Monetization status
This guide covers monetization that your app manages itself. If your app is enrolled in the Premium Apps Program, follow the Premium Apps design guidelines instead.
The Monetization status pattern helps users understand and manage their current monetization status within an app. Use it whether your app uses credits, subscriptions, a combination of subscriptions and credits, a freemium model, or a free trial.
Your monetization status should clearly:
- Communicate the user's current monetization status.
- Provide a pathway to manage, unsubscribe, or upgrade access.
- Attribute monetization to the app that owns and manages it.
Anatomy of the pattern
The pattern has three parts:
A Status communicates the user's current monetization status.
B Management action provides a clear pathway to manage or modify the current state.
C Account details (optional) provides additional context when billing or entitlement is tied to a specific account.
Ownership attribution
When displaying credits, subscriptions, plans, trials, or management details and actions, clearly attribute them to the app that owns and manages them. This helps users distinguish app-managed monetization from Canva subscriptions and billing.
Do | Don't |
|---|---|
Buy App Name credits | Buy credits |
Manage App Name subscription | Manage subscription |
You're subscribed to App Name Pro | Upgrade to Pro |
Types of monetization models
Each monetization model has its own variant of the pattern. Use the variant that matches how your app charges users.
If your variant displays dates, localize them for the user's locale and use a medium date format where possible, for example "Refreshes on Mar 1, 2024" or "Renews on Jun 18, 2026".
Credit-based
Use the credit-based variant when access is consumed through credits. The pattern should give users visibility into:
- How many credits an action will consume.
- How many credits they have remaining.
- App ownership and billing responsibility.
- Credit purchase or management pathways.
Subscription-based
Use the subscription-based variant when access is controlled by a recurring plan. The pattern should give users visibility into:
- The current active subscription.
- App ownership and billing responsibility.
- The management pathway.
Subscription with credits
Use the hybrid variant when users have both a subscription plan and usage-based credits. The pattern should give users visibility into:
- How many credits an action will consume.
- How many credits they have remaining.
- The current active subscription.
- App ownership and billing responsibility.
- Credit purchase or management pathways.
Freemium
Use the freemium variant when users are on a free tier with upgrade opportunities. The pattern should give users visibility into:
- The current active plan.
- App ownership and billing responsibility.
- The upgrade pathway.
Trial
Use the trial variant when access is granted through a time-limited trial period, whether the trial expires at the end of the period, or automatically converts to a paid plan. The pattern should give users visibility into:
- Trial status and remaining time.
- App ownership and billing responsibility.
- The upgrade pathway.
Other monetization models
Not all monetization models are covered above. When introducing a new model, follow the core principles of clear ownership attribution, transparent monetization status, and accessible management pathways. As a rule of thumb, always attribute credits, plans, and subscriptions to the app that owns and manages them.