---
title: "Activating Corona"
canonical: "https://documentation.chaos.com/space/CRMAX/125309200/Activating%20Corona"
format: markdown
---
## **Activate Corona**

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Once you've installed Corona for 3ds Max, you need to activate it. The process varies slightly depending on the Corona version you are activating:


### **Corona 12, Update 2 and later**

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> Macro (refined-steps)
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> Start 3ds Max. 
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> Go to **Render Setup** > **Renderer** and set **Corona** as your active renderer.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://adddf536-9d72-4325-b258-7f0e4ac9a922)
> 
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> If you are not logged into your Chaos account, a notification pops up prompting you to sign in.
> 
> Click **Sign in**.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://2843c865-590f-46d1-b22c-ca7ed261743c)
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> Sign in with your Chaos email and password.
> 
> **If you have an active Corona subscription, you are done - your license is now activated!** You can just return to 3ds Max and start rendering right away. 
> 
> 
> ![image](media://f53fcfd1-8a45-423a-8695-92ecacb13a45)
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> To access the License Server or your Chaos account, go to **Render Setup** > **System** > **About Chaos Corona/Licensing** and select **Open license server** for access to the Chaos License Server, or **Chaos account** for access to your account.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://12bfd365-45ae-4e4b-becc-b05f11ebed36)


> ℹ️ For **Corona Premium** license, and to download the other Chaos Products included (Chaos Phoenix, Chaos Scans, Chaos Player), please visit the [Chaos Downloads Page](https://download.chaos.com/).

> ✅ If you need any help activating Corona or any other product, please [contact us](https://support.chaos.com/hc/en-us/requests/new).


### **Corona 12, Update 1 and previous**

---

> Macro (refined-steps)
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> Start 3ds Max.
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> Go to **Render Setup** > **Renderer** and set **Corona** as your active renderer.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://adddf536-9d72-4325-b258-7f0e4ac9a922)
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> In the Render Setup window, go to **System** > **About Chaos Corona/Licensing**.
> 
> Click **Activate license...**. A window with multiple options opens.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://bb2e118c-46b9-4759-80f3-545908405726)
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> Click **Open the License Server**.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://749213c7-a756-4b52-896d-9450ca950d06)
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> The **Chaos Licensing** page opens in your internet browser. Click **Sign in**.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://bfcdbef1-b460-491a-9add-6462ca3e8783)
> 
> 
> > Macro (refined-step)
> 
> Sign in with your Chaos email address and password.
> 
> **If you have an active Corona subscription, you are done - your license is now activated!** You can just return to 3ds Max and start rendering right away.
> 
> 
> ![image](media://f53fcfd1-8a45-423a-8695-92ecacb13a45)


> ℹ️ For **Corona Premium** license, to download the other Chaos Products included (Chaos Phoenix, Chaos Scans, Chaos Player), visit the [Chaos Downloads Page](https://download.chaos.com/).

> ✅ If you need any help activating Corona or any other product, please [contact us](https://support.chaos.com/hc/en-us/requests/new).