How to Use Network License in AutoCAD?

Understanding Network Licensing in AutoCAD

Network licensing in AutoCAD allows multiple users within a shared network environment to utilize the same software licenses. This flexibility enables organizations to manage their software resources efficiently, ensuring that licenses are actively utilized without being tied to a specific machine. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively implement and manage a network license for AutoCAD.

Activating Your Network License

To start using a network license with AutoCAD, follow these steps to activate your license:

1. Navigate to register.autodesk.com and sign in using your Autodesk Account credentials.
2. Select your operating system, input the serial number associated with your AutoCAD software, and hit the “Next” button to continue the activation process.

Functionality of Network Licensing

A network license facilitates a shared pool of licenses that users on a common TCP/IP network can access. This system means that if a user opens AutoCAD on their workstation without an active session, they don’t consume a license until they actually initiate the use of the software. Once all sessions are closed, the license is released back to the pool for others to use.

Using Your Autodesk Network License

Utilizing your Autodesk Network license requires a few straightforward steps:

1. Log in to your Autodesk Account at manage.autodesk.com.
2. Navigate to the “Products and Services” section of your account.
3. Use the License Type filter to choose “Network” for your product.
4. Find your product, click on it, and select “Generate Network License File” from the dropdown options.
5. Provide the server name and the MAC address for the corresponding server to complete the process.

Setting Up the License Server

To direct AutoCAD to your designated license server, follow these steps:

1. Access the Windows Control Panel and select “System and Security”, followed by “System”.
2. Opt for “Advanced system settings”.
3. In the System Properties dialog box, locate and click on “Environment Variables”.
4. Under System variables, click “New” to create a new variable.
5. For Variable Name, enter ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE and specify the path to your license server.

Permanently Activating AutoCAD

If you want to permanently activate AutoCAD, follow these instructions:

1. Disable your Internet connection before starting the software.
2. Click “Activate” on the screen that appears for the Free Trial version.
3. Enter your serial number alongside the product key.
4. Select the option that states, “I have an activation code from Autodesk”, then input the activation code you received and click “Next”.

Cost of a Network License

The subscription cost for AutoCAD is typically structured as follows: a monthly subscription is priced at $210, while an annual subscription costs $1,690. This subscription package includes access to AutoCAD and additional specialized toolsets that enhance its functionality.

Obtaining a Free License for Students

Students can access a free educational license through the following steps:

1. Create an Autodesk account and provide necessary details about your educational status.
2. Verify your email address, then log into your Autodesk Account.
3. In the AutoCAD section, click the download button.
4. Review and accept the user agreement and click ‘Install’ to download the software.

Locating the License File

If you’re looking to find the license file for AutoCAD, you can typically locate it in the following directory on Windows for versions 2022 through 2025: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\CLML\G\Products\Product-Key_2025.30.

Transferring Your AutoCAD 2025 License

To transfer your AutoCAD license to a different machine, perform these actions:

1. Ensure that AutoCAD is installed on both the source and destination computers.
2. Close AutoCAD on the computer from which you wish to transfer the license.
3. Open the License Transfer Utility (LTU) on your current machine.
4. Sign in to initiate the license transfer process.
5. Choose whether to make the license publicly available for import by others.

Managing Multi-User Licenses

Managing multi-user licenses allows you to set limitations on how many concurrent users can access a license. Coordinating user access can prevent overutilization of licenses and improve operational efficiency within your organization.

Adding a License to Your Autodesk Account

To add an additional license, follow these steps:

1. Click on your user account in Autodesk’s interface, then navigate to “Manage License”.
2. Hit the “Activate” button within the License Manager. Follow the prompts to complete the license purchase or addition.

Working with License Files

Creating a new license file is crucial for maintaining access to software. For a visual guide, there are helpful tutorials available online that demonstrate this process step-by-step.

Understanding License Server Systems

A license server acts as a centralized solution that manages and distributes access tokens to clients on a network. These tokens allow the licensed software to run, ensuring that each user has the authorization to access the required applications.

Changing Your Network License Server

To switch to a different license server, take the following steps:

1. Click the dropdown arrow next to your username in the upper right corner of the interface.
2. Select “Manage License”.
3. In the License Manager, click on “Change License Type”.
4. Close AutoCAD and restart it to apply changes, following any guidelines that appear on the startup screen.

Finding Your License Server’s Computer Name

To identify the computer name for your license server, open the command prompt by typing “cmd” in the Run dialog box. Once the command prompt appears, type “hostname” and press Enter to display your server’s name.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a single license across multiple devices?

No, a single license cannot be used concurrently on multiple devices. However, network licenses allow for shared access among several users as long as the total number of users does not exceed the number of licenses purchased.

2. How do I know how many licenses are currently in use?

You can monitor your network license usage via the License Manager, which provides details on how many licenses are checked out and how many are available for use.

3. Can I downgrade my license from a network license to a single-user license?

Yes, it’s possible to change your license type. You must access the License Manager and follow the necessary steps outlined to switch from a network license to a single-user license.