Codesys License Activation -

If you must use SoftContainer in a VM, prepare a disaster recovery script that reapplies the .v2c file automatically – because you will need it.

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 codesys license activation

: 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

Before you type in a single license key, you need to know where the license will live.

Pro Tip: Always check "License Management" in your CODESYS Control Win/Linux PLC configuration to see if the system sees a container before you try to activate.

| Feature | CODESYS | Siemens (ALM) | Rockwell (FactoryTalk) | |----------|---------|---------------|------------------------| | Dongle required | Optional | No (soft license only) | No (serial-based) | | Online deactivation | Yes (d2v) | Yes | No | | VM support | Poor (SoftContainer) | Good | Good | | Grace period on failure | None | 7-30 days | 7 days | | License Manager stability | Moderate | Good | Poor (historically) |

One of the most common activation scenarios is unlocking the runtime on a PC (SoftPLC). If you must use SoftContainer in a VM,

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). Pro Tip: Always check "License Management" in your

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

Cause: The runtime was installed without the CodeMeter package. Solution: On Debian/Ubuntu, run sudo apt install codemeter. On CODESYS Control for Linux, this is often a separate .deb file from the CODESYS Store.