How to access and manage the AI Credits Add-On in BioRender

Unlock powerful AI tools in BioRender to generate figure drafts, modify images, and stylize content with ease using AI credits. This add-on gives you expanded access to our suite of AI-powered tools and provides flexible monthly credit options for enhanced figure generation, AI-powered image editing, and stylization.

Eligibility 

The AI Credits Add-On is available to a wide range of BioRender users, with different access levels depending on your subscription type:

• Individual & Team subscriptions: Eligible to purchase the AI Add-On directly. You can choose from flexible monthly plans based on your AI usage needs.
• Existing Premium subscriptions: Automatically receive a limited number of AI credits each month, included with your current plan — no additional purchase required.
• Free users: Receive a one-time grant of 50 lifetime AI credits to try the AI image generation tools. This allows you to experience the core functionality without upgrading immediately.
• Enterprise (full-serve) customers: Continue to enjoy full access to AI tools at no additional cost. 

Included features

The AI Add-On expands access to multiple AI-powered tools in BioRender:

• Figure Generation: Generate editable drafts of protocols, timelines, and flowcharts from text prompts.
  • Cost: 1 credit per generation
  • Note: Not available on the free plan due to object limit constraints
• Image editing with AI: Easily stylize or modify uploaded images and icons using BioRender AI. Choose from our suite of tools for quick adjustments, or use Custom Edit to generate specific changes from a simple text prompt.
  • Cost: 10 credits per generation

These tools can be accessed via the AI sidebar in the BioRender interface, under “Generate a Figure” and “Edit Image”.

Free Users: How to upgrade and unlock more AI credits

1. As a Free user, you can click the crown above the figure generation tools in the BioRender AI menu.

   

2. This will give you the option to Start a free trial, which includes your 50 AI credits. 

   

3. Once you subscribe past the free trial, you’ll receive monthly base credits, and have the ability to purchase additional credits, as described below. 

Paid Users: How to access and manage the AI Credits Add-On in BioRender

1. Open your BioRender workspace and go to “Edit Profile & Settings”.
2. Click the “Plan & Billing” tab to view your subscriptions.
3. Select “Manage Credits”.
4. Alternatively, click on your credit balance at the bottom of the AI tool menu or any AI tool. 

5. Choose from the following monthly plans:
   • $5/month for 50 credits
   • $10/month for 100 credits
   • $15/month for 150 credits
   • $20/month for unlimited credits (subject to fair-use policy)

6. Complete your purchase.
7. Your selected plan will appear as a separate subscription in your billing portal and begin its own billing cycle.

Existing plan updates

In addition to the Add-On, some users receive AI credits monthly as part of their current plans:

• Free: 50 lifetime credits to try Image Generation tools only
• Undergrad Plan: 30 credits/month
• Grad Student / Postdoc: 50 credits/month
• Academic / Industry Team Individual: 50 credits/month
• Academic Team: 50 credits/month per user

AI Add-On credits and plan-based credits are combined and can be used interchangeably. Monthly AI credits expire after 30 days if unused.

Frequently asked questions

Do AI Add-On credits expire?

Yes. Credits from the AI Add-On or included in your plan expire 30 days after being issued. 
If you are a Free user you will have a one time grant of 50 lifetime credits which do not expire.

Can Free users buy a credit add-on?

Free users cannot purchase a credit add-on directly. The same applies to users currently on a trial — they must first end their trial early and upgrade to a regular Premium plan.

Free users are first prompted to upgrade to Premium, as Premium accounts include a monthly allotment of credits. Once on a Premium plan, users can purchase additional credits through a monthly add-on if they run out of their included credits.

Can I manage the AI Add-On separately from my main BioRender plan?

Yes. The AI Add-On is a separate subscription. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel it independently. For more information on how the Add-On will be charged, please continue reading the FAQ below.

How will I be charged for the AI Add-On?

• Monthly plans: The first month is prorated to match your current BioRender billing cycle. You’ll pay only for the remaining days in your current cycle but still receive the full amount of credits right away. 
• Example for Monthly plan: If your BioRender plan renews on the 15th and you add the AI Add-On on the 30th, you’ll pay about half the price for the first month but still get all the credits. You’ll pay a smaller (prorated) amount based on how many days are left before your next BioRender billing date.
• Annual plans: For annual plans, the AI Add-On follows your existing yearly billing date. If you add it partway through the year, you’ll pay only for the remaining months until your next renewal.

Where do I manage my AI subscription?

You can manage your subscription directly through your "Plan & Billing" tab, or by clicking on your credit balance when using any of the AI tools.

What happens if I cancel my BioRender plan?

Your AI Add-On will also be canceled at the end of its billing cycle. Credits remain usable until the end of that period. 

What happens if I cancel only the AI Add-On plan?

If only the AI Add-On is cancelled, the main BioRender subscription remains active.

Will the AI Add-On show up separately on my invoice?

Yes. You will see a separate subscription labeled "Time on AI Credits Add-On”.

Related articles

• How to generate protocol, timeline, and flowchart figures with AI
• How to edit images with AI to best fit your illustration
• Managing your plan and billing information

Need help?

1. Email: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.