How to Activate a License to Your Computer (Machine-ID)

If you’re looking to activate your Slate Digital plugins directly to your computer (also known as Machine-ID activation), this guide will walk you through both available methods. Machine-ID activation allows you to use your plugins offline, without needing to remain connected to the internet.

💡 Want to learn about all activation methods including iLok Cloud and iLok USB dongles? Click here

What is Machine-ID Activation?

Machine-ID activation ties your plugin licenses to a specific computer. Once activated, you won’t need an internet connection to use your plugins.

✅ Best For:

• Users who prefer an offline workflow.

• Those working on one or two dedicated systems.

• Reliable access without needing a dongle or internet.

🔒 How It Works:

• License is activated to your machine and stored locally.

• No internet is required after activation, except for license renewals for subscribers (All Access Pass & Complete Access Bundle). 

• To move a license to another machine, you must first deactivate it from the original computer using iLok License Manager.
  ➤ Important: Deactivation must be done on the computer where the license is active. Remote deactivation is not possible.

Method 1: Using Slate Digital Connect

1. Open Slate Digital Connect

   • If it’s your first time, sign in with your Slate Digital account credentials.

2. Grant Admin Privileges

   • You will be prompted to grant administrator access. On Mac, this appears as a pop-up window asking to install a Helper Tool (see image below).
     

   • Enter your computer’s username and password to continue.

     👉Note: Windows users will see User Account Control (UAC)

3. Activate Licenses

   • Click the blue “Activate Licenses” button.
     You’ll then see a screen like this:

4. Choose “Machine”

   • On the activation location screen, select Machine.

   • This will activate your licenses directly to your computer.

Method 2: Using iLok License Manager

1. Download & Install

   • Get the iLok License Manager here: https://www.ilok.com/#!home

2. Log In

   • Launch the app and sign in with your iLok User ID.

3. View Available Licenses

   • In the top menu, go to View > Available Licenses
     

4. Activate Your License

   • Find the plugin license you want to activate.

   • Right-click and select Activate.

   • Choose your computer (Machine-ID) as the activation location and follow the prompts.

Additional Info: iLok Cloud Overview

Prefer using multiple machines or working online? Here's a quick summary of iLok Cloud:

✅ Best For:

• Users who frequently switch devices.

• Those with a stable internet connection.

• No dongle or local activation needed.

🌐 How It Works:

• Plugins can be used on any computer with an active iLok Cloud session.

• Internet is required at all times to keep the session alive.

• If the internet drops or the session closes, the plugins will stop working.

Learn more about iLok Cloud and USB activation methods in this article:
🔗 iLok License Activation in Slate Digital Connect