> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What's Included in the Shovels Free Trial?

> The Shovels free trial includes permit and contractor search, filters, and 250 API requests with full historical access. No credit card required.

**The Shovels free trial includes full permit and contractor search, all filters, and 250 API requests.** No credit card required. Paid plans unlock CSV downloads and higher API credit limits.

<Info>
  **Free trial vs. paid plans:** The free trial is request-based—each API call counts as 1 request, regardless of how many records it returns. Paid plans use a credit system where each record returned counts against your credits.
</Info>

## Features Available in the Free Trial

### Permit & Contractor Search

Users can access the **permit** and **contractor** search functionality from the left side of the user interface.

### Data Availability

* **Shovels Online**: The free trial includes access to the last 12 months of permit and contractor data. Paid plans unlock all historical data (on average, 25+ years).
* **API**: The free trial includes access to the full historical dataset—no date restrictions.

### Filters and Sorting

Users can utilize various filters to refine their searches. Filters are available for categories such as:

* Financial
* Building
* Permit
* Contractor

Paying customers can download search results and sort them in Excel or Google Sheets.

### Data Refresh Rate

Shovels data is updated monthly. See [data refresh frequency](/docs/knowledge-base/data/quality/refresh-frequency) for details.

## Getting Started

1. [Create a free account](https://app.shovels.ai) to begin your trial
2. Use the search functionality to explore permits and contractors
3. Apply filters to narrow down your results
4. Explore contractor profiles and permit details

<Info>
  The free trial provides a great way to evaluate Shovels' data quality and coverage before committing to a paid plan.
</Info>

## Next Steps

* [Learn how Shovels Online works](/docs/knowledge-base/shovels-online/how-it-works)
* [Try Charlie AI](/docs/knowledge-base/getting-started/charlie-ai) — ask permit questions in plain English
* [Understand our pricing structure](/docs/knowledge-base/getting-started/pricing-structure)
* Contact [sales@shovels.ai](mailto:sales@shovels.ai) for API access or enterprise products