Licensing
FXCanvas uses a license system that allows you to use the application both online and offline. Once activated, your license works for 14 days without requiring an internet connection.
License Activation
Entering Your License Key
- Open Settings (gear icon in the menu bar or press
Ctrl+,) - Select the License tab from the sidebar
- Enter your license key in the input field
- Click Activate License
The activation process will:
- Validate your license key with our servers
- Register this computer to your license
- Download a signed certificate for offline use
Understanding Machine Count
Your license shows "Activated Machines (X/Y)" where:
- X = Number of computers currently using your license
- Y = Maximum computers allowed by your plan
If you've reached your limit, you'll need to deactivate an old machine or upgrade your plan.
Offline Access
What is the Offline Period?
After activation, FXCanvas works offline for 14 days. This is called the "offline period." The application stores a cryptographically signed certificate on your computer that proves your license is valid.
Auto-Refresh
Good news! FXCanvas automatically renews your offline period every time you launch the app while connected to the internet. If you regularly use the app with internet access, you'll never see an expiry warning.
When to Renew
If you've been offline for an extended period, you may see warnings:
- 3 days remaining: Yellow warning banner appears
- Expired: You must go online to continue using FXCanvas
How to Renew
- Connect your computer to the internet
- Open FXCanvas
- Go to Settings > License
- Click "Renew Offline Access"
The renewal happens automatically on app launch, so usually you just need to restart the app while online.
Managing Machines
Viewing Activated Machines
- Open Settings > License
- The "Activated Machines" section shows all computers using your license
- Each entry displays:
- Machine name (e.g., "FXCanvas - Jared's MacBook Pro")
- Machine ID (unique identifier)
- Deactivate button
Deactivating a Machine
To free up a license slot:
- Open FXCanvas on any of your activated computers
- Go to Settings > License
- Find the machine you want to remove
- Click Deactivate next to that machine
Note: You must be online to deactivate machines.
Machine Limit
If you receive a "Machine limit reached" error when activating:
- Deactivate an old machine you no longer use
- Or wait 14 days for an inactive machine's offline period to expire (automatically frees the slot)
- Or upgrade to a higher-tier license with more machine slots
Subscription Management
Customer Portal
Manage your subscription, payment method, and billing history through our customer portal:
From the portal you can:
- Update payment information
- View invoices
- Upgrade or downgrade your plan
- Cancel subscription
Subscription vs. Offline Period
There are two types of expiry:
| Type | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Period Expired | Haven't connected to internet in 14+ days | Connect to internet and open FXCanvas |
| License Expired | Your subscription has ended | Renew subscription in customer portal |
If your subscription expires:
- The "Renew Offline Access" button is hidden
- A "Renew Subscription" link appears instead
- You must renew your subscription before continuing
Renewing Your Subscription
- Visit the customer portal
- Log in with your account
- Update payment method if needed
- Confirm subscription renewal
- Restart FXCanvas to activate the renewed license
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| "Offline period expired" | Connect to internet and click "Renew Offline Access" in Settings > License |
| "License expired" | Renew subscription in the customer portal |
| "Machine limit reached" | Deactivate an old machine from Settings > License, or upgrade your plan |
| "Another device is active" | Deactivate the other device, or wait 14 days for its offline period to expire |
| "Activation failed" | Check your internet connection and verify the license key is correct |
| License shows as invalid after reinstall | Use the same license key to re-activate; old machine entry will be replaced |
Status Bar Indicator
The license status is shown in the bottom-right corner of the status bar:
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🟢 Green key | License valid, everything working normally |
| 🟡 Orange key | Offline period expires within 3 days - renew soon |
| 🔴 Red key | Unlicensed, expired, or needs immediate attention |
Hover over the icon to see detailed status information.
Getting Help
If you continue experiencing license issues:
- Go to Help > View Logs to check for error messages
- Contact support at support@spotlab.io with:
- Your license key (first and last 4 characters only)
- The error message you're seeing
- Your operating system version
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my license on multiple computers?
Yes, depending on your plan. Check your "Activated Machines" count to see how many slots you have.
What happens if I reinstall my operating system?
After reinstalling, simply re-activate with your license key. The new installation will replace the old machine entry.
Can I transfer my license to a new computer?
Yes! Just deactivate the old computer from Settings > License, then activate on your new computer.
Does FXCanvas work completely offline?
Yes, for up to 14 days after your last online activation or renewal.
What if I lose internet for more than 14 days?
FXCanvas will prompt you to go online. Once you reconnect, click "Renew Offline Access" and you're good for another 14 days.