Guide
Alphacam licence types explained: modules, licence carriers and terms
What an Alphacam licence covers: module and level, dongle, software and network licences, perpetual vs subscription, maintenance and moving to a new PC.
Published: 7 min read
An Alphacam licence is the right to use Hexagon's Alphacam CAD/CAM software in a given module, at a given level, on a given number of computers, for a given period. The most common source of confusion in workshops is that "we have Alphacam" can mean very different things: one shop has a Router licence that only handles 2D profiling, another has a top-level licence with advanced nesting and 3D machining. This article walks through the parts of an Alphacam licence, the ways it can be delivered, and what happens when you replace a computer. Terms vary by version and sales channel, so always confirm the details with an authorised reseller.
What a licence covers: module and level
Alphacam is not a single program but a family of modules split by machining type: Router for wood, MDF and sheet processing, Mill for metal milling, Lathe for turning, Profiling for laser, plasma and waterjet, Stone for marble and granite, and Wire for wire EDM. The licence first defines which module you can use; for furniture and joinery shops it is almost always Router. More on the modules: What is Alphacam? A CAD/CAM guide for furniture and wood CNC
Within a module there is also a level. Level names (Essential, Standard, Advanced, Ultimate and similar) and what each includes change between versions, but the general idea is consistent: the entry level covers 2D/2.5D work, and higher levels unlock 3D surface machining, 5-axis, advanced nesting and automation. Some features are sold as add-on options independent of the level. Two "Alphacam Router licences" may therefore not do the same thing.
Licence carriers: dongle, software, network
A licence has to be tied to something, otherwise it could be copied to any machine. Over the years three kinds of carrier have been used with Alphacam. Which one you are offered depends on the version, region and sales channel:
| Type | How it works | Advantage | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware dongle | A physical USB key that holds the licence | Move the key and you can work on another PC | Loss, theft or failure stops the licence; common on older versions |
| Software licence (node-locked) | Activation ties the licence to a specific computer | Nothing to plug in or lose | The licence must be transferred when the computer changes |
| Network licence (floating) | The licence lives on a server; networked PCs check one out while in use and return it on exit | Install on many PCs, run as many at once as you have seats | No access to the licence server means Alphacam will not start; the server needs looking after |
Recent versions lean towards software-based licensing; if you run an older dongle installation, expect the licence format to change when you upgrade. That change does not affect add-ins: if Alphacam starts, the add-ins inside it run too (Alphacam versions and add-in compatibility: what changed since 2019 R1?).
Term: perpetual plus maintenance, or subscription
How long the licence is valid is the second big distinction. Broadly there are two models; which is offered for which module and level depends on the sales channel and the period.
- Perpetual licence: bought once, and you may use the version you bought indefinitely. It usually comes with an optional annual maintenance contract; new releases and technical support depend on that contract.
- Term licence / subscription: you buy the right to use the software for a period (for example a year); the current version and support are usually included. If it is not renewed, the software stops working.
The cost and cash-flow differences between the two, and when renting makes sense for short projects, are compared in Buying or renting an Alphacam licence: a step-by-step guide.
Maintenance and version upgrades
The detail most often missed with a perpetual licence is that "perpetual" covers the version, not the future. While maintenance is active you are entitled to new releases; once it lapses you keep working with the last version you had but cannot move to later ones. Bringing a licence that has been off maintenance for a long time back to the current release may involve a reinstatement fee or back-dated maintenance; confirm the terms with your reseller.
The practical risk of running without maintenance lies less in the software itself than in everything around it: a new Windows release, a new machine and its post-processor (What is an Alphacam post-processor? Producing NC code for your machine), or the oldest Alphacam version a new add-in supports. GMacros add-ins, for example, support Alphacam 2019 R1 and later and will not run on anything older.
- Find out when your maintenance expires and put it in the calendar.
- Note the exact version shown under Help › About.
- If you are planning a new machine, a Windows change or new add-ins, make sure maintenance will be active at that point.
- If you decide to drop maintenance, archive the installer for your last version together with the licence documents.
Educational, student and trial versions
Licences for educational institutions and evaluation/trial versions of Alphacam are provided through resellers. What they have in common is that they are generally not for commercial production: an educational licence is for teaching and learning, a trial is a time-limited evaluation, and some versions restrict output or saving. If you want to try Alphacam on real work in your shop, ask the reseller for an evaluation set up with your own machine's post-processor and a short demonstration. Terms vary by version and sales channel.
Replacing a PC or reinstalling Windows
What happens depends on the licence type, and doing things in the wrong order can leave the licence unusable for a while:
- Dongle: plugging the key into the new computer and installing Alphacam is usually enough. The key cannot be backed up; loss or failure has to be handled through your reseller.
- Software licence: you may need to return or transfer the licence from the old computer before reinstalling Windows or replacing the disk. If the machine died and the return could not be done, the transfer goes through the reseller or the vendor, which can take time.
- Network licence: replacing a client PC is easy; the licence server is what matters. If the server is being replaced, plan the move of the licence to the new server.
Whatever the type, make the change a planned one: talk to the reseller first, complete the return or transfer, then install on the new machine. Back up the post-processors, Auto Style file, tool library and the add-ins in the Startup folder under LICOMDIR separately; they do not travel with the licence.
Multiple machines and multiple users
The number of licences is driven not by the number of CNC machines but by how many people or computers use Alphacam at the same time. Alphacam produces the NC file on a PC and the machine reads that file. So:
| Scenario | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| One programmer, several machines | One licence is often enough; each machine needs its own post-processor |
| Two or three programmers on different shifts | A network (floating) licence gives as many simultaneous users as it has seats |
| Programming in the office plus edits at the machine | Working in two places at once needs two seats; a network licence adds flexibility |
| Different materials (wood and metal) | Router and Mill are separate modules; both must be on the licence |
| Designers only draw DXF files | No Alphacam licence needed for drafting; the DXF is imported into Alphacam (DXF/DWG import and layer mapping in Alphacam: a clean path from design to production) |
Trying to run several computers at once on one licence, copying a licence, or using unofficial "cracked" builds carries both legal and technical risk; why you should stay away is explained in Alphacam crack: why a cracked licence is a bad deal, the risks and the legal options.
Alphacam licences and add-ins
GMacros does not sell Alphacam licences; it makes door, panel and cabinet macros and add-ins that run inside Alphacam Router. To use them you need a valid Alphacam Router licence and Alphacam 2019 R1 or later. If your licence is in place, the macro packages are on the products page.
Frequently asked
Does an Alphacam licence work on only one computer?
A software licence is usually tied to one computer, a dongle works on whichever PC it is plugged into, and a network licence can be installed on many PCs and runs as many at once as it has seats. Confirm which type you are being offered with the reseller.
I bought a perpetual licence; are new versions free?
Usually not. A perpetual licence lets you use the version you bought indefinitely; new releases come with an active maintenance contract. Terms vary by sales channel.
Will I lose my licence if I reinstall Windows?
With a software licence you may need to return it before reinstalling; if that was not done, the transfer goes through the reseller. Talk to them before you start.
Can I use a trial version for production?
No. Trial and educational licences are for evaluation and learning, not commercial production.
Do I need an Alphacam licence to use GMacros?
Yes. The add-in runs inside Alphacam, so you need a valid Alphacam Router licence. The add-in licence itself is separate and is bought from GMacros.
Related products
Tools that do the work described here with one click inside Alphacam: the GMacros add-in and macro packages. Purchasing and licensing are explained on How it works.
Written by the GMacros team. Alphacam is a registered trademark of Hexagon AB; this guide is independent.