Free and Pro compared
You can build and teach a complete course with VidyaLMS Free. There is no learner limit imposed by the plugin, and WordPress Free does not need a license key. Pro is a separate add-on for sites that need more assessment tools, organization training or administrative workflows.
The feature split is the same on Joomla and WordPress. Their shop integrations differ: Joomla uses EasyCommerce and WordPress uses WooCommerce.
The WordPress Free download includes the code needed for its own features. Organization tools, course cohorts, assessment analysis, certificate design, imports and AI tools come with the separate Pro package. Install matching versions of Free and Pro when you upgrade; your existing courses and learner progress stay in place.
| What you need | Free | With Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Courses, modules, reading, videos and downloads | Included | Included |
| Quizzes | Six basic question types, pass marks, timing and attempt limits | Additional question types, question banks, pools and advanced scoring |
| Assignments | File and written submissions, grading, feedback and resubmission | Additional review and rubric tools |
| Learner access | Self-enrolment, manual enrolment and course prerequisites | Organization access, seats, invitations and delegated administration |
| Paid courses | WooCommerce or EasyCommerce integration | Included |
| Progress | Learner dashboard, course progress, activity and gradebook | Additional reports and assessment analysis |
| Certificates | Automatic HTML certificates that learners can download and print, with verification and revocation | Template design, PDF certificates, correction/reissue and advanced credentials |
| Reporting exports | Not included | CSV, JSON, Excel and PDF, with schedules |
| Essential notifications, editable templates and learner preferences | Custom automation rules and additional channel integrations | |
| Organization training | Not included | Organizations, units, members, seats and organization learning pages |
| Course cohorts | Not included | Group learners into cohorts within a course |
| Importing from another learning system | Not included | Migration tools, roster imports and question interchange |
| AI tools | Not included | AI workspace and optional model connections |
| Privacy and accessibility | Included | Included for Pro features too |
| Learner branding | Visual editor, live previews, light/dark palettes, template integration, presets and import/export | Included |
Starting with Free
Install the main package for your platform, create a course, add lessons and choose how learners can enrol. You can teach a free course or connect it to a product in your shop. The shop handles payment methods, invoices, refunds and subscriptions; VidyaLMS handles learning access.
When a learner completes a course, Free can issue a certificate with a verification code. Learners can download the HTML certificate and print it using their browser. A visual certificate editor and PDF generation are Pro features.
Adding Pro later
Install the matching Pro add-on alongside Free. Your courses, learners and progress stay in place. Pro adds its screens to the existing workspace; no separate learning site is needed. Connected services, including AI models and identity providers, still need configuration and may have their own charges.
If a guide describes an organization, automation, migration, AI or certificate-design screen that you cannot see, check that Pro is installed and that your account has permission to use it.