> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/account-and-team/billing-and-plans/how-to-upgrade-or-downgrade.md).

# How to upgrade or downgrade

Change your plan whenever your needs change. You can upgrade from the free plan to a paid tier, move between paid tiers, or downgrade back to free. Plan changes are made in Account settings.

{% hint style="warning" icon="list-check" %}

#### Prerequisites

You need Admin permissions at the account level. Plan and billing changes live in Account settings.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" icon="clipboard-list" %}

#### In this guide

1. [Upgrade to a paid plan](#upgrade-to-a-paid-plan)
2. [Downgrade to a lower plan](#downgrade-to-a-lower-plan)
   {% endhint %}

#### Upgrade to a paid plan

Smaply has four plans: Free, Repository, Framework, and Governance. You can start on the free plan and upgrade to a paid tier from inside the app at any time. For what each tier includes, see [What is included in each plan](/account-and-team/billing-and-plans/what-is-included-in-each-plan.md).

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Open Account settings**

Click your account name at the top of the left sidebar, then open **Account settings**.

<figure><img src="/files/YoXlGyJfVmHh4q25LtNY" alt="Opening Account settings from the account menu in the sidebar."><figcaption><p>Opening Account settings</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Start the upgrade**

Find your current plan and click **Upgrade** to open the plan selection.

<figure><img src="/files/WgTcqqLiBofQsyU5fjzh" alt="The Upgrade button shown on the current plan in Account settings."><figcaption><p>Starting the upgrade from your current plan</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Pick your plan**

Choose **Repository**, **Framework**, or **Governance**, depending on the features and limits you need.

<figure><img src="/files/fK1qQ1CkvMqPj4SqhE9W" alt="The upgrade plan selection showing the Repository, Framework, and Governance options."><figcaption><p>Choosing a plan in the upgrade flow</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Choose how many seats you need**

Set the number of editor seats for your account. Paid plans are billed per editor, so this sets your price. See [How to check seat usage](/account-and-team/billing-and-plans/how-to-check-seat-usage.md) if you are not sure how many you need.

<figure><img src="/files/EG38dOVF7BpAnEc92wwS" alt="Setting the number of editor seats during the upgrade flow."><figcaption><p>Setting the number of editor seats</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Add a discount code or VAT number (optional)**

Enter a discount code if you have one. Adding a VAT number also lets you add a billing address.

<figure><img src="/files/TDFNAHY8fSCLUlqKsjYw" alt="Entering a discount code or VAT number during the upgrade flow."><figcaption><p>Adding a discount code or VAT number</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/u8UjBUFuFVenFQHZxibS" alt="Adding a billing address, which appears after a VAT number is entered."><figcaption><p>Adding a billing address (appears once you enter a VAT number)</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Enter your payment details and confirm**

Add your credit card details and complete the purchase. Once the payment succeeds, you are on your new plan, shown against your account name in the sidebar.

<figure><img src="/files/R16GMpUyHIRhVb78Ah69" alt="Entering credit card details during the upgrade flow."><figcaption><p>Entering your payment details</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/KiHBRNexVVl21gxpoDky" alt="The confirmation screen shown after a successful upgrade payment."><figcaption><p>The confirmation screen after a successful payment</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/nyTrQDoTLZVauRSSpCoL" alt="The active plan label shown in the sidebar after upgrading." width="261"><figcaption><p>Your active plan, shown in the sidebar</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}
For current prices, including annual rates and volume, education, and non-profit discounts, see the [Smaply pricing page](https://www.smaply.com/pricing).
{% endhint %}

#### Downgrade to a lower plan

To move down to the **free** plan, cancel your subscription. Your account stays on its current paid plan until the end of the billing cycle, then returns to the free plan with no further charges. See [How to cancel subscription](/account-and-team/billing-and-plans/how-to-cancel-subscription.md) for the steps and what changes afterward.

When you return to the free plan, free-plan limits apply again (for example, up to 10 journey maps and personas, and a single personal workspace). If you are over those limits, archive or remove content to fit before the change takes effect.

To reduce the number of paid seats without leaving your plan, lower the seat count in **Account settings**. Seat reductions take effect from the next billing cycle.

#### Related topics

<table data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Article</th><th>What it covers</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>What is included in each plan</strong></td><td>Compare the Free, Repository, Framework, and Governance tiers side by side.</td><td><a href="/pages/cVo65js50L1JDRFJTSTu">/pages/cVo65js50L1JDRFJTSTu</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to check seat usage</strong></td><td>See how many seats your account uses and who holds them.</td><td><a href="/pages/DSbAXM2ZSmZbbAkkZWSz">/pages/DSbAXM2ZSmZbbAkkZWSz</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to cancel subscription</strong></td><td>Cancel your plan and return to the free tier.</td><td><a href="/pages/BHqxD9SHNtz0JUwI2opo">/pages/BHqxD9SHNtz0JUwI2opo</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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