Promo Codes
This section explains how to activate promotional codes to unlock Premium subscriptions and achievements.
What it is
Core elements
- Promo code system: allows distribution of Premium subscriptions and achievement badges through unique codes.
- Activation form: located in the Profile panel for entering and validating codes.
- Code validation: server-side verification of code format, expiration, and eligibility.
- Success feedback: confirmation dialog showing exactly what was unlocked.
Promo code types
Promotional codes can grant different benefits:
Premium codes: - Grant a specific number of days of Premium subscription. - Example: 30 days, 90 days, or 365 days of Premium. - Multiple Premium codes stack (30 days + 30 days = 60 days total). - Premium time is added to your current subscription or starts immediately if you don't have one.
Achievement codes: - Unlock one or more achievement badges (Team, Pro, Contributor). - Achievements are permanent once unlocked. - Can grant multiple achievements with a single code. - Example: a code that unlocks both Pro and Contributor badges.
Combined codes: - Grant both Premium subscription and achievement badges. - Most common type for special promotions or partnerships. - Example: 90 days Premium + Pro badge.
Code properties
Every promo code has specific properties:
Format: - Minimum length: 8 characters (enforced by system). - Case-insensitive: "ABCD1234", "abcd1234", and "AbCd1234" are treated identically. - Character set: typically alphanumeric (A-Z, 0-9), but system accepts any characters. - Uniqueness: each code is unique and can only be used once.
Restrictions: - One-time use: once activated, the code cannot be used again by anyone. - Target email (optional): some codes are locked to a specific email address. - Expiration date (optional): codes may have an expiration date after which they cannot be activated. - Account requirement: codes can only be activated by signed-in users (OAuth required).
Code lifecycle
- Created: code is generated by a Team member through the Moderation panel.
- Distributed: code is shared with user(s) through various channels (email, promotion, partnership).
- Activated: user enters code in Profile panel and redeems it.
- Used: code is marked as used and cannot be activated again.
- Expired (optional): if code had expiration date, it becomes invalid after that date.
How to use
Key steps
- Obtain a promo code from platform administrators, promotions, or partnerships.
- Sign in with OAuth (anonymous users cannot activate codes).
- Open Profile panel and locate the promo code activation section.
- Enter the code in the input field (minimum 8 characters).
- Click "Activate" to submit and validate the code.
- Review success dialog to see what was unlocked.
Activating a promo code
The activation process is straightforward:
- Sign in first: click "Sign in with Google" or "Sign in with Yandex" in the Profile panel.
- Promo codes cannot be activated while anonymous.
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If you try to activate a code without signing in, you'll see an error: "You must be signed in to activate codes".
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Open Profile panel: click the sidebar and switch to "Profile" tab.
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Scroll to activation section: below your account info and Premium status, you'll find "Activate promo code".
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Enter the code:
- Type or paste the code into the input field.
- Minimum 8 characters required.
- Case doesn't matter (ABC123 = abc123).
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Spaces are automatically trimmed.
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Click "Activate" button: the system validates and processes the code.
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Wait for response: usually instant, but may take a few seconds for server validation.
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Success dialog appears (if valid):
- Shows "Code activated successfully!" message.
- Lists Premium days granted (if any): e.g., "Premium active until: April 15, 2025".
- Lists achievements unlocked (if any): e.g., "Achievements unlocked: Pro, Contributor".
- A notification is also created in your inbox.
Code hints
Below the activation form, you'll see a hint: "Codes are case-insensitive and must be at least 8 characters." This reminder helps avoid common mistakes.
What happens after successful activation
When you successfully activate a promo code, several things happen immediately:
Premium subscription (if granted): - Days are added to your Premium subscription. - If you already have Premium, the new days extend your expiration date. - If you don't have Premium, the subscription starts immediately. - Your profile updates to show "Active until" date and days remaining.
Achievement badges (if granted): - New badges appear in the Achievements section of your profile. - Badges are permanent and cannot be removed. - You immediately gain access to features associated with those badges (e.g., Moderation panel for Team badge).
Notification created: - A notification is added to your Notifications inbox. - Shows what was unlocked: Premium days, achievements, or both. - Notification remains in inbox until you delete it.
Code marked as used: - The code is permanently marked as activated. - It cannot be used again by you or anyone else. - If you try to use the same code again, you'll get an "invalid or already used" error.
Profile sync: - Your updated profile (Premium status, badges) syncs to all your devices. - If you're signed in on multiple devices, all see the updates within seconds.
Understanding error messages
If activation fails, you'll see one of these error messages:
"You must be signed in to activate codes": - Cause: you're in anonymous mode. - Solution: click "Sign in with Google" or "Sign in with Yandex" first.
"Code must be at least 8 characters": - Cause: you entered fewer than 8 characters. - Solution: check the code you received - it should be 8+ characters long.
"Invalid or already used": - Cause: the code doesn't exist in the system, or someone already activated it. - Solution: double-check the code spelling, or contact the person who gave you the code.
"This code is not for your account": - Cause: the code is locked to a specific email address, and your email doesn't match. - Solution: sign in with the correct account, or contact code issuer if you believe there's a mistake.
"This code has expired": - Cause: the code had an expiration date, and that date has passed. - Solution: contact code issuer to request a new code.
"Failed to activate code. Try again.": - Cause: generic error (network issue, server problem). - Solution: wait a moment and try again. If it persists, contact support.
Scenarios
- Promotion redemption: receive a code from a marketing campaign and activate it for Premium.
- Partnership benefit: get a code from a partner organization and unlock Pro badge.
- Gift activation: someone gives you a code as a gift - activate it to receive Premium days.
- Event participation: attend a workshop or training, receive a code, activate for benefits.
- Early access: receive a Contributor code to test new deck editor features.
- Team onboarding: new team member receives MOD badge code to access moderation tools.
Tips and errors
- Case doesn't matter: "PROMO2024" and "promo2024" are the same code.
- Copy-paste carefully: avoid accidental spaces before or after the code (system trims them automatically).
- Sign in requirement: you absolutely must be signed in - codes don't work for anonymous users.
- One-time use: once a code is activated, it's consumed forever - you can't share it with others.
- Email-locked codes: if a code was generated for a specific email, it only works for that account.
- Expiration dates: some codes expire - check any documentation that came with the code.
- Stacking Premium: multiple Premium codes add days together (30 + 30 = 60 days).
- Permanent achievements: badges never expire or get removed, even after Premium ends.
- Contact support: if you have a valid code that doesn't work, use the Feedback tab to report it.
- Check notification: after activation, check your Notifications tab to confirm what was granted.
Screenshots
Elements on the screenshot: 1. "Activate promo code" section header 2. Code input field (placeholder: "Enter code") 3. "Activate" button 4. Hint text: "Codes are case-insensitive and must be at least 8 characters." 5. Profile panel context (above: Premium status, achievements)
Elements on the screenshot: 1. Input field with entered code 2. Error message below field (red text) 3. Example errors: "Code must be at least 8 characters", "Invalid or already used"
Elements on the screenshot: 1. Success dialog/modal 2. "Code activated successfully!" heading 3. Premium section: "Premium active until: April 15, 2025" 4. Achievements section: "Achievements unlocked: Pro, Contributor" 5. Close button or confirmation action
Elements on the screenshot: 1. Premium status showing new expiration date 2. Achievement badges now visible (Pro, Contributor) 3. Days remaining counter updated 4. Notification badge on Notifications tab (new notification created)