Due to a security update on October 1st, 2026 all older desktop software are no longer able to be activated on new computers. This is because the website MFA methods released at that time are no longer compatible with these older softwares.
While you can continue to use Artisan® 4, Artisan® 5, and/or Historian™ 4 on computers they were already activated on, it cannot connect to the internet. This means you are not able to grab memories from FOREVER® Storage nor upload files/projects to your account for printing or preservation.
Why should I update to 6?
While the older software may still work on your computer without connecting to FOREVER, it is not a continued guarantee. Technology is always changing, and newer computers do not support older desktop software as time goes on. All three older software (Artisan 4, Artisan 5, and Historian 4) were not created with Windows 11 in mind. This means it is like trying to ride a kid's tricycle on a dirt bike path — the software will struggle and may not be able to work as intended.
Why Artisan® 6 is worth the move:
- Newest updates and features — Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our latest security enhancements and get access to continually updating or additional features.
- Richer software with more options — Expanded features, enhanced digital art capabilities, and access to an expanded personalization of products (such as Deluxe Seamless Layflat Photo Books and blankets) designed to help you do more with your memories.
- Seamless access to your FOREVER Account — Grab your photos wherever they are organized: from the Gallery, Albums, Tags, or People.
- Easy installation of art kits — Add newly purchased Digital Art Kits without needing to manually handle their activation codes as Artisan 6 will do it for you!
- Bonus items — Each new purchase or gifting of Artisan will include FREE art kits, as shown here.
Why Historian™ 6 is worth the move:
- Newest updates and features — Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with our latest security enhancements and get access to continually updating or additional features.
- Sharing for projects — Direct connection to share photos with new or existing Artisan 6 projects.
- Seamless access to your FOREVER Account — Grab your photos wherever they are organized: from the Gallery, Albums, Tags, or People.
- Improved organization — "Stored in FOREVER" marking on files brought in or sent to FOREVER Storage, along with integrated facial recognition (separate from online Facial Recognition).
- Advanced editing tools — The latest version of Perfectly Clear®, the world's leading provider of intelligent image correction.
How do I buy the new 6 software?
First, we ask you to verify your current computer meets the minimum requirements for the newest software to be able to operate. You can check out a full detailed list here: 🔗Recommended Computer Specs
Artisan
There are a few different purchase options that you can view here - https://www.forever.com/artisan
- Subscription is an ongoing payment option that will allow access to the newest version of Artisan offered at that time. Like with all subscriptions you can stop and start it at any time to work best in your life.
- Lifetime options allow you to have a set amount of payments instead of an ongoing subscription, so you will have access to all currently supported and future versions of Artisan.
- One-Time Investment for a single payment; or
- 5 Annual Installments so you can pay over 5 years, then never again!
If you are moving to a new computer then you can follow this checklist to back up all your Artisan content. Then follow along with this helpful video to bring your kits and projects into Artisan 6!
Historian
You can purchase the software here - https://www.forever.com/historian
If you are moving to a new computer you can follow this checklist to back up your Historian content. Then use these steps to open your Historian 4 vault in Historian 6!