basehead · licensing

Four ways to license.

Every option below has trade-offs — read closely so you pick the one that actually fits how you work.

basehead licensing options overview
Option 01 · Recommended

CloudBased Licensing.

Ditch all device binding. Open a Cloud Session to launch basehead — works from home, the studio, anywhere your internet does.

Who it’s forIndividuals with reliable internet. Also great for small facilities handing out temp WFH licenses.
  • No USB port. No machine binding. Complete freedom.
  • Cross-platform license — same key works on PC and Mac.
  • Hostile Takeover mode — jump between studio computers in seconds without shutting down the other copy.
  • Slightly slower launches — internet check on each start.
  • Locations with no internet at all? Pick a different option. (You get a 2-day grace period if our server is unreachable, 4 days for general internet outages.)
Learn more about CloudBased →
Option 02 · Enterprise

LAN License Server.

Enterprise-class floating licenses. Pool licenses, hand them out, take them back. Hybrid mode lets users check out a Cloud license for WFH from the same pool.

Who it’s forMulti-user facilities that need floating licenses with proper admin controls.
  • Simple license pooling at scale.
  • Hybrid mode — check out WFH Cloud licenses from the pool.
  • Easy multi-license admin. Cross-platform.
  • Works with the TEAMS addon for user permissions.
  • Both LLS and clients work fine with zero internet.
  • Need to install the LLS service on an always-on Windows, macOS, or Linux machine.

Not in the webstore — contact us to get set up.

Learn more about LLS →
Option 03

USB Device Locking.

Bind your license to almost any USB device’s serial number — including iLoks. Great for working in locations without internet.

Who it’s forPeople who occasionally work without internet. If you have internet everywhere, CloudBased is more flexible.
  • Use the same USB device you always have plugged in.
  • Cross-platform license.
  • Launches a touch faster — fewer internet checks.
  • Works offline.
  • You have to actually carry the device with you.
  • No floating-license support.
iLok binding FAQ →
Option 04

System Bound.

Lock the license to your system hardware. The simplest option if you only ever work in one place on one machine without internet.

Who it’s forSingle-user, single-location, no-internet setups. Recommended only if that’s actually you.
  • No USB port required. No internet required.
  • One machine at a time. Pick PC or Mac.
  • Not cross-platform — but you can Deactivate / Reactivate in 10 seconds to switch.
  • Zero mobility unless you bind to a laptop.
Moving existing licenses guide →
Common questions

Quick answers.

The questions we get most about how basehead licenses actually work.

I see a Renewal Date on My Licenses page. Is my license going to die?

Nope. basehead licenses are perpetual — they never die. The Renewal Date is when your 12 or 24 months of priority support, free updates, and FREE CloudPack streaming ends. basehead keeps working past that date just fine. The only exception is licenses we mark as Terminal or EDU.

What if my internet goes down with a CloudBased license?

basehead runs off a temporary certificate license for up to a 12-hour grace period, which should be plenty of time for your ISP to figure things out.

What if I lose or damage the USB device my license is bound to?

On the My Licenses page, press Deactivate to move your license to another device. License containers are fully self-managed now (unless it’s a CmStick).

I bound to my system drive and had to reformat. Now what?

Easy. Hit Deactivate, then Reactivate on the My Licenses page using the new DeviceSerial of the rebuilt machine — find it on the Activation tab of the License Panel.

Still not sure which one fits?
Email us.

Ask a pre-sales question Go to the store