ACTCAD License Types

Four ways to license ACTCAD — all perpetual, all with lifetime validity, all transferable. Pick the one that matches how your team actually works.

♾️ Perpetual · Lifetime validity 🔄 Unlimited self-transfer ✔ GEM Registered Vendor

Key-Based License

Individual drafters & independent consultants

Activated over the internet with a unique serial number. Offline activation is supported too. Move it between computers any time using the built-in License Transfer command — there is no limit on the number of transfers.

Machines: One at a time
Internet: Once, to activate (offline option available)
Transfers: Unlimited, self-service

Network Floating License

Offices and enterprises with in-house CAD teams

Served across your own LAN, so the license floats between connected computers as people need it. Can be activated with license keys or a USB dongle, and needs no internet connection.

Machines: Any on the LAN — one active at a time per license
Internet: Not required
Transfers: Floats automatically between LAN computers

Live Cloud License

Remote and hybrid teams

Runs through the ACTCAD Cloud License Server. Authorize up to five machines against one license and the license moves between them automatically over the internet — no manual activation or deactivation.

Machines: Up to 5 authorized, one active at a time
Internet: Required
Transfers: Automatic, no activation step

Dongle-Based License

Secure sites and low-connectivity locations

The license lives on an ACTCAD USB dongle. Plug it into whichever machine you need — no internet, no LAN, and no need to uninstall or reinstall the software when you move it.

Machines: Wherever the dongle is plugged in
Internet: Not required at all
Transfers: Move the dongle — that is the whole process

At a Glance

The practical differences, side by side.

	Key-Based	Network Floating	Live Cloud	Dongle
Needs internet	Once, to activate	No	Yes	No
Machines covered	One at a time	Any on the LAN	Up to 5 authorized	Wherever plugged in
Moving it	License Transfer command	Floats automatically	Automatic	Move the dongle
Works fully offline	After activation	Yes	No	Yes
Perpetual licence	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Best suited to	Individuals & consultants	In-office teams	Hybrid / remote teams	Secure & offline sites

Every edition — Standard, Premium and Map Drafter — is available under all four license types. Compare editions →

Licensing Questions

Are all ACTCAD licenses perpetual?

Yes. Every license type is a one-time purchase with lifetime validity — the software keeps working even if you never pay again. There is no renewal date and no subscription.

Can I move a license to a different computer?

Yes, and there is no limit on the number of transfers. Key-based licenses use the built-in License Transfer command, cloud licenses move automatically, and a dongle simply plugs into whichever machine you need.

Which license works without an internet connection?

Network floating and dongle licenses need no internet. A dongle needs no network at all, which is why it suits secure sites and locations with limited connectivity. Key-based licenses activate online once, and offline activation is also supported.

How many people can use one license?

One machine at a time for every type. A network floating license is shared across your LAN — any one computer can use it at a given moment. A live cloud license can be authorized on up to five machines, again with one active at a time.

Can I mix license types across a team?

Yes. Many firms run network floating licenses in the office, cloud licenses for hybrid staff and dongles for secure or field machines. Talk to us and we will map the mix to how your team actually works.

Not Sure Which Fits?

Tell us how your team is set up — office, remote, secure site or a mix — and we will recommend the licensing that suits, with a volume or GEM quote if you need one.

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