Which license type is best for you?
OriginLab offers several licensing models to ensure flexibility, scalability, and compliance for individual users, teams, and large organizations.
The choice of license primarily depends on where and how often the software is needed.
The choice of license primarily depends on where and how often the software is needed.
1. Fixed Seat Licenses (Node-Locked)
This is the most straightforward option, where the license is permanently tied to a single computer.
| Feature |
Description |
| Usage |
Ideal for individual users who work on the same dedicated computer every day. |
| Activation |
Requires activation (online or offline) through the OriginLab website |
| Portability |
Licenses can be deactivated directly within Origin and reactivated on a new computer if needed
(e.g., when replacing a machine, or moving the license from one user’s PC to another user’s PC). |
| Benefits |
Lowest cost per seat, guaranteed access to the software at any time. |
2. Shared/Floating Licenses (Concurrent Network)
This option is designed for teams that need to share a limited number of licenses among a larger group of users.
| Feature |
Description |
| Usage |
Ideal for teams and workgroups where many people need access, but only a limited number will use the software simultaneously (e.g., 50 users sharing 10 seats). |
| Mechanism |
A FLEXnet license server * (installed on your network) monitors usage. It only allows the number of purchased seats to run Origin at any given moment. |
| Flexibility |
Includes a Borrow Option that allows users to temporarily take a license offline (e.g., for travel or remote work) for a defined period. |
| Restrictions |
Time Zone Restriction: All client machines must be in the same time zone as the license server. Multi–time zone or global usage requires an additional fee. |
| Management |
Usage can be restricted (e.g., by user, department, or group) using an options file on the server. |
* Users must be on the same network as the license server to use a license.
3. Highly Portable License (Dongle)
This is a specific option designed for high-security environments or users who need maximum portability without network access.
| Feature |
Description |
| Eligibility |
Available exclusively to COM and GOV (Commercial and Government) users. |
| Mechanism |
A physical USB dongle is provided for each purchased seat. |
| Requirement |
The dongle must be plugged into the USB port of the computer to run Origin. |
| Benefits |
Highly portable; does not require network access, activation, or deactivation. |