---
title: "Cloud Licensing"
canonical: "https://documentation.chaos.com/space/LIC5/124524692/Cloud%20Licensing"
format: markdown
---
## Benefits of Cloud Licensing

---

- **Works from anywhere**  
Users can access licenses from any location with Internet access — no VPN back to the office.
- **Centralized control**  
You control who can use which products from one location (My Chaos), rather than configuring workstations or network license access.
- **No License Server required**  
Starting in 2026, new Chaos product versions will not require a License Server to access licenses. You don’t need to install, maintain, or keep a License Server online for those versions.
- **One sign-in for the Chaos ecosystem**  
The same Chaos Account that unlocks licensing can also access connected services such as:
  - [Cosmos](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/COSMOS) (3D content collection)
  - [Cloud](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VCLOUD/pages/126075708) (one-click cloud rendering)
  - [Collaboration ](https://documentation.chaos.com/space/VCLOUD/126049555/Chaos+Cloud+Collaboration)(design reviews and presentations)
  - [AI Enhancer](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/VCLOUD/pages/126075881) (visual quality improvements, especially for people and vegetation assets)
  - AI Material Generator (turn images into usable materials)
  - Future online services as they are introduced

Details on license assignment, user access, and service access are covered in **[Managing Licenses](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/LIC5/pages/124757909)** and **[Accessing Licenses](https://docs-chaos.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/LIC5/pages/124493968)**.

## Cloud Licensing vs. a Centralized License Server

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Both Cloud Licensing and a centralized License Server are supported. You can choose the approach that fits each machine.

| **Aspect** | **Centralized License Server** | **Cloud Licensing** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| How licenses are provided | The product connects to a server you host on the local network. | The product accesses licenses directly using the Chaos account. |
| Network requirements | Users must be on the same network or connected via VPN to the centralized License Server. | Users only need Internet access. |
| Admin responsibility | You install, configure, and maintain the License Server. | No License Server will be required for new product versions released in 2026. |
| Access to product licenses and online services | Devices can connect to a centralized license server and access floating licenses without individual login.<br>Named seats and online services require a login on each device. | Users sign in with their Chaos Account only once when starting the product. |
| Fully offline use | Supports offline activation and up to 14 days of offline license borrowing for secure environments. Extended borrowing may be provided upon request. | Requires an Internet connection to sign in and use licenses.<br>Temporary Internet outages do not interrupt usage. |

Machines that cannot sign in interactively or do not have Internet access, such as render nodes, lab machines, or fully offline environments, should continue to use the License Server.