iLok Cloud Managed Mode vs Automatic Mode

Justin L

October 13, 2026 23:09

Understanding iLok Cloud Modes

The iLok License Manager supports two types of iLok Cloud sessions: Automatic Mode and Managed Mode. By default, iLok Cloud operates in Automatic Mode.

💡 Key Difference:

Automatic Mode: Instantly activates all cloud-enabled licenses when a cloud session is opened.

Individual licenses can not be manually activated or deactivated.
Your iLok Cloud session will appear as a grey iLok Cloud logo with an "A" indicating Automatic Mode:

Managed Mode: Operates the iLok Cloud session as a physical device, with manual control over license activations.

Individual licenses can be manually activated or deactivated.
Your iLok Cloud session will appear as a blue iLok Cloud logo with an "M" indicating Managed Mode:

How to Switch Modes

To toggle between Automatic and Managed Mode, open your cloud session in iLok License Manager and click the Show Details option:

iLok Show Details for Mode Switching

Switching your iLok Cloud mode will activate this option:

Cloud Mode Options UI

🔄 Activating Licenses Based on Cloud Mode

The iLok Cloud mode affects how your Slate Digital licenses are activated. This includes the Complete Access subscription, microphone emulations, Fresh Air*, and Heatwave*.

✅ Automatic Mode Activation

If your iLok Cloud is in Automatic Mode, any compatible licenses will automatically activate when you open your iLok Cloud session.

⚠️ If you’ve opened your iLok Cloud session on another machine, you’ll need to reopen it on your current machine via File → Open Your Cloud Session. Your iLok Cloud will automatically be closed on the previous machine when a new iLok Cloud session is opened.

Reopen Cloud Session

🛠️ Managed Mode Activation

In Managed Mode, licenses are not automatically activated. You must manually activate them:

Go to the Available tab in iLok License Manager.
Find your Slate Digital license.
Right-click the license and choose Activate, or drag and drop it onto your iLok Cloud session.

Screenshot 2025-04-30 at 1.26.48 PM.png

⚠️ If no activation locations appear, make sure your iLok Cloud session is open (File → Open Your Cloud Session), and that your License Manager is up to date. Also, ensure the license has available activations.

🔑 Important: Only the Complete Access subscription, microphone emulations, Fresh Air*, and Heatwave* licenses support iLok Cloud activation.
All perpetual licenses must either be activated to a physical iLok 2 or 3 USB dongle or directly to your computer (Machine ID).

*Versions of Fresh Air and Heatwave released on or after October 15, 2026 no longer require a license or iLok Cloud session. If you already have a license for either plugin, it will remain on your account but is only used by older versions.