The process for CODESYS license activation is managed through the CODESYS Development System via the License Manager tool. Licenses can be activated on two types of containers: a USB Dongle (CODESYS Key) or a Soft Container directly on the target PLC or controller. Activation Process Overview
To activate a license, you generally follow these steps within the CODESYS IDE:
Connect to the Device: Ensure your development PC is connected to the target controller (e.g., via Ethernet) and that you have internet access to reach the CODESYS license server. Open License Manager: Go to Tools -> License Manager. Select Target and Container: Choose Device to install the license on the PLC runtime.
Select either Soft Container (software-based, locked to the hardware) or Dongle (portable USB key). Install and Activate: Select the specific device from the list. Click Install Licenses and choose Activate License.
Enter your 25-digit Ticket ID received via email after your purchase from the CODESYS Store.
Finalize: Follow the wizard to complete the transfer. Once successful, the license will show a green checkmark or appear in the container's product list. Key Licensing Models
Application-Based Licenses: These are hardware-independent and scale based on the application's complexity, such as the number of I/O channels, fieldbus instances, and code size.
Workstation Licenses: Used for professional add-on tools within the CODESYS Development System (e.g., CODESYS Professional Developer Edition).
Demo Mode: Without a license, most runtimes operate in a demo mode that automatically exits after 2 hours. Troubleshooting and Maintenance Frequently Asked Questions | CODESYS Store International
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.
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 codesys license activation
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
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.
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: The process for CODESYS license activation is managed
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 involves using a Ticket ID (25-digit code) purchased from the CODESYS Store to license either a development computer (Workstation) or a target device (PLC/SoftPLC). Here are the primary methods for activation: 1. Online Activation (Easiest)
Requirements: Internet connection on the PC running CODESYS Development System. Open License Manager: In CODESYS, go to Tools →right arrow License Manager.
Select Target: Choose Device (for PLC) or Workstation (for PC) and click Next.
Select Container: Choose Soft Container (software-based) or Dongle (USB key) and click Next. Activate: Click Install Licenses →right arrow Activate License.
Enter Ticket: Input your 25-digit ticket ID. The license will be activated online. 2. Offline Activation
Requirements: A PC with Internet access and a target device without Internet access.
Create Context File: In the License Manager on the target device, select Request License to generate a context file (*.WibuCmRaC).
Activate via Web: Move the file to an Internet-connected computer and go to license.codesys.com.
Upload & Download: Upload the context file, enter the Ticket ID, and download the license update file (*.WibuCmRaU).
Install License: Transfer the update file back to the target computer and select Install License in the License Manager. Key Licensing Concepts
Soft Container: The license is locked to a specific device's hardware ID. It cannot be easily moved.
USB Dongle: The license is locked to a physical CODESYS Key. This allows transferring the license to different devices.
Application-Based Licensing: As of recent versions, licenses can be based on the project scope (e.g., number of I/Os) rather than just the hardware. To give you the most accurate steps, I need to know:
Are you activating a Workstation (CODESYS IDE) or a Device/PLC (runtime)?
Are you using a USB Dongle or a Soft Container (device-locked)? Does the machine have internet access? Licensing of Products - CODESYS Online Help
On Windows:
Tools → License ManagerCODESYS licensing isn't difficult once you understand the "Container" concept. It is actually more flexible than traditional PLCs—you can move licenses, stack them, and even rent them monthly.
Remember: Always, always return your Soft Container license to the dongle/Server before wiping a hard drive. Otherwise, you are calling support and explaining why you "lost" a $500 license.
Have a war story about a license expiring at 3 AM on a production line? Tell us in the comments below. Start Menu → CODESYS → CODESYS License Manager
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
: 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 typically use the License Manager
within the CODESYS Development System. The process varies slightly depending on whether your target device (like a Raspberry Pi or PLC) is online or offline, and whether you are using a Soft Container (software-based) or a hardware (USB key). Core Activation Requirements : A 25-character alphanumeric code received after purchase. Internet Access : Required on the PC running the CODESYS IDE. Connection
: A stable network connection between your PC and the target PLC/device. CODESYS Online Help 1. Online Activation (Standard Method)
This is the most direct method when your CODESYS Development System has internet access. Open License Manager : In the CODESYS IDE, go to Tools → License Manager Select Target to license a PLC/Controller. Workstation to license a local PC add-on. Choose Container Soft Container (standard for most PLCs) or Select Device
: If activating for a PLC, scan the network and select your device from the gateway list. Install License Install Licenses Activate license , and enter your
: Select the specific license from the ticket (if multiple exist) and click CODESYS Online Help 2. Offline Activation
If the target device or development PC cannot reach the internet, you must use a manual file-transfer method. Create Request License Manager Request license to generate a context file ( *.WibuCmRaC Upload to Web Depot
: Take the context file to an internet-connected PC and upload it to the CODESYS License Central Download Update : Enter your
on the website and download the resulting license update file ( *.WibuCmRaU Import License : Return to the License Manager on the original PC, select Install license , and point to the downloaded .WibuCmRaU CODESYS Online Help 3. Activation on Specific Hardware (HMIs) For certain HMIs (like Maple Systems
cMT models), activation may occur through the device's web interface or specialized tools: Licensing of Products - CODESYS Online Help