Features in the Basic/Free Version of Logos

Can anyone provide (or point me to) a complete list of the features included in the current basic/free version of Logos?

I've been talking to a family member about trying out the basic/free version, and gifting them some resources to help get a Logos library started. They currently have a small print library of various Bible translations and study resources, and they are wondering what the benefits of the basic/free version of Logos would be over their print library. I can't advise them because I don't know what features are included in the basic/free version.

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Mike Binks

Can anyone provide (or point me to) a complete list of the features included in the current basic/free version of Logos?

Not me Rick and I would be wary of presenting a 'complete list' to a new user.

Given the free version and basic I would just show them

how to use a Bible linked to a commentary / dictionary.

how to use a basic Bible reading plan.

Those two were enough to get me hooked at the start.

(Don't show them a reading plan linked to a monograph; that nearly made me delete the whole program)

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326723#Comment_1326723

Can anyone provide (or point me to) a complete list of the features included in the current basic/free version of Logos?

Not me Rick and I would be wary of presenting a 'complete list' to a new user.

Given the free version and basic I would just show them

how to use a Bible linked to a commentary / dictionary.

how to use a basic Bible reading plan.

Those two were enough to get me hooked at the start.

(Don't show them a reading plan linked to a monograph; that nearly made me delete the whole program)

Thanks, Mike. I couldn't help but chuckle. [;)]

By the same token, that's part of my dilemma... i.e. not knowing how many (or few) features are included. I've talked to a few friends and family members about trying Logos, and they've all asked the same (or similar) question. They'd like a quick list of features before embarking on a download, install, and poke-around process.

I can't imagine Faithlife doesn't have it documented somewhere. Hopefully someone from Faithlife will weigh in if no one else knows. [:)]

Dru Lattin

This is one of the key concerns I have with the subscription model. I worry about what is actually offered to those who don't want to subscribe, who just want a robust Bible program that they can buy books with. It might be available now, but will they lose it down the road?

With that said, you can see the current offerings at this link: https://www.logos.com/free-edition. I'm pleased to note that they include the interlinear features to go with their five Bibles, as well as some solid features.

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326733#Comment_1326733

It might be available now, but will they lose it down the road?

That has always been the case... but the current policy remains: The engine is always free.

DMB

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326733#Comment_1326733

I wonder why they included the 1873 RI instead of the ASV RI.

But the mix is really nice. Even Multiview.

Dru Lattin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326740#Comment_1326740

hat has always been the case... but the current policy remains: The engine is always free.

Yes, of course. But in the past, there have also been options to buy - for $50-100 - a Fundamentals or Basic version, that would lock in some features. Now, potential new users I talk with don't have that option. For now, interlinear features and note taking is available on the "free" version. But they could just pull it if they want, and say, "Nope - they're premium features now!"

I don't think that will happen, but something similar could.

The OP question made me curious, and I signed into my Logos program with an alternate account to see what a barebones engine feels like. I'm actually kinda intrigued! It's still quite useful. I'll play around with it, before getting back to the "real program" for this Sunday's sermon. [H]

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326746#Comment_1326746

in the past, there have also been options to buy - for $50-100 - a Fundamentals or Basic version, that would lock in some features

That was more recently.

I signed into my Logos program with an alternate account to see what a barebones engine feels like. I'm actually kinda intrigued! It's still quite useful.

[Y] And it is free at the expense of Logos! [A]

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326732#Comment_1326732

Can anyone provide (or point me to) a complete list of the features included in the current basic/free version of Logos?

Not me Rick and I would be wary of presenting a 'complete list' to a new user.

Given the free version and basic I would just show them

how to use a Bible linked to a commentary / dictionary.

how to use a basic Bible reading plan.

Those two were enough to get me hooked at the start.

(Don't show them a reading plan linked to a monograph; that nearly made me delete the whole program)

Thanks, Mike. I couldn't help but chuckle.
By the same token, that's part of my dilemma... i.e. not knowing how many (or few) features are included. I've talked to a few friends and family members about trying Logos, and they've all asked the same (or similar) question. They'd like a quick list of features before embarking on a download, install, and poke-around process.

I can't imagine Faithlife doesn't have it documented somewhere. Hopefully someone from Faithlife will weigh in if no one else knows.

Mike, I thought some more about what you said, and decided to have a look at the basic/free version for myself, so "I" could get a feel for the features it includes, and its potential usefulness, and then share an experience based opinion with those I talk to about trying Logos. While the free version doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the packages I've purchased in the past, it does seem like a useful option for those currently working only with print libraries.

One feature I was surprised to see in the free version is the Atlas tool. To my knowledge, that's an online only feature, and if so, would make it a feature that subscribers who don't qualify for the L10 LFL, would lose if they cancel their subscription--provided that is, I'm remembering correctly that online and AI features are things Faithlife has said subscribers will lose if they let their subscriptions lapse. Hmmmm.

Perk

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326796#Comment_1326796

I think the "library feature" of Logos is also important and separates Logos from internet website Bibles. I don't know what resources are included in in the free version. But you could add some of the free resources that are available and get a feel for having a library. For example, you could download the free R. C. Sproul Crucial Questions series (20 resources). Collectively I think of this as a theology resource from a Reformed perspective.

Gerald

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326796#Comment_1326796

would make it a feature that subscribers who don't qualify for the L10 LFL, would lose if they cancel their subscription

Your experience shows this not to be the case!

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326796#Comment_1326796

One feature I was surprised to see in the free version is the Atlas tool. To my knowledge, that's an online only feature, and if so, would make it a feature that subscribers who don't qualify for the L10 LFL, would lose if they cancel their subscription-

Mark Barnes states that Atlas tool would likely be lost to subscribers unless they own it. However, it was available before L10 and is offered in the free Logos version, so it is possible that subscribers could retain it after 2 years.

EDIT: The free Atlas tool does not have all the maps

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326746#Comment_1326746

hat has always been the case... but the current policy remains: The engine is always free.

Yes, of course. But in the past, there have also been options to buy - for $50-100 - a Fundamentals or Basic version, that would lock in some features. Now, potential new users I talk with don't have that option. For now, interlinear features and note taking is available on the "free" version. But they could just pull it if they want, and say, "Nope - they're premium features now!"

I don't think that will happen, but something similar could.

The OP question made me curious, and I signed into my Logos program with an alternate account to see what a barebones engine feels like. I'm actually kinda intrigued! It's still quite useful. I'll play around with it, before getting back to the "real program" for this Sunday's sermon.

Seriously, This needs to be forum post of its own.

Your experience with the free, bare-bones engine.

What surprises you?

What do you miss the most?

Dru Lattin

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326962#Comment_1326962

Seriously, This needs to be forum post of its own.

Your experience with the free, bare-bones engine.

What surprises you?

What do you miss the most?

Yeah, I'd love to hear others' experience. As something who cares about faithful, Biblical teaching; providing tools for those new to teaching and preaching; and the long-term sustainability of Logos, I want to be able to encourage new users to access Logos.

My experience? Unfortunately, I only played around for about 20 minutes, and then life happened. Today, I needed to use the sermon editor, so I switched back to my full library and feature set. But initial reaction -

PROS:

It works just fine for a basic Bible program! Fairly easy to navigate, and the free resources are genuinely useful: Bible translations with the original languages easily accessed with complete morphology info; searching by lemma, by English, etc is available with the best-in-business word study feature included; basic notes features; basic guides and workflows, etc.
Even the free commentaries, Bibles, and commentaries provide a great place to start. Faithlife Study Bible is truly excellent, and the cross references are essential. I feel the quadfecta of KJV, CSB, ESV, and LEB is wonderful for comparison, and these translations cover most core needs for your average user.
Copy Bible Verse is best-in-business for formatting Scripture to one's needs, and it's also available in the basic engine.
It's nice and fast (to use a pointless hendiadys). It looks clean and modern. Compared to e-Sword or even my beloved The Word, it feels like something a person would use in 2024.

CONCERNS/What I miss

I miss my resources! The commentaries and dictionaries I lack are immediately felt. As soon as you dig into the tools (factbook, etc), it's inviting you to buy resources. And yeah, you kinda want them. This could be a bit frustrating for some newbies.
I miss the sermon editor. It's embarrassing to admit, as a heavy user for most of a decade, but I have never really found Notes to be intuitive or useful, and the sermon editor is so clean and easy to use in comparison. I really, really, really think it should be part of the core package, or a relatively inexpensive purchasable add-on.
Words like "Filters", "Factbooks", and "Collections" are not intuitive. On top of that, the default program launches with a blank screen. There's no layout preloaded. I really could see someone getting annoyed at out unintuitive the onboarding feels. The wizards built into free programs were clunky but more supportive.

In all, my initial reaction is that it's worth guiding newbies to the free program, but they should be encouraged to sign up for a subscription and at least drop a few dollars on a basic library. And I'd love to walk with someone in person to help them get started. Still, it'd be interested to know what a total greenhorn would think, coming from e-sword or The Word.

Aaron Hamilton

Can anyone provide (or point me to) a complete list of the features included in the current basic/free version of Logos?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1IOXGusuGt5_78fmO3q-GZtXOQrZgT6ampdaWkbBtS-k/pubhtml?pli=1#

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326956#Comment_1326956

One feature I was surprised to see in the free version is the Atlas tool. To my knowledge, that's an online only feature, and if so, would make it a feature that subscribers who don't qualify for the L10 LFL, would lose if they cancel their subscription-

Mark Barnes states that Atlas tool would likely be lost to subscribers unless they own it. However, it was available before L10 and is offered in the free Logos version, so it is possible that subscribers could retain it after 2 years.

EDIT: The free Atlas tool does not have all the maps

Thanks for that info, Dave.

A summary of my understanding/take-away about the Atlas tool at this point then is as follows.

L10 FFS owners should have it going forward, unless it gets dropped as a feature, or... changed so much, Faithlife changes the name.
It's currently in the basic/free version but with a reduced map set. Thanks for that tidbit. I probably wouldn't have caught that.
If it remains a feature provided in the basic/free version, it might be offered to subscribers who have to stop subscribing.
In regard to the basic/free version, Faithlife certainly has the right to change up what it includes, when and as they see fit, so it may or may not be available in the free version going forward.

I guess it's good to have a solid grasp on the facts, even if the facts leave you not knowing how things will turn out. [;)]

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326966#Comment_1326966

Seriously, This needs to be forum post of its own.

Your experience with the free, bare-bones engine.

What surprises you?

What do you miss the most?

Yeah, I'd love to hear others' experience. As something who cares about faithful, Biblical teaching; providing tools for those new to teaching and preaching; and the long-term sustainability of Logos, I want to be able to encourage new users to access Logos.

My experience? Unfortunately, I only played around for about 20 minutes, and then life happened. Today, I needed to use the sermon editor, so I switched back to my full library and feature set. But initial reaction -

PROS:

It works just fine for a basic Bible program! Fairly easy to navigate, and the free resources are genuinely useful: Bible translations with the original languages easily accessed with complete morphology info; searching by lemma, by English, etc is available with the best-in-business word study feature included; basic notes features; basic guides and workflows, etc.

Even the free commentaries, Bibles, and commentaries provide a great place to start. Faithlife Study Bible is truly excellent, and the cross references are essential. I feel the quadfecta of KJV, CSB, ESV, and LEB is wonderful for comparison, and these translations cover most core needs for your average user.

Copy Bible Verse is best-in-business for formatting Scripture to one's needs, and it's also available in the basic engine.

It's nice and fast (to use a pointless hendiadys). It looks clean and modern. Compared to e-Sword or even my beloved The Word, it feels like something a person would use in 2024.

CONCERNS/What I miss

I miss my resources! The commentaries and dictionaries I lack are immediately felt. As soon as you dig into the tools (factbook, etc), it's inviting you to buy resources. And yeah, you kinda want them. This could be a bit frustrating for some newbies.

I miss the sermon editor. It's embarrassing to admit, as a heavy user for most of a decade, but I have never really found Notes to be intuitive or useful, and the sermon editor is so clean and easy to use in comparison. I really, really, really think it should be part of the core package, or a relatively inexpensive purchasable add-on.

Words like "Filters", "Factbooks", and "Collections" are not intuitive. On top of that, the default program launches with a blank screen. There's no layout preloaded. I really could see someone getting annoyed at out unintuitive the onboarding feels. The wizards built into free programs were clunky but more supportive.

In all, my initial reaction is that it's worth guiding newbies to the free program, but they should be encouraged to sign up for a subscription and at least drop a few dollars on a basic library. And I'd love to walk with someone in person to help them get started. Still, it'd be interested to know what a total greenhorn would think, coming from e-sword or The Word.

Nice summary, Dru. I've only had about 30 minutes with the free version since installing it, but my observations and feelings align with yours.

One thing I did notice is that at first, when looking at the higher levels of the tools and features menus, it can give the impression it includes almost everything in a paid version, until one notices that several menu options are grayed out--selecting one of those options just brings up a short paragraph about what that feature/tool will do if you have it.

But all in all, for the average layperson who has never owned (so can't miss) the tools and features that are excluded, it's still a worthy and useful app.

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326967#Comment_1326967

Can anyone provide (or point me to) a complete list of the features included in the current basic/free version of Logos?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1IOXGusuGt5_78fmO3q-GZtXOQrZgT6ampdaWkbBtS-k/pubhtml?pli=1#

THANK YOU, Aaron! I had never noticed Mark's spreadsheet included what's provided in the free version. Guess I was so focused on the subscription tiers I didn't even see the free version column. My bad! [:#]

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1327016#Comment_1327016

A summary of my understanding/take-away about the Atlas tool at this point then is as follows.

(my response indented)

L10 FFS owners should have it going forward, unless it gets dropped as a feature, or... changed so much, Faithlife changes the name.

Yes, but it could have been owned prior to Logos 10.

It's currently in the basic/free version but with a reduced map set. Thanks for that tidbit. I probably wouldn't have caught that.

Yes

If it remains a feature provided in the basic/free version, it might be offered to subscribers who have to stop subscribing.

Yes - they could download the free version if necessary

In regard to the basic/free version, Faithlife certainly has the right to change up what it includes, when and as they see fit, so it may or may not be available in the free version going forward.

Yes

Dave Hooton

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1327021#Comment_1327021

Nice summary, Dru. I've only had about 30 minutes with the free version since installing it, but my observations and feelings align with yours.

One thing I did notice is that at first, when looking at the higher levels of the tools and features menus, it can give the impression it includes almost everything in a paid version, until one notices that several menu options are grayed out--selecting one of those options just brings up a short paragraph about what that feature/tool will do if you have it.

But all in all, for the average layperson who has never owned (so can't miss) the tools and features that are excluded, it's still a worthy and useful app.

It lacks original language tools and that can only be remedied via the free Logos Academic Basic (for those who are in the Academic Discount Program).
The libraries in my zero-cost (free) test installation include Logos 8 Academic Basic, Logos 9 Basic, Logos Free 2023 and the current Logos Free and the original language tools are adequate. New users who want to come off subscription should acquire a decent set of resources to complement the free features.

Frankly, I would stay on subscription rather than face a Free edition.

NB.Mick

EDIT: sorry, posted to wrong thread /EDIT

Donovan R. Palmer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1326966#Comment_1326966

@Dru Lattin wrote:
In all, my initial reaction is that it's worth guiding newbies to the free program, but they should be encouraged to sign up for a subscription and at least drop a few dollars on a basic library. And I'd love to walk with someone in person to help them get started. Still, it'd be interested to know what a total greenhorn would think, coming from e-sword or The Word.

I think Logos will need to walk a fine line here in competing with 'Free Products' out there. The free base version will need to be enticing enough that it is not seen as a poor cousin to the subscription version, yet if there are not incentives to want to upgrade with a subscription, Logos will not get the business. I will imagine they will be watching their data closely to see how consumer psychology is manifested in their new approach. This psychology has already been a huge factor in the change management with legacy users who Logos has had to win over (or not in some cases) to the new business model. Interesting times.