Chaos Licensing
Cloud Licensing
This page provides information about Chaos Cloud Licensing.
Last updated 5 November 2025
This page provides information about Chaos Cloud Licensing.
Overview
Cloud Licensing lets you and your team access licenses by signing in with your Chaos Account. This means users can work from any location with Internet access, without needing to be on the same local network or connected through a VPN to a License Server.
Starting in 2026, new versions of Chaos products have Cloud Licensing built directly into the product. These versions can access licenses directly and do not require a License Server.
You can choose between Cloud Licensing and a Centralized License Server deployment, and you can switch at any time. You can also run both models in parallel - for example, have users log in with their Chaos accounts, while unattended or offline machines continue to use the License Server.
For rollout details, see the Migrating to Cloud Licensing article.
How Cloud Licensing Works
Instead of pointing each installation at a License Server on the local network, users only sign in. License access is centrally controlled in My Chaos, where you determine who in your organization can use which products.
See the video or read the articles below for a detailed workflow.
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Benefits of Cloud Licensing
- Works from anywhere
Users can access licenses from any location with Internet access — no VPN back to the office. - Centralized control
You control who can use which products from one location (My Chaos), rather than configuring workstations or network license access. - No License Server required
Starting in 2026, new Chaos product versions will not require a License Server to access licenses. You don’t need to install, maintain, or keep a License Server online for those versions. - One sign-in for the Chaos ecosystem
The same Chaos Account that unlocks licensing can also access connected services such as:- Cosmos (3D content collection)
- Cloud (one-click cloud rendering)
- Collaboration (design reviews and presentations)
- AI Enhancer (visual quality improvements, especially for people and vegetation assets)
- AI Material Generator (turn images into usable materials)
- Future online services as they are introduced
Details on license assignment, user access, and service access are covered in Managing Licenses and Accessing Licenses.
Cloud Licensing vs. a Centralized License Server
Both Cloud Licensing and a centralized License Server are supported. You can choose the approach that fits each machine.
Aspect | Centralized License Server | Cloud Licensing |
|---|
Aspect | Centralized License Server | Cloud Licensing |
|---|---|---|
How licenses are provided | The product connects to a server you host on the local network. | The product accesses licenses directly using the Chaos account. |
Network requirements | Users must be on the same network or connected via VPN to the centralized License Server. | Users only need Internet access. |
Admin responsibility | You install, configure, and maintain the License Server. | No License Server will be required for new product versions released in 2026. |
Access to product licenses and online services | Devices can connect to a centralized license server and access floating licenses without individual login. Named seats and online services require a login on each device. | Users sign in with their Chaos Account only once when starting the product. |
Fully offline use | Supports offline activation and up to 14 days of offline license borrowing for secure environments. Extended borrowing may be provided upon request. | Requires an Internet connection to sign in and use licenses. Temporary Internet outages do not interrupt usage. |
Machines that cannot sign in interactively or do not have Internet access, such as render nodes, lab machines, or fully offline environments, should continue to use the License Server.