SmartGit license files are binary/encrypted. They are not plain text.
A valid commercial license file content (encrypted) looks like garbage data.
Example non-working mock (illustrative):
# NOT A REAL LICENSE – structure for understanding
license-version: 2
type: commercial
user: name@example.com
issue-date: 2025-03-01
expiry: 2026-03-01
product: SmartGit
version-min: 21.0
signature: 8a7f3b2c...
Do not attempt to edit a real license file – it will break the signature.
SmartGit is a powerful, cross-platform Git client with a loyal following among developers who need advanced features like Git-Flow, SVN integration, and GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket pull request support. Unlike many modern development tools that have moved entirely to subscription-based cloud licensing, SmartGit employs a hybrid model involving a local license file. smartgit license file
Searching for the term "SmartGit license file" usually means one of three things: you have purchased a commercial license and need to install it, you are trying to restore an expired license, or you are encountering an error where the application refuses to recognize your existing license.
This article leaves no stone unturned. We will cover where SmartGit stores license files on Windows, macOS, and Linux; how to manually import a smartgit.license file; how to convert an evaluation or non-commercial license to a commercial one; and the most common troubleshooting steps when things go wrong. SmartGit license files are binary/encrypted
Run SmartGit from the command line to quickly verify:
smartgit --license-info
This outputs the current license status without opening the GUI. Do not attempt to edit a real license
SmartGit does not have an "Export" button. Instead, simply copy the file from the settings folder. That file is your license.
Because the license file is just a small text file, treat it like a password.
If you have a yearly subscription, the license file might still be present but expired. Check the Help → License Manager for the expiration date. Renew and replace the file.