About ReadyAPI Licenses
Important Notice for ReadyAPI Customers
Starting from ReadyAPI 3.62.0, VirtServer 3.29.0, and TestEngine 1.34.0, SmartBear Product Family has fully deprecated file-based licenses and transitioned to the ID-based SmartBear License Management (SLM) system. Any customers still using file-based licenses must complete their migration to SLM by September 30, 2025.
From October 1, 2025, existing and activated file-based licenses will continue to work for some time. However, SmartBear will no longer generate new file-based licenses or support activation and deactivation of file-based licenses in ReadyAPI, VirtServer, or TestEngine. All new and updated licenses are now issued in SLM only.
All technical support for file-based licenses has now ceased, and SmartBear no longer maintains the file-based licensing system. Any access or service issues will result in service disruptions that we will not be able to restore.
If you have not completed the process of migrating, contact your Account Manager or SmartBear representative today. Our teams are ready to assist with smooth transition strategies. For additional support, log a request with our SmartBear Support, who are standing by to help.
For further information and timelines, refer to the File-Based License End-of-Life Policy page.
The way you activate, use, and manage licenses depends on the license type.
ReadyAPI license types
ReadyAPI uses the following license types:
SmartBear ID-based: This new license type was introduced in ReadyAPI 3.8.1. It implies that to activate and use the product, you specify your SmartBear account. If you don’t have an account, you will have to create one. To view and manage account settings, use the new SmartBear License Management Portal.
Licensing behavior:
Fixed and floating licenses work on physical hardware and Remote Desktop Access requirements.
Floating licenses are required for headless use with virtual machines.
Floating licenses are required for use with Docker containers.
File-based (Deprecated): File-based licenses remain usable in ReadyAPI 3.61.0 and earlier. To activate the product, specify a license file or consume the license from the license manager running in the local network.
Licensing behavior:
Fixed and floating licenses work on physical hardware and Remote Desktop Access requirements.
Floating licenses are required for headless use with virtual machines.
Floating licenses are required for use with Docker containers.
For details about deprecation timelines, support status, and required actions, see the Important Notice for ReadyAPI Customers.
All trials are now provided with SmartBear ID-based licenses.
ID-based licenses for existing users
The following table helps us understand the difference between ID-based and file-based licenses:
Feature | ID-based | File-based |
|---|---|---|
Activation procedure | The user specifies the email and password of their SmartBear account. | The user gets a license file from SmartBear and then uses this file to activate the license on their machine. |
Binding to computer | The license is bound to a user, not to a computer. Users can easily switch between the machines. | The license is bound to one workstation or server. Activation on another machine means deactivation of the current one. |
License subtypes | Both ID-based and file-based licenses can be Fixed User and Floating. However, the licenses are treated in a bit different way. | |
Using multiple machines | Supported for both Fixed User and Floating licenses. A very easy switch between machines: to use the product on another computer, one just needs to close it on the current machine. | An easy switch is possible for Floating licenses only. Fixed User licenses must be deactivated first. |
Control of use | Fixed User: by the License Servers. Floating: by the SmartBear License Servers. | Fixed User: by the licensing subsystem of your ReadyAPI instance. Floating: by the standalone License Manager running in the local network. |
Work in private networks | Supported for both Fixed User and Floating licenses. License activation requires a licensing administrator connection to the SmartBear Licensing Portal. | Supported. License activation may require a connection to the SmartBear License Servers. |
Managing users (For Floating licenses) | In the SmartBear Licensing Portal or the On-Premises License Server installed in your network. | In the standalone License Server. |
License compatibility
ID-based and file-based licenses can be used together to license different modules of ReadyAPI. For example, you may have an ID-based license for ReadyAPI Test and a file-based license for ReadyAPI Performance.
