Licensing
Use this section to choose how PDMShell should be activated and how PDMShell add-in access should be managed.
Need to evaluate Premium features first? Request a 7-day PDMShell trial license.
For current Premium pricing, visit PDMShell Premium.
One License, Two Activation Workflows
PDMShell Premium licensing is seat-based. Where you activate the license depends on how you want to use it.
| Workflow | Where The License Is Activated | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single machine | Activate the license in the standalone PDMShell application installed on that workstation. | One workstation or one administrator using PDMShell locally. |
| Pooled add-in access | Add and activate the license from the PDMShell add-in license manager in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Administration Tool. | A shared PDM vault where multiple users need access to PDMShell add-in automation. |
Use the standalone installed application when the license belongs to one machine. Use the add-in license manager when the license should be pooled and borrowed by users from the vault.
Choose A Licensing Workflow
| Need | Start here |
|---|---|
| Request a temporary license for evaluation | 7-day PDMShell trial license |
| Activate PDMShell on one workstation with internet access | License Activation |
| Activate PDMShell on an air-gapped or restricted computer | Offline Activation |
| Let a PDM vault manage shared add-in seats | License Pool |
| Use the local workstation license for add-in automation | Machine License |
| Add keys, activate pool keys, or review active borrows in the Administration Tool | Manage PDMShell add-in licenses |
Common Flow
- Install PDMShell.
- If the license is for one workstation, activate it in the standalone PDMShell application with License Activation or Offline Activation.
- If the license should be pooled for the PDM add-in, install the add-in and manage the keys from Manage PDMShell add-in licenses.
- If you use the add-in, choose either License Pool or Machine License mode.