> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Licenses

## **Why Are Licenses Needed?**

Both **Users and Viewers** require valid **licenses** to function properly in PADS4. Licenses must be **purchased from an authorized reseller** and then activated within the **PADS4 CTRL Center**.

Once licenses are activated, they can be **assigned to users** via **PADS4 System Management**, unlocking specific functionalities for each user.

***

## **License Activation Requirements**

✔ **Administrator Access Required**\
Only users in the **Administrators group** can activate a license.

✔ **Online or Offline Activation**\
Licenses can be activated using either an **internet connection (online)** or a **manual file upload (offline)**.

***

## **Online License Activation (Internet Required)**

1. **Open PADS4 CTRL Center**.
2. **Go to** the **Licenses** section from the left menu.
3. Click **Activate** to:
   * **Activate a new PADS4 system**.
   * **Check for license updates**.
4. The system will automatically retrieve and apply the license updates.

***

## **Offline License Activation (No Internet Available)**

If an internet connection is **not available**, licenses can be activated manually.

1. **Open PADS4 CTRL Center**.
2. **Go to** the **Licenses** section.
3. Click **Activate** to start the process.
4. The system will prompt for **Offline Activation**.
5. **Save the activation file** to your local disk.
6. Visit [**PADS4 Activation Portal**](https://activation.pads4.com/portal) and follow the instructions.
7. After activation is complete, **upload the returned license file** into PADS4 CTRL Center.

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## **Upload License File**

* If the **server does not have internet access**, activation must be done manually.
* Once NDS provides the **license file**, upload it using the **Upload License File** button in **PADS4 CTRL Center**.

***

## **Assigning Licenses to Users**

After activation, licenses must be assigned to users:

1. Open **PADS4 System Management**.
2. Navigate to the **User Management** section.
3. Select the user and assign the required license.

🔗 **[Click here for detailed instructions on license management](#).**

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## **Key Takeaways**

✔ Licenses are required for **users and Viewers**.\
✔ **Administrator access** is needed for activation.\
✔ Choose between **online or offline activation** methods.\
✔ **License assignment** unlocks functionality for users.

For further details, refer to **PADS4 System Management Help**.