License Setup

Activate your SimSolid license from within the product.

Key Licensing Concepts

Altair Units (AUs)
SimSolid utilizes Altair Units, a patented, units-based subscription licensing model that provides access to the entire Altair product portfolio and Altair Partner products. You purchase a pool of sharable units, and users draw units from this pool to access various products from any location. Units return to the pool after use, becoming available to all authorized users. This model is designed for flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to individual licenses.
Altair One Portal
This is the central hub for managing your Altair products, including SimSolid. It's where you will register for trial licenses, manage your Altair Units subscription, and access support.
Altair License Management System (ALMS)
For server-based licenses (network licenses), the Altair License Management System is required to manage and distribute licenses across your network.

License Setup Methods

When SimSolid is launched, the Altair License Setup dialog will automatically appear. There are a few primary options for activating your license:
Hosted Altair Units (Recommended for Cloud-based Licensing)
This is the most common and flexible method for users with a Hosted Altair Unit subscription. It requires an active internet connection.
  1. In the Altair License Setup dialog, select the Hosted-on Altair One option.
  2. Enter your Altair One username and password in the provided text boxes.
  3. Optional If your company uses a proxy server, select the Use proxy checkbox and enter the necessary proxy parameters.
  4. Click OK.
  5. SimSolid will connect to your Altair One account and draw units from your pool.
Local License File (Node-locked Licenses)
This method is used when you have a specific license file (typically for node-locked licenses that do not require a license server).
  1. In the Altair License Setup dialog, select the License file option.
  2. Browse to the location of your license file (for example, altair_lic.dat) on your local computer.
  3. Select the file and click Open.
  4. Click OK in the License Setup dialog.
Network License Server
If your organization uses a centralized Altair License Management System, SimSolid can connect to a network license server.
  1. In the Altair License Setup dialog, select the License server option.
  2. Enter the server address in the format port@hostname. For example, 6200@mylicenseserver.
  3. If you have multiple license servers, separate them with a semi-colon (;). For example, 6200@server1; 6200@server2.
  4. Optional You can also configure the license server values by setting the ALTAIR_LICENSE_PATH environment variable in Microsoft Windows. The format for this variable is the same as above.
  5. Click OK.
Trial License
If you are evaluating SimSolid, you can obtain a trial license.
  1. In the Altair License Setup dialog, select the Trial license option.
  2. Enter the username and password you obtained by registering for the trial license at www.altair.com.
  3. Optional Enter company-specific proxy parameters if needed.
  4. Click OK.
    Note: Trial licenses are for product evaluation only, are full-functioning but time-limited (30 days), and cannot be used for production or commercial purposes. The remaining trial time is displayed in the SimSolid title bar and About window.
Offline Mode Activation
SimSolid offers an Offline Mode for users who need to work without a continuous internet connection.
  1. In the License Setup window, select the Offline Mode checkbox.
  2. Once activated, your Altair Units will be temporarily locked to your machine for up to 14 days.
  3. To return the units to the pool sooner, you must deactivate Offline Mode. Otherwise, they will be returned automatically after 14 days.
    Important: Restarting SimSolid will not deactivate Offline Mode. You must manually deactivate it within the software to release the units.
Switching Product Editions (SimSolid Standard versus Advanced)
SimSolid offers different editions (for example, Standard and Advanced) with varying capabilities. SimSolid Advanced unlocks additional solution types.
  1. Go to Settings > License within SimSolid.
  2. From the Product edition drop-down menu, select your desired edition (for example, Advanced).
Note: You must have sufficient Altair Units available in your license pool to switch to a higher edition like SimSolid Advanced. Refer to Product Comparison.

Troubleshooting

Internet Connection
For Hosted Altair Units, ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Proxy Settings
If you are behind a corporate proxy, make sure your proxy settings are correctly configured in the License Setup dialog.
License Server Accessibility
If using a network license server, verify that the server is running and accessible from your machine (check firewall settings, network connectivity).
Altair License Management System Version
For server licenses, ensure you are using a compatible version of Altair License Management System (for example, Altair License Management System 14.5.1 or newer for SimSolid with Altair 2019 or later license files).
Altair One Account
Double-check your Altair One username and password for Hosted Altair Units or trial licenses.
Authorization Code
In rare cases where automatic authorization doesn't work, you can generate an authorization code from your Altair One profile (under "Authorized Machines" in the "User Profile" section) and use it in the Altair License Utility.