Archicad 28 Technology Preview uses a cloud-based licensing technology. Read this article to learn how you can use and manage your license.
- Cloud licensing - what is it, and what are the benefits?
- Cloud licensing in Archicad 28 Technology Preview
- License management
- License activation
- License transfer between computers
- License deactivation
- Graphisoft Store
Cloud licensing - what is it, and what are the benefits?
While hardware keys have the benefit of accessing a license immediately as you plug in the USB key, these physical keys limit your access to your computer’s input/output resources. On the other hand, software keys free up your outlets, and you can access them any time they are downloaded. The downside, though, is that their usage requires more knowledge about licensing. In both cases, there is the possibility of damage, which heavily disrupts your work as you cannot access your software without a working license key.
Cloud licensing is a convenient option for IT and project managers who must distribute licenses among many team members. At the same time, they keep track of usage or individuals who work regularly from various locations. It has the benefits of both hardware and software keys: they are available from your computer without any additional object you need to carry with you and they are easy to configure. An additional benefit is that cloud licensing reduces the possibility of damage to the key, offering you peace of mind.
Cloud licensing in Archicad 28 Technology Preview
When you accepted the terms of conditions and joined the Graphisoft Technology Preview Program 2024, we automatically assigned a free named license to your Graphisoft ID. Suppose you are not familiar with the ‘named license’ terminology yet. In that case, the particular license is directly assigned to your Graphisoft ID account and cannot be transferred to anyone else, even if they are in the same company as you. You probably have used licenses similar to those of other products, such as Adobe Photoshop or Solibri.
Now that you have your license, all you need to do is download the latest Archicad version from our Downloads page and sign in with the Graphisoft ID you used here on Graphisoft Community – that’s it!
License management
You can review your Technology Preview license at graphisoftid.graphisoft.com. Log in with your Graphisoft ID to manage your profile, check your company information, and get information about your available licenses.
Select the Licenses option to review your Technology Preview license.
On the Licenses page, you will see your currently available licenses and some basic information, such as company information and company admin information. Select the Cloud licenses option to review your Technology Preview license.
You can check additional information regarding your cloud license on the Details page. With the Graphisoft Technology Preview license, you get access to the following products and services:
- Archicad 28 Technology Preview
- Subscription benefits include access to Maxon Redshift, Library Part Maker, and PARAM-O. For detailed information, please check this documentation.
Please note that company admins cannot manage and overview their company members’ cloud licenses during the Graphisoft Technology Preview Program.
Please read the FAQs for more information about licensing and eligibility.
License activation
Activate your cloud license for Archicad 28 Technology Preview by signing in with your Graphisoft ID. Make sure to enter your credentials correctly and that an internet connection is running.
Enter your username and password and sign in. That’s it!
NOTE: Once you activate your Technology Preview license, it can be used for an unlimited time as long as you have an internet connection. If you need to use Archicad offline, no worries; the license gives you seven days of offline usage. After seven days, you might need to verify license validity (internet connection needed).
License transfer between computers
You might want to use Archicad 28 Technology Preview on multiple devices. When you log in with your Graphisoft ID on the second device, Archicad will notify you regarding the license in use.
Release your license and select the Refresh button to transfer your license.
License deactivation
You can use Technology Preview on one computer at a time, but your license can be released from one computer and activated on another one on the internet.
Visit graphisoftid.graphisoft.com and log in with your Graphisoft ID account. Under the Licenses menu’s Cloud licenses page, you can see where your license is currently used. Click the Release from device button to release your license from the currently used device.
Select Release license to finish the process. Please note that if Archicad is still running on the first computer when you release the license, a message will prompt you to save your project because the license for this computer is no longer available.
Graphisoft Store
If you were already an Archicad user when you joined the Graphisoft Technology Preview Program, you can continue using the Graphisoft Store as usual.
However, if you are a new user who has never purchased Archicad before and decide to buy our software based on your experiences with the Technology Preview, you need to take some extra steps.
When you join the Graphisoft Technology Preview Program, a free license is connected to your Graphisoft ID. As part of this process, a “Company account” is created, which allows you to participate in the Technology Preview.
If you decide to buy a subscription to any Graphisoft product while the Technology Preview period is still open, that would be great! You can use your Graphisoft ID to purchase the subscription. However, please be aware that you must leave the Technology Preview and delete your Company account before buying the subscription.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the Graphisoft Store.
- Sign in with your Graphisoft ID.
- The following page opens:
- If you want to leave the Technology Preview and buy a subscription: click Leave Technology Preview.
- The Company Management page opens.
- Scroll down and click Delete Company.
- Choose your subscription and complete your purchase!
NOTE: If you need both a subscription and Technology Preview access at the same time, leave the Graphisoft Technology Preview Program group on Graphisoft Community, finish your purchase, and apply for the Program on preview.graphisoft.com again.
