Most Popular Questions

Can I use BeerSmith on more than One Computer?

Yes, we recently modified our use policy to allow a user to install a single key on up to TWO computers as long as both are for personal use, and both are owned by the licensee.  For example, installation on a personal laptop and personal desktop using one key is OK.  Sharing or giving the key to another person is strictly prohibited.

How do I Install BeerSmith?

Installation instructions are available on the main downloads page.

How do I set Customize My Equipment?

Customizing your equipment is one of the most important first steps - see this article for a description of how to do it.

Setting Default Recipe Options?

The best way to set up all of your defaults for creating a new recipe is to first create a blank recipe with the New Recipe button.  Next, open that recipe and set all of your desired defaults (equipment, batch size, type, mash profile, carbonation, etc...).  Finally use the Save Recipe As Default command on the Actions menu to save the current recipe settings as the new default.  Now when you create a new recipe, all of your defaults will be loaded as well.

How can I Backup My Recipes?

First, select the My Recipes directory in BeerSmith.  Next use the Export command on the File menu to export the entire recipes directory to an external location.  Use BeerSmith file format (*.bsm) for the export.

BeerSmith and Linux?

BeerSmith will run under Linux Wine, a free windows emulator.  Here's a step-by-step set of instructions.

1) Install Wine (http://www.winehq.org/)
2) Install IES4Linux (http://www.tatanka.com.br/ies4linux/page/Main_Page)
3) Download the BeerSmith installer
4) Set your the WINEPREFIX environment variable to $HOME/.wine/ie6
5) Run "wine BeerSmith.exe"

What is your Update/Upgrade Policy?

All minor version updates (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, etc...) are provided free of charge to registered users.  Major upgrades (i.e. Version 1.4 to version 2.0) will require a new registration.

Technical Questions

What is the Bitterness (IBUs) Different than Other Programs?

There are two main reasons:

1. BeerSmith uses the Tinseth equation for estimating bitterness while may other programs default to Rager.  You can change the equation if desired from the Bitterness tab on the Options dialog (Tools menu).

2. BeerSmith fully utilizes your equipment settings, so please make sure these are correct for your recipe.  Many programs and equations do not take into account the size of boil and its effect on bitterness which can have a huge effect on hop utilization.  BeerSmith does take all of your equipment settings into account.

What is the Original Gravity different than Other Programs?

There are three possible reasons:

1. First, make sure you have the right type of recipe selected.  For example marking an Extract Recipe as All-Grain will result in a completely wrong OG.

2. Make sure your equipment settings, batch size and brewhouse efficiency are correct.  Any of these will significantly affect the original gravity calculation.

3. For extract brewers, many programs/calculators incorrectly account for steeped grains. Steeped grains typically yield OG contribution in the 10-30% range, well below that of mashing.  BeerSmith correctly adjusts for extract brewers, but other tools may be less accurate.

Calculating Actual Brewhouse Efficiency?

If you keep accurate records from your brewing session, you can very accurately calculate your actual brewhouse and mash efficiencies using the Brewhouse Efficiency button available on the main recipe page.  Click on this button and enter your actual OGs and volumes to see how your brewing system performed.

Printing and Print/Preview Problems?

BeerSmith uses an Internet Explorer plugin to perform print preview (including the preview window pane).  If you are having problems with print or print preview, try opening Internet Explorer and check its printing options to make sure the default printer and other options are correct.   If you are running BeerSmith under Linux/Wine, make sure Internet Explorer is also installed under Wine.

What is your Privacy Policy?

It is our policy never to intentionally share any personal data, emails or other data with third parties except as necessary to complete a BeerSmith purchase transaction.  We will not sell your email or addresses to others for the purpose of marketing.  We do maintain an email list used only to notify you of major BeerSmith upgrades, but you may opt out by contacting us.  Despite our policy, we have limited control over third party services such as Paypal, Mastercard, Visa and others so please read their respective privacy policies.  With regards to the discussion forum and BrewWiki, we make reasonable efforts to keep your data protected, but cannot provide an iron-clad guarantee against malicious, criminal or third party activity on the forum or Wiki.  If you see any such activity please inform us immediately.

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