Upgrading from JPEGmini v2 to v3/v4: Complete Guide

Quick Summary

JPEGmini v3/v4 offers major improvements over v2: video optimization, HEIC conversion, faster performance, and modern plugin support. If you purchased JPEGmini v2 before 2020, you'll need to upgrade to access these features.

Important: v2 activation codes do NOT work with v3/v4 - you need a new license at special upgrade pricing.

Key Points:

• ✅ Special upgrade pricing for v2 owners (lower than new purchase)

• ✅ Major new features: Video, HEIC, improved performance

• ✅ Keep your v2 license - you can use both versions

• ✅ All upgrade options explained: Pro, Suite, cross-platform

• ✅ Upgrade takes 10 minutes - download, install, activate

Table of Contents

1. Should You Upgrade? What's New in v3/v4

2. Why Your v2 Code Doesn't Work with v3

3. Upgrade Options & Pricing

4. How to Upgrade (Step-by-Step)

5. What Happens to Your v2 License

6. Choosing Between Pro and Suite

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Need Help?

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Should You Upgrade? What's New in v3/v4

Quick Decision Helper

Upgrade to v3/v4 if:

• ✅ You need to optimize videos (MP4, MOV, M4V)

• ✅ You shoot with iPhone (HEIC image format)

• ✅ You're on new macOS (Sequoia, Sonoma) or Windows 11

• ✅ You want modern Lightroom/Photoshop/Capture One plugins

• ✅ You want faster processing speed (3-5x improvement)

Stay with v2 if:

• ✅ You only optimize photos (JPEGs)

• ✅ v2 works fine for your needs

• ✅ Not ready to pay upgrade cost yet

• ✅ Your workflow doesn't need new features

Feature Comparison: v2 vs v3 vs v4

Major New Features Explained

1. Video Optimization (v3+)

• Compress MP4, MOV, M4V videos without quality loss

• Reduce file sizes by 30-70%

• Preserve video quality (H.264, HEVC support)

• Perfect for:

  • Wedding videographers

  • Real estate agents

  • Social media content creators

  • Anyone sharing videos online

2. HEIC to JPEG Conversion (v3+)

• iPhone photos use HEIC format (not compatible everywhere)

• JPEGmini converts HEIC → optimized JPEG in one step

• No need for separate conversion tools

• Automatic batch processing

3. Performance Improvements

• v2: 100 images in ~5 minutes

• v3: 100 images in ~1.5 minutes (3x faster)

• v4: 100 images in ~1 minute (5x faster)

4. Modern Plugin Support (v3+)

• Updated for latest Lightroom Classic

• Updated for latest Photoshop

• NEW: Capture One plugin (Pro Suite only)

• Better stability and performance

5. OS Compatibility

• v2: Stuck on older macOS/Windows versions

• v3/v4: Works with latest operating systems

• Future-proof your workflow

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Why Your v2 Code Doesn't Work with v3

Technical Explanation

JPEGmini v2 and v3/v4 are completely different products:

• Different codebase

• Different licensing system

• Different activation servers

• Different feature sets

Think of it like:

• ❌ Using a Windows 10 key to activate Windows 11

• ❌ Using Office 2016 key for Office 365

• ✅ You need a new key for the new product

What Happens If You Try?

If you enter your v2 activation code in v3/v4, you'll see:

Error: "Invalid activation code"

This is normal! Your v2 code is valid - it just doesn't work with v3/v4.

Licensing Model Change

Why the change?

• Sustainable development model

• Regular feature updates

• Better support

• Optional renewals (app still works after expiration)

Can I Transfer My v2 License?

No. v2 licenses cannot be "converted" to v3:

• ❌ No automatic upgrade

• ❌ No license transfer

• ✅ Must purchase upgrade at special pricing

But: You keep your v2 license! You can use both versions.

Upgrade Options & Pricing

Upgrade Paths Available

1. JPEGmini v2 Pro → v3/v4 Pro

What you get:

• Video optimization

• HEIC support

• Faster processing

• Updated plugins (no Suite plugins)

Pricing:

• New customer price: $[V3 PRO NEW PRICE]

• Upgrade price for v2 owners: $[V3 PRO UPGRADE PRICE]

• You save: $[SAVINGS] ([PERCENT]%)

👉 [Upgrade v2 Pro → v3 Pro - $[PRICE]]

2. JPEGmini v2 Pro → v3/v4 Pro Suite

What you get:

• Everything in Pro +

• Lightroom plugin

• Photoshop plugin

• Capture One plugin

Pricing:

• New customer price: $[V3 SUITE NEW PRICE]

• Upgrade price for v2 owners: $[V3 SUITE UPGRADE PRICE]

• You save: $[SAVINGS] ([PERCENT]%)

👉 [Upgrade v2 Pro → v3 Suite - $[PRICE]]

3. JPEGmini v2 Regular/Standard → v3/v4 Pro

If you had v2 "Regular" (not Pro):

• v2 Regular was discontinued in 2018

• Upgrade to v3 Pro for full features

Pricing:

• Upgrade price: $[V3 PRO UPGRADE FROM REGULAR PRICE]

👉 [Upgrade v2 Regular → v3 Pro - $[PRICE]]

Cross-Platform Upgrades

Switching from Mac to Windows (or vice versa)?

✅ Good news: v3/v4 licenses work on BOTH Mac and Windows!

Example:

• You have: v2 Mac Pro

• You upgrade to: v3 Pro (works on Mac + Windows)

• You can now: Install on 3 computers (any mix of Mac/Windows)

Special Upgrade Discount Codes

Where to get codes:

• 📧 Check your email - We send codes to v2 owners

• 🎁 Seasonal sales - Black Friday, Cyber Monday

• 💌 Newsletter - Subscribe for exclusive offers

Typical codes:

• UPGRADE2026 - [X]% off upgrades

• V2TOV3 - Special v2 owner discount

• BLACKFRIDAY - Annual sale discount

How to use:

• Enter at checkout

• Discount applies automatically

• Can't combine multiple codes

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How to Upgrade (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check Your Current v2 License

Find your v2 activation code:

1. Open JPEGmini v2

2. Go to Help → About (Windows) or JPEGmini → About (Mac)

3. Look for activation code or order number

Don't have your v2 code? That's okay - you'll get a NEW code for v3/v4.

Step 2: Choose Your Upgrade Option

Decision helper:

Choose v3 Pro if:

• You don't use Lightroom/Photoshop plugins

• You want video + HEIC support

• Lower cost is important

Choose v3 Suite if:

• You use Lightroom Classic

• You use Photoshop

• You use Capture One

• You want ALL features

Still not sure? Start with Pro, upgrade to Suite later if needed.

Step 3: Purchase Your Upgrade

1. Click your upgrade link:

   • [Upgrade v2 → v3 Pro]

   • [Upgrade v2 → v3 Suite]

2. Enter discount code (if you have one)

   • Example: UPGRADE2026

   • Check your email for exclusive codes

3. Complete checkout

   • Use ANY email (doesn't have to match v2 purchase)

   • Enter payment information

   • Complete order

[SCREENSHOT: Upgrade purchase page with discount code field]

Step 4: Receive Your New Activation Code

Within 5-10 minutes:

📧 Email Subject: "JPEGmini v3/v4 Pro - Order Confirmation"

Email contains:

• NEW v3/v4 activation code (25 characters)

• Download link for v3/v4

• Installation instructions

• Receipt/invoice

Important: Save this email! Your new code is different from v2.

Step 5: Download & Install v3/v4

Download

1. Click download link in confirmation email

2. Or visit: [INSERT DOWNLOAD PAGE LINK]

3. Select your platform: Mac or Windows

4. Download installer

File sizes:

• Mac: ~30 MB

• Windows: ~25 MB

[SCREENSHOT: Download page showing Mac and Windows options]

Installation

On Mac:

1. Open downloaded .dmg file

2. Drag JPEGmini to Applications folder

3. Double-click to launch

4. Follow on-screen instructions

On Windows:

1. Run downloaded .exe installer

2. Accept license agreement

3. Choose installation location

4. Click Install

5. Launch JPEGmini from Start Menu

Do I need to uninstall v2 first?

• ❌ No! You can keep both versions

• ✅ v3/v4 installs separately

• ✅ Both can coexist on same computer

Step 6: Activate Your v3/v4 License

1. Launch JPEGmini v3/v4

2. You'll see activation screen

3. Enter your NEW activation code (from email)

   • 25-character code

   • Format: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

4. Click Activate

[SCREENSHOT: Activation screen with code entry field]

Activation takes 5 seconds. If successful, you'll see welcome screen.

Step 7: Verify Installation

Check that everything works:

1. Open JPEGmini v3/v4

2. Go to Help → About (Windows) or JPEGmini → About (Mac)

3. Verify:

   • ✅ Version shows "v3.x" or "v4.x" (not v2)

   • ✅ "Licensed until: [date]" shows future date

   • ✅ Your name/email appears correctly

4. Test basic function:

   • Drag a test photo

   • Click Optimize

   • Verify it processes correctly

[SCREENSHOT: About window showing v3/v4 version]

Step 8: (Optional) Uninstall v2

Should you uninstall v2?

• ⚠️ Not required - both can coexist

• ✅ Keep v2 as backup during transition

• ✅ Uninstall after you're comfortable with v3/v4

How to uninstall v2:

Mac:

1. Open Applications folder

2. Find JPEGmini v2

3. Drag to Trash

4. Empty Trash

Windows:

1. Open Control Panel

2. Programs and Features

3. Find JPEGmini v2

4. Click Uninstall

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What Happens to Your v2 License

You Keep Your v2 License!

Important: Upgrading to v3/v4 does NOT cancel your v2 license:

✅ v2 license remains valid
✅ v2 activation code still works (on v2 software)
✅ You can install v2 on other computers
✅ You own both licenses

Think of it like:

• Buying a new car doesn't mean you lose the old car

• You just have two cars now

• Use whichever one you prefer

Using Both Versions

Can I use v2 and v3 simultaneously?

✅ Yes! Common scenarios:

Scenario 1: Testing Period

• Keep v2 installed during v3 transition

• Compare results side-by-side

• Switch if you prefer one over the other

Scenario 2: Different Computers

• v2 on old laptop

• v3 on new desktop

• Both work independently

Scenario 3: Specific Workflows

• v2 for simple photo batches

• v3 for videos and HEIC files

• Use right tool for the job

Activation Limits

Remember:

• v2 license: 3 activations

• v3/v4 license: 3 activations

• Total across both: Up to 6 computers!

Example:

• Computer 1: v2 activated

• Computer 2: v2 activated

• Computer 3: v3 activated

• Computer 4: v3 activated

• All valid!

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Choosing Between Pro and Suite

Feature Comparison

Decision Helper

Choose Pro if:

• ✅ You don't use Lightroom/Photoshop/Capture One

• ✅ Standalone app is enough for your workflow

• ✅ You want to save money

• ✅ You process photos outside of RAW editors

Choose Suite if:

• ✅ You edit in Lightroom Classic

• ✅ You use Photoshop regularly

• ✅ You use Capture One

• ✅ You want seamless plugin integration

• ✅ You export many photos from RAW editor

Can I Upgrade Later?

Yes! You can upgrade from Pro → Suite anytime:

Process:

1. Purchase Suite upgrade

2. Enter NEW Suite activation code

3. Plugins unlock automatically

Pricing:

• Suite upgrade from Pro: $[SUITE UPGRADE PRICE]

• (Price difference between Pro and Suite)

Plugin Details

What the plugins do:

• Optimize photos directly in Lightroom/Photoshop/Capture One

• No need to export → process → reimport

• Maintains metadata and edits

• Batch optimization inside your editor

Compatibility:

• Lightroom Classic CC (not Lightroom CC cloud)

• Photoshop CC 2020+

• Capture One Pro 12+

Learn more: [Link to plugin installation articles]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my v2 license when I upgrade?

No! You keep your v2 license:

• ✅ v2 stays active

• ✅ Can use on other computers

• ✅ Can reinstall v2 anytime

• ✅ Both licenses remain valid

Upgrading gives you a NEW v3/v4 license in addition to your v2 license.

Can I get a refund if I don't like v3/v4?

Yes! We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee:

• ✅ Full refund within 30 days

• ✅ No questions asked

• ✅ Email: support@jpegmini.com

What happens after refund:

• v3/v4 license deactivated

• Your v2 license still works

• You can upgrade again later

Will my v3 code work with v4 when it's released?

Yes! v3 licenses work with v4 (if your license is active):

Example:

• Purchased v3: January 2025

• License expires: January 2026

• v4 releases: June 2025

• Result: ✅ You get v4 for free!

I'm switching from Mac to Windows. Which version do I buy?

Great news: v3/v4 licenses work on BOTH platforms!

✅ Buy ONE license (Mac or Windows purchase page)
✅ Use on Mac AND Windows
✅ Mix and match across 3 computers

Example:

• Computer 1: Mac (work)

• Computer 2: Windows (home)

• Computer 3: Mac (laptop)

• ONE v3 license covers all three!

Can I share my upgrade discount code with a friend?

No, sorry! Upgrade codes are:

• ❌ Single-use only

• ❌ Tied to original v2 purchase

• ❌ Cannot be transferred

But: Your friend can:

• ✅ Purchase v3 at regular price

• ✅ Watch for sales (Black Friday, etc.)

• ✅ Sign up for newsletter to get promo codes

I have v2 Regular (not Pro). Can I upgrade?

Yes! You can upgrade from v2 Regular to v3 Pro:

Pricing:

• Upgrade price: $[UPGRADE FROM REGULAR PRICE]

• Includes ALL Pro features

• Video, HEIC, unlimited images

Note: v2 Regular was discontinued in 2018. If you have v2 Regular, upgrade gives you full Pro features.

What if I already bought v3 at full price?

If you're a v2 owner who paid full price for v3:

Contact us at support@jpegmini.com - we may be able to:

• ✅ Issue partial refund (difference between full and upgrade price)

• ✅ Apply credit to future purchase

• ✅ Offer loyalty discount on Suite upgrade

Include in email:

• v2 order number

• v3 order number

• Both activation codes

Can I upgrade just 1 of my 3 v2 activations?

No. Licensing works per activation code, not per computer:

How it works:

• v2 code = 3 computers (all v2)

• v3 code = 3 computers (all v3)

You CANNOT mix:

• ❌ 2 computers on v2 + 1 computer on v3 (same code)

You CAN:

• ✅ Keep 3 computers on v2

• ✅ Buy v3, install on 3 different computers

• ✅ Total: 6 computers (3 v2 + 3 v3)

Does the upgrade include plugins if I had v2 Suite?

It depends on which upgrade you purchase:

Bottom line: You need v3 Suite to get plugins (even if you had v2 Suite).

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Need Help?

Pre-Purchase Questions

Not sure which upgrade to choose?

• Email: sales@jpegmini.com

• We'll help you pick the right option

• Response time: Usually same day

Can't Find Your v2 Code?

Lost your v2 activation code?

• Email: support@jpegmini.com

• Include: Email used for v2 purchase, approximate purchase date

• We'll look it up for you

Note: You don't need v2 code to upgrade! You'll get a new v3/v4 code.

Activation Issues

v3/v4 won't activate?

• Check: Entered correct code (25 characters)

• Check: Internet connection active

• Try: Restart computer and try again

• Still stuck? Email: support@jpegmini.com

Contact Support

Email: support@jpegmini.com
Response Time: Usually within 24 hours
Include:

• v2 activation code (if you have it)

• v3/v4 order number

• Detailed description of issue

• Screenshots (if applicable)

Related Articles

• How to Extend Your JPEGmini v3 License

• How Do I Retrieve My Activation Code?

• JPEGmini Pro vs JPEGmini Pro Suite

• Install JPEGmini Plugin for Lightroom

• Install JPEGmini Plugin for Photoshop

• Video Optimization: Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

Key Takeaways:

1. ✅ v2 codes DON'T work with v3 - you need a new code

2. ✅ Special upgrade pricing saves you [X]% vs new purchase

3. ✅ You keep your v2 license - can use both versions

4. ✅ v3/v4 works on Mac AND Windows (cross-platform)

5. ✅ Major new features: Video, HEIC, 5x faster

6. ✅ Upgrade takes 10 minutes - instant activation

7. ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind

Ready to upgrade?

👉 [Upgrade v2 → v3 Pro - $[PRICE]]

👉 [Upgrade v2 → v3 Suite - $[PRICE]]

Questions? Email support@jpegmini.com - we're here to help!

Last updated: January 2026