Codesys License Activation < TOP-RATED • 2025 >

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

Your Complete Guide to CODESYS License Activation If you’re working in industrial automation, you’ve likely encountered CODESYS. It’s the "Swiss Army Knife" of PLC programming, used by hundreds of hardware manufacturers. While the development environment itself is often free to download, getting your runtime or specific libraries to work on your hardware requires a license.

Navigating CODESYS license activation can feel a bit like a maze if you don't know the path. Whether you are using a soft PLC on a Raspberry Pi or a high-end industrial controller, here is the step-by-step breakdown of how to get your system up and running. 1. Understanding the Two Types of Licenses

Before you start clicking buttons, you need to know where your license will live. CODESYS offers two main containers:

Soft Containers (Software-Based): The license is tied to the specific hardware footprint of your PC or PLC. It’s convenient because you don't need extra hardware, but if your hard drive fails or you change your motherboard, the license might become invalid.

Hard Keys (USB Dongles): The license lives on a physical CODESYS Key (USB). This is the most flexible option. You can move the USB stick from one controller to another, and the license follows the stick. 2. Pre-Requisites for Activation

To ensure a smooth process, make sure you have the following ready:

The Product Key: This is a 25-digit alphanumeric code provided by the CODESYS Store or your hardware vendor.

CODESYS Development System: Ensure you have the IDE installed on your PC.

Connection to the Target: Your PC must be able to "see" the PLC over the network.

Codemeter Runtime: This usually installs automatically with CODESYS, but it must be running in your system tray (the little grey or green "C" icon). 3. Step-by-Step Activation Process Method A: Activation via the CODESYS IDE (Standard) This is the most common method for most users. Open CODESYS: Launch your project or a blank project. Open License Manager: Go to Tools > License Manager.

Select the Target: Choose whether you are activating a license on the Device (the PLC) or the Workstation (your PC). If choosing Device, select your PLC from the network scan.

Choose Container: Select "Soft Container" or "Key," then click Activate License. Enter Product Key: Paste your 25-digit key.

Online Transfer: The wizard will connect to the CODESYS License Server and automatically download the license to your device. Method B: Offline Activation (The "Sneaker-Net" Method)

If your PLC is on a secure factory floor with no internet access, you’ll need to use the offline request method.

In the License Manager, select Activate License and choose Offline Request.

The software will generate a WibuCmRaC file (License Request File). Save this to a USB drive.

Take that file to a computer with internet and go to the CODESYS License Central website.

Upload your request file and enter your Product Key. The site will give you a WibuCmRaU file (License Update File).

Bring that file back to your PLC via the License Manager to complete the process. 4. Troubleshooting Common Issues codesys license activation

"License Container Not Found": Ensure your USB Key is plugged in firmly or that the Codemeter service is running.

"Invalid Ticket": Double-check for typos. It’s always best to copy-paste the key directly from your purchase email.

Connection Timed Out: Ensure your firewall isn't blocking the CODESYS IDE from reaching the internet license server (Port 443).

Hardware Changed: If you are using a Soft Container and replaced a part in your PC, you may need to contact CODESYS support to "restore" or "re-host" the license. 5. Best Practices for License Management

Always Backup: Once activated, take a screenshot of your License Manager screen.

Use Dongles for Critical Jobs: If a PLC fails in the field, you can simply plug the USB key into the replacement PLC and be back online in minutes.

Keep your "Ticket" Safe: The 25-digit code is your proof of purchase. Treat it like cash!

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

Activating a CODESYS license typically involves linking a purchased Ticket ID to either a hardware dongle (CODESYS Key) or a software-based "Soft container" on your PC or PLC device. While the CODESYS Development System itself is free to use, runtimes and specific add-ons require these licenses for permanent operation. Online Activation via License Manager If you must use SoftContainer in a VM,

This is the standard method for systems with direct internet access.

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

Codesys License Activation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Codesys is a popular software used for programming and configuring industrial control systems, particularly in the field of industrial automation. To use Codesys, users need to activate a license, which can be a bit tricky if you're new to the software. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of Codesys license activation, explaining what you need to do to get started with the software.

What is Codesys?

Before we dive into the license activation process, let's briefly introduce Codesys. Codesys is a software tool used for programming, configuration, and testing of industrial control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other automation devices. The software provides a comprehensive development environment for creating and testing control applications, making it a widely-used tool in the industrial automation industry.

Why is License Activation Required?

Codesys requires a license to operate, which is a common practice for software vendors to protect their intellectual property and ensure that users have a valid and supported version of the software. The license activation process verifies that you have a genuine copy of Codesys and helps the software vendor to manage and track license usage.

Types of Codesys Licenses

There are several types of Codesys licenses available, including: Troubleshooting Common Issues If you encounter issues during

Codesys License Activation Process

The license activation process for Codesys involves the following steps:

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues during the license activation process, here are some common problems and their solutions:

Best Practices for Codesys License Activation

To ensure smooth and efficient license activation, follow these best practices:

Conclusion

Codesys license activation is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and a basic understanding of software licensing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be able to activate your Codesys license and start using the software to program and configure industrial control systems. If you encounter any issues during the activation process, refer to the troubleshooting section or contact the software vendor's support team for assistance.

Here are three different versions of a write-up for "CODESYS License Activation," depending on where you intend to use it (e.g., a technical manual, a quick-start guide, or a blog post).

Before activating, it is crucial to understand how CODESYS manages licenses.

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

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.

Cause: The .lic file is corrupted or for a different CODESYS version. Solution:

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.

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.