This page explains the different types of Graphisoft product licenses, plus Demo Mode.
Floating licenses with Archicad Collaborate
A cloud-based license is connected to a user’s Graphisoft account, so it works only if the user has signed in.
You can use a cloud-based license if
•your company has purchased a cloud-type subscription
•you have a Graphisoft account, and you have signed in
•your company administrator has assigned a license to you
After purchasing a subscription, your company administrator assigns you a license using the cloud-based license site.
When you start up your Graphisoft product, you are prompted to sign in to your account with your Graphisoft ID. Your license is then activated, and you can start working.
Make sure you sign in with the right account and the right credentials, otherwise you might not get your license.
To release your license, you must sign out of your account.
Floating licenses with Archicad Collaborate
For Archicad Collaborate subscriptions purchased in September 2023 or later: Your Collaborate cloud license can act as either a named license or as a floating license, depending on how the license is assigned on the Licensing management page:
•The cloud license is named if it is assigned directly to your Graphisoft ID account
•The cloud license becomes floating if assigned to a group
The Administrator or Contract Manager can create, edit, and invite Graphisoft ID accounts to groups. Those members can then access the floating licenses in their group.
For more information, see: Floating Licenses
If you have a key-based commercial license, you need either a hardware key (CodeMeter) or a software key.
If you purchased a single copy of Archicad, you received a “single license” key. If you purchased multiple licenses, you received a “NET” key which holds all your licenses.
You will also be able to run older versions with some technical limitations.
Archicad File and Protection Key Compatibility
Key-based Archicad License Types
Cloud licenses vs. Key-based licenses: Frequently Asked Questions
Rental License (Selected Markets Only)
With the rental option, you can buy a license for a certain time period, such as one month. During the purchased time period, you can use Archicad without any limitation - e.g. running multiple sessions all day.
The service period starts on the order date (the user gets 5 extra days that cover the delivery time of the physical key).
When you start the program, a dialog box will let you know how many days remain available on your rental license. You can also check this number at Help > License information.
When you start the program, it automatically checks to see if you have a license available. If not, you can continue in Demo Mode.
Demo Mode gives you full functionality except file saving, publishing, and collaboration features (Hotlinks, Teamwork). Use Demo mode to open, view and try out functions.
The unavailable commands and menu items are disabled, and the program’s title bar changes to Demo.
The Education license is available if you are a student, teacher or contact person at an educational institution.
A serial number can be obtained by registering at www.myarchicad.com. The first step of registration gives you a temporary serial number and a download link. This temporary serial number is valid for 30 days.
After you register, the credentials you provided go through an approval stage, after which Graphisoft’s local representative sends you a final serial number.
Educational Serial numbers are issued for a one-year period. Once it expires, you can apply for yearly extensions until the end of your studies.
File Format and Compatibility
•The Archicad Education Version cannot be converted to a commercial version, because it is designed for use by students or for educational purposes only. The Education Version cannot be used for commercial purposes.
•EDU and commercial project files have the same file format (.PLN), but EDU files have an irremovable watermark at the top right corner. This watermark will be present on all printouts.
•EDU project files (including shared Teamwork projects) can be opened with a commercial version of Archicad. In this case, Archicad switches to EDU mode and the watermark will be present.
•Commercial project files can be opened with an EDU version of Archicad. The watermark is added, and cannot be removed.
Note: Teamwork Projects shared in the commercial version cannot be joined by users having the Education version.
•Apart from ‘Open’, no other data exchange (e.g. copy, paste, merge, hotlink) is allowed between EDU and commercial project files.
•If your serial number is that of an individual student rather than an educational institution, you will not have the option to create a custom Installation Package.