Visual Components License Official
After your first year, if you skip maintenance on a perpetual license, you cannot upgrade to a newer version later without paying a “reinstatement fee” (often 50% of a new license).
Visual Components offers three distinct licensing models. Understanding these is the first step to cost optimization.
Before using any visual component in a project, ask:
The official text for the Visual Components End User License Agreement (EULA) covers the legal terms for the Visual Components product family, including installation, use, and liability. Core Terms of the Agreement
Parties & Acceptance: This is a legal agreement between you (the "Licensee") and Visual Components ("VISUAL"). By installing or using the software, you accept all terms, including warranty disclaimers and limitations of liability.
Usage Conditions: The software is licensed only on the condition that you accept all terms. If you disagree, you must not install it and should destroy or return all copies and documentation.
Version Compatibility: The Visual Components License Portal manages licenses specifically for version 4.0 and onwards. Versions 5.0 and later introduce new options like VC Accounts for centralized seat management. Types of Licenses Commercial License: Standard paid license for business use.
Evaluation License: Provided for a specific number of activation days. These cannot be transferred or deactivated once activated on a standalone system.
Educational/Student License: Tailored for academic institutions. These are typically intended for testing or exploration rather than full-scale school projects, which often require an EDU license through an institute.
Network License: Uses a License Server to manage floating licenses across a network. Key Licensing Resources Licensing - Visual Components
Understanding Visual Components Licensing Models Visual Components offers several proprietary licensing options designed to fit different organizational needs, from individual engineers to large academic institutions. Choosing the right license depends on your team's size, network environment, and specific use cases like remote work or virtual machine deployment. 1. Standalone License visual components license
A standalone license is tied to a single computer system using a 16-digit product key.
Best For: Individual users or small setups that do not require a constant server connection.
Transferability: You can move the license to a different machine up to 3 times per month, provided the original installation is completely removed.
Restrictions: It does not allow simultaneous use by multiple users over a network, installation on a server for remote access, or use within a virtual machine. 2. Floating Network License
This model uses a local license server to manage a pool of seats shared among multiple users.
Best For: Larger engineering teams and multi-user environments where concurrent access is needed.
Flexibility: Licenses are "checked out" when the software starts and returned when it closes. Users can also "borrow" a license for temporary offline use.
Requirements: Users must be on the same local network or connected via VPN to reach the license server. 3. VC Accounts (Credential-Based)
The newest model (currently in Early Access) replaces traditional product keys with centralized account-based access.
Best For: Large teams and academic institutions requiring high visibility and easy management. After your first year, if you skip maintenance
Management: Admins can reassign seats instantly via the Visual Components Licensing Portal without managing individual keys.
Usage: Requires an internet connection for initial login, but allows for offline borrowing for up to 30 days. 4. Educational & Evaluation Licenses
Unlocking Potential: A Guide to Visual Components Licensing Choosing the right license for Visual Components
—a leader in 3D manufacturing simulation—is the first step toward transforming your factory floor into a digital powerhouse. Whether you are a student, a startup, or a global manufacturer, understanding the licensing tiers ensures you have the tools needed for everything from basic layout design to advanced virtual commissioning. Choosing Your Tier: Essentials, Professional, and Premium
Visual Components offers three primary product levels, each tailored to specific industrial needs: Essentials
: The entry point for 3D simulation. It provides a library of 3,500+ ready-made CAD components
to help you quickly design and simulate manufacturing setups. Professional
: Built for those who need more than just pre-made models. This version includes "component creation" tools, allowing you to define and model your own custom components to fit unique factory requirements.
: The complete virtualization solution. It adds advanced features like virtual commissioning
, design reviews, and feasibility analysis, often used to validate designs with PLCs and robot controllers. Specialized Licensing for Every User The official text for the Visual Components End
Beyond the standard commercial tiers, specialized programs offer flexible access: Academia & Students
: Students enrolled in educational institutions can request a 30-day trial license
for educational purposes. Schools and universities can access Education Packages
with special pricing to support classroom learning and research. Visual Components Startup Program
lasts three years and provides yearly renewed licenses for Essentials, Professional, or Premium at a special rate for eligible early-stage companies. Evaluations : For businesses, a 14-day trial is often available on request to "test before you invest". Activation and Management
Once you have a product key, activation is handled through the software or the Visual Components Customer Portal
VisualComponents#Part1_Let's try A Powerful Simulation tools
Troubleshooting: The most common error is "License checkout timeout." This usually means your firewall is blocking TCP port 27000. Whitelist Visual Components immediately.
Assuming you need a commercial Visual Components license for a manufacturing facility: