Frequently Asked Questions

I'd like to try the full Deluxe CD-ROM edition. What is your return policy?

Your satisfaction is guaranteed! Order the Deluxe CD-ROM now. There's no better way to try SwordSearcher than to get the CD. If you don't like it, return it within 30 days and you will receive a refund of your purchase price.

I want to download the trial version, but I'm concerned about spyware, adware, and other problems. Is it safe to download the trial version of SwordSearcher?

Yes. SwordSearcher never has, does not, and never will incorporate "spyware" or "adware" or any kind of malicious component.

What is the difference between the download version of SwordSearcher and the Deluxe CD-ROM version?

The download version includes a small set of library resources and is limited to 30 days of use. The CD-ROM version contains the entire SwordSearcher library. For details on what is included in the download version, see the download page. For a complete listing of the library resources included in the Deluxe CD-ROM version, see the library page.

I don't have a credit or debit card. Can I order by mail?

Yes. On the order page is an option to pay by mail. Select that to generate a printable order form.

Are discounts available for bulk-orders?

Yes. Bulk-orders are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to order more than ten CD-ROMs, for gifts, donations, distribution, or resale, please request a quote by email.

What are the license terms for the CD-ROM (in plain English)?

You may install SwordSearcher Deluxe Edition on your home, mobile, and work computers for your own use.

Organizations (churches, Bible schools, etc.) may install SwordSearcher in such a way that only one copy will be running at a time, much like a book can be read by one person at a time. To install a single SwordSearcher Deluxe CD-ROM on multiple machines for concurrent use, you will need to obtain a site license.

The CD-ROM may not be "shared" or copied. You may install the download version for your friends, but not the Deluxe CD-ROM version.

How can I be notified of updates to SwordSearcher?

Sign up for our email newsletter. Please note that we do not automatically subscribe customers to our newsletter, so even if you have purchased SwordSearcher, it is necessary for you to sign up to receive updates. You can also check for updates by selecting "Check for Updates" on the Help menu in SwordSearcher.

Where are the cross-references?

Over 500,000 cross-references are one click away in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, one of the most useful study aids available for Bible study. Just click the TSK link next to any verse in the Bible panel. Additionally, many of the other commentaries in SwordSearcher contain a great number of cross-references, totaling over one million in all.

Many users will find it convenient to set the TSK as the default commentary.

I like SwordSearcher and want to continue using the download version, but I can't afford to pay for it. Can you help?

Although we rely on the sale of SwordSearcher to support our family, we do not want someone's inability to pay for it to prevent them from enriching their Bible study with SwordSearcher. So if you cannot afford to purchase the CD-ROM, email your request for a "free registration," which will allow you to use the download version indefinitely with no further obligation. No explanation of your situation is needed, just tell us that you are requesting a free registration. All we ask in return is that you tell others about SwordSearcher and encourage them to try it out. Please note: a free registration serial number only disables the evaluation reminder in the program and allows it to be used beyond the trial period. There is no "locked content" to activate. In order to have the complete Deluxe version library, you will need to purchase a CD-ROM.

Will SwordSearcher work on my...?

SwordSearcher will work on Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Vista. See the system requirements page for details. SwordSearcher may also work on older Windows 98/ME computers, provided that the system has the latest Microsoft Windows updates applied.

There is no Mac or Linux version of SwordSearcher, but both of these platforms have software which allows Windows programs to be used. Linux users see here. Mac users see here.

Why doesn't SwordSearcher have...?

Requests for particular material in SwordSearcher, such as new Bible versions, modern commentaries, etc., are hard to fulfill because of licensing and copyright issues. For example, a certain publisher currently requires a five-figure upfront payment to license their popular Bible version, in addition to requiring per-copy royalty payments that cost more than a printed paperback version of their publication. Regardless of anyone's reasons for wanting or not wanting this kind of material in SwordSearcher, it is simply a moot point as long as these kinds of restrictions are in place.

Also, with Forge, any publisher can easily make their material available for SwordSearcher themselves. If a particular publisher has material you would like to see in SwordSearcher, you may want to contact them to let them know they could publish their material in SwordSearcher format without paying a penny in licensing fees.

However, feel free to email us letting us know what you would like to see in SwordSearcher. We are constantly seeking additional library material for the software, and if you know of a public-domain work that would be a good addition, let us know.

Is a manual available?

SwordSearcher includes an "online" manual in the program that is accessed by pressing F1 or selecting Open Help from the Help menu in SwordSearcher. Additionally, a printable PDF user manual is available here.

Do I need to uninstall the download version before installing the Deluxe version from CD-ROM?

No. The Deluxe CD-ROM installer will automatically update your installation to the full version.

Can I build my own modules for SwordSearcher?
Is there a way for third-party publishers to compile material in SwordSearcher format?

SwordSearcher features an internal user-created resource system, so that any user can create their own personal commentaries or books inside of SwordSearcher. (See the User menu.)

However, if you would like to be able to build your own SwordSearcher modules outside of SwordSearcher, either for personal use or for third-party publishing, take a look at Forge for SwordSearcher, a utility designed for compiling SwordSearcher modules from source text files.

Who is behind SwordSearcher?

SwordSearcher is programmed and marketed by Brandon Staggs, and the business is operated with the help of his family. The literary material in SwordSearcher is the work of countless other individuals, not the least of which are the authors (most of which have passed on long ago).

Brandon likes to program software, and loves the Bible. It is an honor to be able to write and distribute Bible software for a living. We also have additional software available here.

Brandon enjoys having direct contact with the users of the software he develops, so all of your questions and concerns will be directly handled by him. We believe you will agree that this kind of direct involvement with users helps make SwordSearcher worth your time and a little of your hard-earned money.

We are born-again, Bible-believing Christians. We have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior and will spend eternity in heaven due to the grace of God, not our works.

John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Is a user forum available?

Yes. A public user forum is online at forums.swordsearcher.com.

My question is not answered here!

By all means, email your question. Thanks for your time!