Learn how to deploy a ZWCAD network license step by step, including installation, activation, server configuration, and client connection.
Deploying a ZWCAD network license is an efficient way for organizations to manage and share CAD resources across multiple users. Instead of assigning a fixed license to each computer, a network license allows users to access ZWCAD on demand, improving license utilization and reducing overall costs.
However, the deployment process involves several steps, including installation, activation, server configuration, and client connection. For beginners, it may seem complex at first.
This guide provides a clear, step-by-step workflow to help you successfully deploy a ZWCAD network license. You can also refer to the simplified process overview below to have a basic understanding:
| Step | Stage | What You Will Do | Endpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install and Activate License Manager | Download and install the ZWSOFT Network License Manager; Activate the network license using online or offline method | Server |
| 2 | Configure and Start License Service | Set up LMTOOLS, define service name, and specify license file; Start the license server and verify it is running properly | Server |
| 3 | Connect Client Computers | Configure client machines to request and use floating licenses | Client |
A ZWCAD network license is suitable when multiple users need to share a limited number of licenses instead of each user having a standalone license.
1. Multiple users share limited licenses
If your team has more users than available licenses, a network license allows users to share licenses based on simultaneous usage. For example, 20 users may only need 8–10 licenses if not everyone uses ZWCAD at the same time.
2. Centralized license management
Network licensing allows IT administrators to manage all licenses from a central server. This makes it easier to monitor usage, control access, and avoid managing licenses on individual computers.
3. Multi-office or distributed teams
For companies with multiple departments or locations, a network license can be shared across offices via LAN or VPN. This helps unify license management across the organization.
4. Occasional or flexible users
Users who only use CAD occasionally (e.g., managers or field staff) can temporarily take a license when needed.
5. Offline work with license borrowing
Users who work outside the office can borrow a license for offline use. They can continue using ZWCAD without network access during the borrowing period.
6. Long-term standardized deployment
If your company plans to standardize on ZWCAD, network licensing reduces long-term maintenance effort. Licenses can be centrally upgraded or migrated without managing each device individually.
Now that you understand the overall workflow, let’s walk through each step in detail to ensure a smooth and successful deployment.
To deploy ZWCAD network license successfully, you first need to download and install the ZWSOFT Network License Manager, which is essential for license activation, distribution, and management across your organization. You should download the latest version of the Network License Manager from the official ZWSOFT website to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
After installation, the next step is to activate your network license. ZWSOFT provides two activation methods to suit different environments:
● Online Activation – Recommended for servers with internet access, offering a fast and straightforward setup process.
● Offline Activation – Ideal for secure or isolated environments without internet connectivity.
In the following sections, we will introduction both activation methods step by step.
To activate your network license online, ensure your server is connected to the internet, then follow these steps:
1. Open the Network License Manager, and in the Online Activation section, enter your Activation ID and specify the license quantity (Note: Licenses may not exceed the max valid number).
2. Click Activate to complete the activation process.
To activate your ZWCAD network license offline, follow these steps:
1. Open the Network License Manager. In the Offline Activation section, enter your Activation ID and specify the license quantity (Note: Licenses may not exceed the max valid number). After that, click Generate.
2. Choose a location to save the request file. Then click Save.
3. Access the ZWSOFT License Management Platform when computer is accessible to Internet, or copy the request file to another device with internet connection. Login ZWSOFT License Management Platform (using the Activation ID).
4. On the platform, go to Manage Entitlements, select Manual Activation.
5. Click Browse to upload the request file and click Submit.
6. Click Save To File to download the response file.
7. Return to the Offline Activation interface in the Network License Manager, click Browse to upload the response file, then click Activate to complete the activation.
After activation, you need to configure and start the ZWCAD network license server to make licenses available to client machines.
Follow these steps to configure the server:
Step 1. Search Network License Configuration in the Windows Taskbar search Box to open it.
Step 2. Click the Config Services tab＞Save Service.
Step 3. Switch to the Start/Stop/Reread tab, and click Start Server.
Step 4. Click the tab Server Status ＞ Perform Status Enquiry. Check the text box below to confirm the status. You will see the total amount of licenses that have been issued.
After the license server is successfully deployed, client computers need to connect to the server to request and use floating licenses and borrowed license in ZWCAD.
Follow these steps to activate license on a client machine:
Step 1. Open ZWCAD License Manager. Click Start＞All Programs＞ZWCAD 2026＞License Manager (the path may vary depending on your device or system configuration).
Step 2. Click the Activate License button to open the activation page.
Step 3. In the activation options, select Request a Floating License. Enter the Server Name or IP address and Port number of the license server. Then click QUERY to display all available licenses on the server.
The Server Name/IP and Port number are usually provided by your IT administrator or the person who deployed the license server. If you are setting up the server yourself, you can find this information in the license file or in LMTOOLS (Config Services tab).
Step 4. Expand the list and select the license you want to use. Click Activate to complete the activation process.
Deploying a ZWCAD network license may seem complex at first, but by following a structured approach—from installation and activation to server configuration and client connection—you can set up a stable and efficient licensing environment.
A properly configured network license server not only improves license utilization but also simplifies management for IT teams. Once deployed, your organization can enjoy flexible access to ZWCAD across multiple users and locations.
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