...
menu

Categories

Fredoscale License May 2026

The Fredoscale License is a permissive open-source-style license created to govern the use, modification, and distribution of the Fredoscale project and related software artifacts. It aims to balance reuse and community contribution with simple, developer-friendly terms: allow broad freedom to use and modify, require minimal attribution, and include a limited liability and warranty disclaimer.

It is important to note that FredoScale runs on a common API library created by Fredo6 called LibFredo6. While FredoScale has its own specific license status, the functionality relies on this shared library. The license agreement covers the interaction between these two components.

Unlike binary licenses (free vs. proprietary), the Fredoscale License operates on a sliding scale. While multiple variants exist in the wild (v0.1 to v1.2), the following four pillars are consistent across most definitions.

FredoScale is a popular SketchUp extension developed by Fredo6 that offers advanced transformation tools like tapering, stretching, and twisting. As of early 2022, several of Fredo6's most popular plugins, including FredoScale, transitioned from being completely free to a paid licensing model managed through the SketchUcation platform. License Type & Pricing

Commercial License: FredoScale requires a paid license for continued use after the trial period.

Perpetual License: Generally, the license is "perpetual" for the version purchased, though it usually includes a set number of seats (typically 3 seats per license) allowing you to use it on multiple devices. Fredoscale License

Bundle Options: You can purchase FredoScale individually or as part of a "Fredo6 Bundle" on the SketchUcation Shop which offers better value if you use other tools like JointPushPull or RoundCorner. How to License FredoScale

Install Prerequisites: You must have both LibFredo6 (the shared library) and the SketchUcation Toolset extension installed to manage the license.

Purchase: Buy the license through the SketchUcation ExtensionStore. Activation:


To understand the license, one must understand its namesake. The term "Fredoscale" is a portmanteau, likely derived from a theoretical figure—"Fredo"—representing the "small developer" or "hobbyist," combined with "scale," referring to growth and multiplication.

The core problem the Fredoscale License attempts to solve is the "Scale Penalty." Under traditional open-source licenses, a solo developer and a multi-billion-dollar SaaS company enjoy the same rights to use, modify, and redistribute a piece of free software. The Fredoscale License posits that this is an unfair equilibrium. To understand the license, one must understand its namesake

The driving question: Why should a startup of three people subsidize the infrastructure of a hyperscale cloud provider?

Thus, the Fredoscale License introduces a dynamic cost structure: Free for small scale, paid at scale.

| Aspect | Rating (out of 5) | |--------|------------------| | Ease of licensing (setup) | ⭐⭐ (manual file install) | | Fairness of pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (one-time, bundle) | | Features vs. license cost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | | Upgrade policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (free updates until next major SketchUp rewrite) | | Multi-device support | ⭐⭐ (one machine at a time) |

Recommendation:
If you need non-planar transformations in SketchUp more than once a month, buy the Fredo6 Collection license. The manual license process is a minor nuisance compared to the power you get. If you only want to experiment, use the 30-day trial fully before purchasing.

Avoid if:


Would you like a step-by-step guide to installing and activating the FredoScale license, or a comparison with another SketchUp transformation tool’s licensing (e.g., Artisan)?

FredoScale is a popular SketchUp extension used for complex geometric transformations. Historically free, it has transitioned to a paid license model to support its ongoing development. 🔑 License Overview

The FredoScale license is managed through the SketchUcation platform. Price: A perpetual license costs approximately $12.

Bundle Option: It is often recommended to purchase the Fredo6 Bundle (approx. $40), which includes other essential tools like Curviloft, JointPushPull, and FredoCorner.

Seat Limit: One license allows activation on up to 3 computers simultaneously. 🛠️ How to Activate Would you like a step-by-step guide to installing

To license FredoScale, you must have the SketchUcation ExtensionStore and LibFredo6 installed on your SketchUp version. Open SketchUp: Go to the top menu.

Note: I am an AI, not an attorney. This document is a draft template based on common industry standards for software plugins. For legally binding terms, the developer (Fredo6) should consult with a legal professional.


modbigs