This guide covers CODESYS license types and components, how licensing works, how to obtain and activate licenses, offline activation, transferring and binding licenses, troubleshooting common errors, and best practices for license management.
Q: Can I move a CmAct software license to another PC? A: Yes, but you must first deactivate it. In the License Management tab, click "Deactivate License". This returns it to your MyCODESYS pool. Then activate on the new device. (Limited to 5 moves/year).
Q: What happens if my USB dongle breaks? A: The license is stored on the dongle’s hardware chip. If it’s physically damaged, you must contact CODESYS support with your proof of purchase. They can deactivate the lost dongle and issue a new license.
Q: My runtime shows "Activated", but the PLC stops every 2 hours. Why? A: You likely have a Toolkit license (for development) but not a Runtime license (for execution). The demo timer stops if any feature lacks a valid license. Check the "Provider Info" pane for which component is expiring.
Q: Does CODESYS require an internet connection constantly? A: No. Activation is a one-time handshake. Once the license is on the target (dongle or hard drive), the runtime never phones home.
Before starting the activation process, verify the following:
Title: How to Activate Your CODESYS License Key
Introduction CODESYS development requires a valid license to unlock full functionality and runtime capabilities. Licenses are typically managed via the CODESYS Key (USB dongle) or a SoftContainer (file-based storage on the hard disk). This guide outlines the standard procedure for activating a new license using the CODESYS Development System.
Prerequisites
Step-by-Step Procedure
If you need step-by-step instructions tailored to a specific CODESYS runtime version, device vendor, or a particular licensing error code, tell me the exact runtime/device model and the error text and I will provide a tailored activation procedure.
Activating a CODESYS license typically involves linking a Ticket ID (a unique code received after purchase) to a hardware identifier, such as a Soft Container (software-based) or a USB Dongle (hardware-based). License Activation Methods 1. Standard Online Activation
The most common method uses the License Manager built into the CODESYS Development System.
Access: Open the CODESYS Development System and navigate to Tools > License Manager.
Container Selection: Select the device type (e.g., Soft Container on the PC or a connected USB Key).
Activation: Click Activate License, select Online Activation, and enter your Ticket ID. The system communicates with the CODESYS License Server to download and install the license directly. 2. Offline Activation (Transfer via File)
Used when the target controller or PC does not have direct internet access.
Generate Request: In the License Manager, select Activate License > Offline Activation. Choose Generate License Request (.WibuCmRaC).
Transfer: Save this file to a USB drive and take it to a PC with internet access. codesys license activation
License Portal: Upload the request file to the CODESYS License Central portal and enter your Ticket ID.
Download Update: The portal generates a License Update File (.WibuCmRaU).
Import: Return to the offline device and use the License Manager to "Import License Update." 3. Activation via Browser Portal
You can manage and activate licenses directly through a web browser if you have the Ticket ID. Visit the CODESYS Activation Page. Enter your Ticket ID.
View available licenses and follow the prompts to "Activate License" to a local container or dongle connected to your browser's host PC. Core Components
Ticket ID: A 25-character alphanumeric code provided in your purchase confirmation email.
Soft Container: A software-locked license tied to the hardware ID of your PC or PLC. If the hardware changes significantly, the license may become invalid.
USB Dongle (CodeMeter Key): A physical key that allows you to move the license between different machines easily. Important Considerations
Free Development System: The CODESYS Development System itself is free to download and use for project creation.
Runtime Licensing: Licenses are generally required for the Runtime System (the part that executes the code on a controller) or for specific paid add-ons like CODESYS Static Analysis or CODESYS Git.
License Backup: It is highly recommended to back up your license containers. If using a Soft Container, ensure you follow CODESYS documentation for "Restore" procedures if your hardware fails. CODESYS for your device: Licensing
The CODESYS Development System itself is free to use , but runtime features like Visualization SoftMotion require paid licenses for commercial use. Licenses are typically activated using a 25-digit Ticket ID received via email after purchasing from the CODESYS Store Methods for License Activation 1. Online Activation (Via CODESYS IDE)
This is the standard method when your development PC and target device have internet access. CODESYS Group Licensing of Products - CODESYS Online Help
To activate a CODESYS license, you typically use the License Manager integrated within the CODESYS Development System
. The process varies slightly depending on whether the target is your workstation or a connected PLC device, and whether the system has an active internet connection. CODESYS Store Prerequisites
: A 25-digit activation code received after purchasing a license from the CODESYS Store License Container : A storage location for the license, either a physical USB Dongle (CODESYS Security Key) or a SoftContainer linked to the specific hardware. Internet Access
: Required for direct online activation. If the target device is offline, an offline transfer method must be used. Activation Procedures 1. Online Activation (Recommended)
This is the fastest method for systems with internet access. Open License Manager : In CODESYS, navigate to Tools > License Manager Select Target Workstation (for engineering tools) or (for PLC runtime licenses). Choose Container : Select the appropriate SoftContainer from the list. Install License Install Licenses Activate License , and enter your This guide covers CODESYS license types and components,
: Follow the wizard prompts to complete the process. The license status will update once successful. CODESYS Online Help 2. Offline Activation
Used when the target PLC or workstation cannot access the internet. CODESYS Online Help Generate Request : In the License Manager, select Install Licenses > Request License . This creates a .WibuCmRaC context file. Upload to License Central
: Move this file to a computer with internet and upload it to CODESYS License Central Download Update
: Enter your Ticket ID on the site to generate and download a license update file ( .WibuCmRaU Import to Device
: Return to the License Manager on the target system, select Install License
, and point to the downloaded update file to complete activation. CODESYS Online Help 3. HMI-Specific Activation (Web Interface) Licensing of Products - CODESYS Online Help
To activate a CODESYS license, you primarily use the License Manager within the CODESYS IDE. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are licensing a Workstation (your PC) or a Device (the PLC). 🚀 Direct Activation (Online) If your computer has internet access, follow these steps: Open CODESYS and navigate to Tools → License Manager. Select Target: Choose either Workstation or Device. Select Container:
Soft container: A software-based license bound to your hardware. Dongle: A physical USB key (e.g., CodeMeter).
Scan/Select Device: If activating for a PLC, ensure you are connected to the PLC first.
Install Licenses: Click the Install Licenses button and select Activate license.
Enter Ticket ID: Input the 25-character alphanumeric code provided by your vendor.
Finish: The system will communicate with the CODESYS License Server to complete the process. 🌐 Offline Activation
If the target system lacks internet access, you must perform an offline transfer:
Generate Request: In the License Manager, select Request license to create a .WibuCmRaC file. Transfer File: Move this file to a PC with internet access.
Upload to Portal: Go to the CODESYS License Central, enter your Ticket ID, and upload the request file.
Download Update: The portal will provide a .WibuCmRaU update file.
Import License: Back in the CODESYS License Manager on the offline machine, select Install license and point to the downloaded file. 💡 Key Tips & Troubleshooting
User Login: When activating for a device, you may be prompted for credentials. If you lose these, you can follow the EDATEC guide for recovering login credentials. Title: How to Activate Your CODESYS License Key
Runtime Requirements: Ensure the PLC runtime is installed and running before attempting activation. Detailed steps for specific hardware can be found in the EDATEC License Activation guide.
Soft Containers: Be careful with "Soft containers" on virtual machines or after hardware changes, as the license may become invalid if the hardware fingerprint changes significantly.
📍 Note: The CODESYS Development System itself is free to download; licenses are typically required for runtime features (like Fieldbus support or Target Visu) on specific hardware. If you'd like, I can help you:
Find the correct license type for your specific hardware (e.g., Raspberry Pi vs. Industrial PLC). Troubleshoot error codes during the activation process.
Guide you through transferring a license from one device to another.
Activating a CODESYS license is a straightforward process, typically done through the CODESYS License Manager within the development environment or via a web browser using a Ticket ID. 1. Prerequisite: Locate Your Ticket ID
When you purchase a license, you receive a License Ticket ID (an alphanumeric code, e.g., 12345-67890-ABCDE-FGHIJ-KLMNO). Ensure you have this ready before starting. 2. Activation via CODESYS Development System
This is the most common method if your workstation or controller has an internet connection. Open the License Manager: Go to Tools > License Manager.
Select Target: Choose whether you are activating the license on a Soft Key (bound to your PC) or a Dongle (USB key). Choose Action: Click on Activate License. Enter Ticket ID: Paste your Ticket ID into the field.
Complete: The system will connect to the CODESYS License Server and transfer the license to your chosen container. 3. Activation via Web Browser (Wibu-Systems)
If your target device is offline, you can use the CODESYS License Central portal from any internet-enabled device. Enter Ticket: Input your Ticket ID on the portal homepage. Select Container: Choose the connected Dongle or Soft Key. Offline Transfer:
Generate a Context File (.WibuCmRaC) from the offline device's License Manager. Upload it to the portal. Download the resulting Update File (.WibuCmRaU).
Import that file back into the License Manager on the offline device. 4. Verification
Once activated, the license should appear in the License Manager list with a "Valid" status. For hardware PLC licenses, you can also verify them by logging into the PLC's web-based management interface (if available). Common Troubleshooting Tips
Gateway Issues: Ensure the CODESYS Gateway Service is running in your Windows system tray.
Runtime Version: Check that your CODESYS Runtime version on the PLC supports the license type you are activating.
Firewall: Ensure port 22350 is open, as this is used by the CodeMeter service to communicate with the license server.
To avoid downtime and legal issues, follow these pro tips:
When you purchase a license (e.g., CODESYS Control Win V3, CODESYS HMI, or a Visualization upgrade), you receive a License Ticket ID or a .lic file. This file is cryptographically bound to the specific container on your target device.