TopSpin FAQ

General

Q: What is the difference between the commercial and free version of TopSpin?
A: Both versions use the same software. The difference is only the price of the license ticket. The academic TopSpin processing license is free and includes additional features: the CMC Classroom licenses.

Q: Who can use the free TopSpin Processing version?
A: The free TopSpin processing is for academic, governmental and non-profit institutions.

Q: How do I get the free version?
A: Download TopSpin from the download page and apply for the “Free academia license” on the same page.

Q: How long is the free license valid?
A: The academic license for TopSpin is valid for a period of 3 years.

Content of academic version

Q: Does the free TopSpin Processing include NUS processing?
A: Yes the NUS processing for 2D spectra that is included for free in the regular TopSpin software is also available in the academic version.

Q: Does the free TopSpin Processing version include NMR-Sim?
A: Yes.

Q: Is the Structure Elucidation CMC-se package included?
A: No, you need to purchase a license to use the full version of CMC-se. The full license is also available for free for 1 year on spectrometers purchased after March 2017. The CMC-se Classroom license is included.

Q: Are the CMC Classroom license included?
A: Yes, all TopSpin academic licenses issued after the March 1, 2019 include the Classroom licenses for CMC-assist and CMC-se.

Q: Does the free TopSpin Processing version include NMR Guide?
A: Yes.

Upgrades and Transfers

Q: Can I download multiple versions of TopSpin, for example for macOS and Windows and use them concurrently?
A: Yes, no problem. Multiple license tickets must be obtained.

Q: Will TopSpin work on a Mac with an M1 processor?
A: Yes, we have several TopSpin installations running on M1-based hardware.

Q: I am a qualified customer and want to upgrade from a previous version of TopSpin Processing or transfer my license from an old computer?
A: Please visit the download page above and install the latest version of TopSpin. The license transfer is described in the CodeMeter documentation in TopSpin.

Q: I prefer TopSpin 3.5, TopSpin 3.2 or TopSpin 2.6 over TopSpin 4.
A: Academic licenses are available only for TopSpin 3.7, TopSpin 4 and following releases.

Q: I still have a Windows XP or Windows Vista workstation and would like to use the free version.
A: Only TopSpin 4 and TopSpin3.6 is available in this free version. The list of supported operating systems is available in the software support matrix: https://www.bruker.com/protected/en/services/user-manuals/nmr/general.html

Q: I am still running the free version of TopSpin 3.5
A: This version already expired. You should install the latest version and get the free academic license.

Support

For faster and better support, please have all details such as error messages ready.

Q: I am having trouble with the Installation, who do I contact?
A: For Europe, please send an email request to nmr-support@bruker.com
For Americas, please send your email request to hotline@bruker.com or visit our web page for more support options.

Q: Is documentation such as manuals included with the free version?
A: A comprehensive set of manuals for all included applications is part of each TopSpin installation.