Isaac is an online music writer with years of experience in helping indie artists learn how to use digital audio workstations.
Making music is fun if you aspire to be a professional producer, or if you simply have the talent to put together melodies in a manner that leaves your listeners amazed. Most indie artists enjoy playing around with samples for their beats and voice chops, but before any of this becomes possible, a digital audio workstation is often required.
A digital audio workstation—or DAW, as it is often referred to—in its simplest definition, is a software with integrated tools allowing users to create, import, and record beats and melodies. It also allows them to arrange these sounds, apply extensive modifications on them via plugins, and eventually export the final work—or parts of it—in an audio format that can be shared with the rest of the world. The music industry largely benefits from robust DAWs such as Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and FL Studio. The latter is what we will focus on in this article.
So, what is the big deal about unlocking FL Studio? How is this the key to unlocking the gates to a new world of success among iconic musicians? Simply put, in the music industry—like in most industries you can think of—if you want to make cash, you need to put cash on the table first. Actually, here is the interesting correlation you’ve been waiting for.
If you want to sound as good as Martin Garrix or the late Avicii, you’d be wise to go for FL Studio. It is free to download, free to try, and for the most part, free for comprehensive use. The catch is, it is not free for commercial use, and some of the DAW’s key features, such as Save and Backups are either restricted or limited to demo users. You need to pay for FL Studio’s full version, and after paying, you need to unlock the software.
Unlocking FL Studio itself is not very hard and can be done in few minutes. Seeing that the current release is FL Studio 20, which was released in the summer of 2018, the steps in the tutorial below cover the full unlocking process for FL Studio 20 only.
Step 1: Access Your Image-Line Account
FL Studio is developed, maintained, and distributed by Belgian software company Image-Line. It is imperative to have an account on their website to later obtain a valid product license.
Once you head over to Image-Line.com, locate the Sign-In menu item in their top navigation bar. This will redirect you to their login page where you can choose to sign in using your Google, Facebook, or SoundCloud account.
When you are done gaining access to their system, you will be redirected to the official FL Studio 20 homepage. This time, the menu item that previously read Sign In will read My Account.
Step 2: Make Sure You Have a Valid FL Studio 20 License
After clicking on My Account, you will land on the Home section of your account dashboard. You should see the FL Studio product(s) for which you already own a license.
If you do not have any product registered under your account, then head over to the official Image-Line shop to pick the FL Studio 20 edition you wish to own. Note that every edition has its own price and list of features—the All Plugins Bundle edition being the most robust of them all. Whichever edition you go for, you will obtain a fully-unlocked FL Studio 20 product.
Step 3: Verify That You Really Have an FL Studio 20 License
After you’ve purchased the FL Studio edition you want, go back to your Image-Line account dashboard and click on My Licenses. This will show you the list of all Image-Line products you own, so you should see your edition there.
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Best Songs With "Friends" in the Lyrics
Who Sang It Best? "Deck the Halls" You will notice that, thus far, I have been assuming you already have FL Studio 20 downloaded on your computer. If you have not done so by now, make sure you download and run the latest installer. Note that, if you already have FL Studio 20 installed, running the latest installer will update your existing version.
Step 4: Download Your FL Studio 20 Regkey
Click on Unlock Products in the sidebar of your dashboard and toggle the “Unlock VST Plugins / Alternative Unlock for FL Studio” section. This will give you the option to download your regcode, which comes as a file named FLRegkey.Reg.
Note that the FL Studio 20 regkey is compatible with both Windows and Mac. However, you need to save it in a folder you can easily access, for convenience.
Step 5: Install the Regkey for the Full FL Studio 20 Version
You are now ready to install your regkey. This can be done by right-clicking the registry file and selecting “Merge” or by double-clicking the file, then clicking "Run."
Once you are done, try restarting the software, then go to Help > About. You should now see your edition, indicating that you have a licensed product.
Things to Note
Unlocking FL Studio 20 is not compulsory. You may opt to keep using the Demo version if you are not willing to pay for the full version. You will be able to save your projects, also known as FLPs, but you will not be able to reopen them until you unlock the software by following the steps above.
The Demo version still lets you export your projects to WAV or MP3; however, you are not allowed to use your exported audios for commercial purposes. As Image-Line’s End User License Agreement states, usage of the software in its Demo version is strictly limited to private use.
Of course, many readers will choose to ignore the rules, but it is wise to think about the consequences that could arise, especially if you are planning on getting your big break. Needless to say, you don’t have to go looking for free FL Studio 20 cracks.
Lastly, as an important reminder, this tutorial only covered how to unlock a downloaded copy of FL Studio 20 with a regkey. If you purchased a boxed version, then the steps might be somewhat different. Unlocking the boxed version requires a 20-digit serial number, but we may cover that in a future tutorial.
For now, just keep your FL Studio 20 regkey safe, and enjoy the software’s full version. More importantly, be fair and be creative!
Questions & Answers
Question: How do you get an FL Studio license?
Answer: To get an FL Studio license, simply head over to Image-Line's store on their website and purchase an FL Studio edition. Once your purchase is complete, your Image-Line account will be associated to a valid regkey, which you can use to unlock the software.
Question: Where can I obtain a valid FL Studio 20 license?
Answer: You may obtain a valid FL Studio 20 license on Image Line's website. This is where you can purchase the software.
Sa on November 16, 2019:
Thanks
Isaac Asante (author) from Accra, Ghana on September 09, 2019:
I recommend you buy it online directly from Image-Line's website. It could even be safer, in case something goes wrong. They could look into the issue for you.
maupa mika on September 09, 2019:
How can I pay in cash for full version
FAQs
How to Unlock FL Studio (the New Way)
- You can see my FL Studio version is registered because it shows my name in the top right. ...
- Go Help -> About to unlock FL Studio Trial Version. ...
- Enter your Image-Line account details, and agree to the terms. ...
- Go to the Image-Line website, go to Sign-In and enter your account details.
First download fl studio on a computer or device with internet. Access like the one you're using
How do I unblock FL Studio? ›
Unlock/update FL Studio - Open FL Studio and from the top-left menus select 'HELP (1)' then 'Unlock FL Studio (2)', 3. Enter your Image-Line Account e-mail and password under the 'Unlock with account' section and click Unlock... OR if you have a 20 digit FL Studio redemption code click Redeem code.
How do I unlock FL Studio 20 from demo mode for free? ›
How to Unlock FL Studio 20 from the Demo Version - YouTube
How do I open FLP files without FL Studio? ›
You can open and extract files from an FLP file using MagicISO (Windows). You can also add your FLP file as a floppy drive in VMWare Fusion (Mac), VMWare Workstation (Windows, Linux), and VMWare Workstation Player (Windows, Linux).
How do I remove FL Studio from trial mode? ›
Removing Trial Plugins
- From the FL Studio Browser navigate to the Plugin database.
- Select the 'Plugin database > Generators' or 'Plugin database > Effects' folder.
- Locate and right-click the plugin entry for the demo plugin you'd like to remove and select 'Delete'.
Full-Screen Support – The FL Studio Mobile APK download is a full-fledge music recording and editor app for Android.
...
Enable the option “Unknown Sources”.
- Click on the above link to download FL Studio Mobile APK.
- Save the file in your device Downloads folder.
- Now tap on Install and wait for the installation to finish.
Unlock your product/s - Use the 'About panel' registration system. Enter your Image-Line account email and password and click Unlock products. This will unlock all your products, not just FL Studio.
How do I activate my fl 20? ›
How to Activate FL Studio 20 With Your Account Login Credentials
Do you have to pay for FL Studio? ›
All packages are one-time purchases and come with lifetime free updates. You can find the FL Studio editions listed here. The Fruity edition is for beginners that haven't used a DAW before. It's an incredibly basic music production software that lacks audio editing tools and audio recording capabilities.
Pricing starts at $90/one-time and scales with each tier, outlined below: FL Studio Producer Edition - $199/one-time - Audio Recording - Full Playlist Features - 7 Additional Native Plugins FL Studio Signature Bundle - $299/one-time - Audio Recording - Full Playlist Features - 14 Additional Native Plugins FL Studio All ...
How much is FL Studio license? ›
FL Studio Pricing
| Name | Price |
|---|
| Full song creation & mic recording | $199 |
| Full song creation & extra plugins | $299 |
| Basic melody & loops creation | $99 |
| Complete access all unlocked | $737 |
Nothing to pay ever again! It's typical in the music software industry to be charged between $150-250 for an update. FL Studio will always give you the latest version free.
How do I know if FL Studio is registered? ›
FL Studio 20
- Start FL Studio and go to the menu help.
- Click the 'about' option, to open the about window inside FL Studio.
- Your name and customer number in the About window. The FL Studio version number and Fruity, Producer, Signature or All Plugins Edition is also listed as active edition in the About window.
Our trial installers don't have a time limitation. Use them for as long as you like. We don't require you to register or create an account to download and test our software. All our trial installers are also the full-version installer.
Where is my FL Studio serial number? ›
If you have FL Studio 5 or lower / an early FruityLoops box program: Go to the menu Help > About. Here you can find the serial number in the about box heading. If you have FL Studio 6 box version or higher: Here the about box heading just says 'FL Studio box'.
What are the limitations of FL Studio Trial? ›
If you are using trial mode there is only one limitation - Projects can be saved but can't be opened again until FL Studio is purchased and unlocked. If you have used instruments or effects in the project not included in the edition purchased (above), then you will need to buy those plugin/s too.
Can you convert FLP to FLM? ›
Re: . flp to . flm. No, this is not possible.
What does FLP mean in music? ›
FLP [Fruity Loops Project] files contain data of music tracks for compositions created using Fruity Loops [an edition of FL Studio] that runs on Windows.
How do you convert a FLP file to MP3? ›
How to Convert FL Studio File into MP3 Step-by-step
- Import FLP File into Program. Launch the FL Studio, click FILE > Open in the upper left corner or press Ctrl + O to import your FLP file. ...
- Edit FLP File or Go to Next Step to Choose MP3 Format. ...
- Start Converting and Saving MP3 File.
Re: My FL studio says its in trial mode
Find the 'HELP' panel on the top of the screen, Click on the 'About' tab in the dropdown menu. After this, you should be able to unlock your software, and it will no longer be in trial mode from the next time you open a project.
Can you install plugins in FL trial? ›
We provide one installer for the FL Studio trial which covers all Editions and Bundles. That is why all plugins are included in your installation. Trial plugins will not retain settings when you reload a project. You will see a warning about this when saving a project with a trial plugin in it.
What is FL Studio Vsti? ›
FL Studio VST (Windows / macOS) or AU (macOS) FL Studio can be loaded and used as a VST instrument in Windows and macOS compatible hosts or in macOS hosts as an AU plugin. In this mode, the output is sent to the host and the play/stop events and tempo are synchronized.
Can you get fruity loops for free? ›
There's also an FL Studio Free Trial version you can download and use indefinitely; it's equivalent to the $199 Producer Edition with all available plugins, and lets you render projects to WAV, MIDI, MP3, and OGG.
How much is FL Studio Mobile? ›
FL Studio Mobile: For iPhone & iPod Touch (inc with Retina display support) – $19.99. FL Studio Mobile HD: For iPad 1 & 2 – $24.99.
What is the fruit on FL Studio? ›
FL STUDIO | Many people ask us what fruit is the logo? The original concept was designed by Didier Dambrin (gol), the inventor of FL Studio and was based on a Strawberry.
How do I unlock my FL Studio 20 account? ›
How to Unlock FL Studio With Your Account Login Credentials - YouTube
Is Minihost modular free? ›
Minihost Modular is free.
Why does FL Studio need my address? ›
How we use your postal address - We verify the data you give us with the information our 3rd party payment partner receives from your Credit Card company. Please make sure to enter the postal address where your credit card statements are sent.
How do you unlock FL Studio 20 trial? ›
Click on Unlock Products in the sidebar of your dashboard and toggle the “Unlock VST Plugins / Alternative Unlock for FL Studio” section. This will give you the option to download your regcode, which comes as a file named FLRegkey. Reg. Note that the FL Studio 20 regkey is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
Students can freely obtain the FL Studio Trial version at http://demo.flstudio.com for use on their personal computers. Students may also obtain individual educational licenses from authorised FL Studio resellers.
How do I get FL Studio for free on Windows? ›
FL Studio offers a free trial that never expires.
...
How to Download and Install FL Studio for Free
- Click on the Download button on the sidebar, and a new tab will open directly to the official FL Studio download page.
- Click on the download button that is appropriate for your operating system.
FL STUDIO 20.9 released delivering the awesome workflow features you have been waiting for. Propel your music into 2022 with new effects, multiple Playlist Track selection and fearless editing with undo everything. Free for existing customers because we love your Lifetime Free Updates!
Does FL Studio expire? ›
Information about your license key
Your license is about to expire. If it expires, FL Studio will run in Demo Mode until you update with a new FREE license downloaded from your Image-Line Account.
Is Buying FL Studio permanent? ›
FL Studio is a one time fee. You buy it and it's yours forever, with free lifetime updates.
What's better FL Studio or Logic Pro? ›
FL Studio is Better for Creating Electronic Music
While FL Studio DAW might be the best DAW option for pure beat making, the Logic Pro library offers formidable tools and an entire library to create amazing music.
What does DAW stand for? ›
A digital audio workstation (DAW) is music production software that allows users to record audio on a personal computer. DAW software works on both the Mac and Windows operating systems. It is used for audio recording, audio editing, MIDI editing, mixing, and mastering, among other functions.
Is it hard to learn FL Studio? ›
To start off with FL Studio isn't hard. To get some of the basics down of any DAW is actually pretty easy. However if you want to compose music on a professional level, learning FL Studio can become hard. There are so many options and things to take into account.
Is FL Studio a pro? ›
FL Studio is a professional DAW and is capable of music production and mixing and mastering of the production. FL Studio offers native plugins that'll help mixing and mastering your tracks.
Do top producers use FL Studio? ›
A more universal gateway software platform there is not. Artists such as Tyler, The Creator, Skrillex, and the late Avicii have all stated FL Studio as crucial during the beginning stages of their production journeys. For many, FL Studio is not just a stepping stone into production, it is a way of life.
We make this deal with our customers (a service agreement): We will give you Lifetime Free Updates and in return you are not allowed to sell or share your license or access to your account. We have stood by this agreement since 1998, and so we expect you to honor your side too.
Why is Ableton better than FL Studio? ›
If you want a fast, clear and creative workflow, Ableton wins. While the device view might annoy some people who like bigger interfaces, the ability to bounce audio within tracks (Edison is mostly a nightmare in FL), saving things to racks and clips and using the session view for jamming, makes it worthwhile.
Does FL Studio have autotune? ›
FL Studio has two tools that can do autotune for vocals. One is called Pitcher and the other is called NewTone. These tools are available in the signature edition and above of FL Studio. You can use them in other versions of FL Studio, but only in a demo format.
Is FL Studio Mobile free for owners? ›
9 (Android). FL Studio Mobile 3 is a free update for all FL Studio Mobile 2 owners from Android and iOS.
How do you unlock FL Studio offline? ›
There are two methods to unlock the software; online or offline. Just go to the download page, install the software for your OS, and then unlock FL Studio. Go to the FL Studio download page and locate the latest installer file for your OS. If you already have the demo version installed, you can skip to Step 3.
Can you sell songs made with FL Studio? ›
You can not license, copyright, sell or distribute in any way the individual samples and sounds, or make sample packs from the sounds that install with FL Studio. You are allowed to use these in your own compositions (see here).
How do I know if my FL Studio is unlocked? ›
FL Studio 20
- Start FL Studio and go to the menu help.
- Click the 'about' option, to open the about window inside FL Studio.
- Your name and customer number in the About window. The FL Studio version number and Fruity, Producer, Signature or All Plugins Edition. is also listed as active edition in the About window.
Follow these steps to unlock your software utilizing the reg key.
- On a computer connected to the internet, sign in to your Image-Line account, then click Unlock Products.
- Navigate to Unlock VST Plugins/Alternative Unlock for FL Studio, then click the picture of the keyboard to download the . ...
- Transfer the FLRegkey.
Unlock your product/s - Use the 'About panel' registration system. Enter your Image-Line account email and password and click Unlock products. This will unlock all your products, not just FL Studio.
How do you unlock Regkey in FL Studio 12? ›
How to unlock FL Studio 12 full version with regkey - YouTube
How to Activate FL Studio 20 With Your Account Login Credentials
Where is registry key FL Studio? ›
Follow these steps:
- Make sure your FLRegkey. ...
- Click on the Windows Start menu button.
- Choose the Run option.
- Click in the text entry field and type Regedit.exe and click the 'OK' button or press enter on your keyboard. ...
- From the registry editor File menu choose Import. ...
- Locate the FLRegkey. ...
- Click the Open button.
Removing Trial Plugins
- From the FL Studio Browser navigate to the Plugin database.
- Select the 'Plugin database > Generators' or 'Plugin database > Effects' folder.
- Locate and right-click the plugin entry for the demo plugin you'd like to remove and select 'Delete'.
Prices start at $99 USD and range up to $499 USD. FL Studio Fruity Edition can be purchased for $99 USD, the Producer Edition for $199 USD, the Signature Bundle for $299 USD and the All Plugins Edition for $499 USD. To compare the features included in each version of FL Studio, click here.
How do I unlock my FL Studio 20 account? ›
How to Unlock FL Studio With Your Account Login Credentials - YouTube
How much is FL Studio license? ›
FL Studio Pricing
| Name | Price |
|---|
| Full song creation & mic recording | $199 |
| Full song creation & extra plugins | $299 |
| Basic melody & loops creation | $99 |
| Complete access all unlocked | $737 |
All packages are one-time purchases and come with lifetime free updates. You can find the FL Studio editions listed here. The Fruity edition is for beginners that haven't used a DAW before. It's an incredibly basic music production software that lacks audio editing tools and audio recording capabilities.
How do I get a FL Studio license? ›
Students can freely obtain the FL Studio Trial version at http://demo.flstudio.com for use on their personal computers. Students may also obtain individual educational licenses from authorised FL Studio resellers.
Can you use FL Studio without WIFI? ›
It can come in handy to have internet using FL Studio. This is mainly for the initial download of the software, the download of VST's and additional samples. However having an internet connection is not necessary, since you can actually buy a physical copy of FL Studio.
Is FL Studio 20.5 free? ›
Nothing to pay ever again! It's typical in the music software industry to be charged between $150-250 for an update. FL Studio will always give you the latest version free.
FL Studio 20
- Start FL Studio and go to the menu help.
- Click the 'about' option, to open the about window inside FL Studio.
- Your name and customer number in the About window. The FL Studio version number and Fruity, Producer, Signature or All Plugins Edition is also listed as active edition in the About window.
How to update your license key? If your computer is connected to the internet: Enter your Image-Line Account email and password at the FL Studio About panel and this will automatically install a new license, restart FL Studio and you are good to go.
How do I debug FL Studio? ›
To open the Debug panel press the F10 function key on your keyboard. This page displays information related to the current installation and operational state of FL Studio.
