editions |
| Community Edition / Evaluation | Community | N/A | No – AI capabilities not available |
Important Notes on Editions:
- Core generative AI tools (e.g., AI Diagram Generator for UML diagrams, basic AI Chatbot functions) generally require Professional Edition (or higher).
- Some specialized features (e.g., advanced ArchiMate generation and import) are exclusive to Enterprise Edition.
- If you’re using an older edition (e.g., Modeler or Standard), you will need to upgrade your license edition in addition to maintaining active coverage.
Why This Change?
Our AI capabilities rely on substantial, continuous investment in advanced models, secure cloud services, performance optimization, and dedicated support. By tying access to both edition level and active maintenance, we ensure sustainable innovation while rewarding customers who actively support the product’s future development — the same way maintenance already delivers version upgrades, new features, bug fixes, and priority support.
What You Need to Do
- Check your current status — Log in to the Visual Paradigm Customer Service Center to view your edition, license type, and maintenance expiry date.
- Renew / Extend Maintenance — If expired or close to expiry, renew immediately to restore AI access (perpetual owners keep full core modeling functionality regardless).
- Upgrade Edition if needed — If your current edition is below Professional, consider upgrading via the Customer Service Center to unlock AI features.
- Questions? — Our team is here to help. Reach us through the Customer Service Center or at [email protected].
Thank you for being part of the Visual Paradigm community. Your support drives us to keep pushing the boundaries of AI-assisted visual modeling and productivity.
Stay inspired and keep your license current to enjoy the complete power of AI in Visual Paradigm!
The Visual Paradigm Team
January 2026
Related Links
- How to renew maintenance
https://knowhow.visual-paradigm.com/technical-support/renew-software-maintenance/ - Perpetual license maintenance pricing
https://www.visual-paradigm.com/support/softwaremaintenance.jsp - How to order perpetual license edition upgrade
https://knowhow.visual-paradigm.com/technical-support/purchase-upgrade-online/ - Perpetual license editing upgrade pricing
https://www.visual-paradigm.com/shop/upgradeedition.jsp - Subscription edition upgrade
https://knowhow.visual-paradigm.com/license-key-2/upgrade-subscription/
