================================ License Activation & Transfer ================================ .. meta:: :description: How to activate and transfer your Paint Tool SAI license. Complete guide for Ver.1 and Ver.2 licensing. :keywords: paint tool sai, license, activation, transfer, system id, certificate This guide covers license activation for both Paint Tool SAI Ver.1 and Ver.2, including how to transfer your license to a new computer. .. important:: Users with a **SAI Ver.1 license** can use it to unlock save/load functionality in SAI Ver.2 at no additional cost. Understanding SAI Licensing =========================== Paint Tool SAI uses a **system-specific licensing model**: * Each license is tied to a unique **System ID** * Licenses are delivered as **certificate files** * You can transfer your license by requesting a new certificate * Ver.1 license holders get Ver.2 access included License Types ============= SAI Ver.1 License ----------------- * One-time purchase * Unlimited updates within Ver.1 * **Includes Ver.2 access** - Unlocks save/load in SAI 2 * System-specific certificate SAI Ver.2 License ----------------- * Separate purchase from Ver.1 * Full Ver.2 feature access * Required only if you don't own Ver.1 .. tip:: If you already own Ver.1, you do **not** need to purchase Ver.2 separately. First-Time Activation ===================== Step 1: Obtain Your System ID ----------------------------- 1. Launch Paint Tool SAI (Ver.1 or Ver.2) 2. The **System ID** is displayed: * Ver.1: During first launch or in Help → About * Ver.2: On the startup splash screen 3. Copy or write down the complete System ID .. note:: The System ID is unique to your computer hardware. It will change if you make significant hardware modifications. Step 2: Purchase a License -------------------------- If you haven't purchased yet: 1. Visit the `SYSTEMAX official website `_ 2. Navigate to the purchase page 3. Complete your purchase with your preferred payment method 4. Save your order confirmation and credentials Step 3: Request Your Certificate -------------------------------- 1. Go to the license download page on the SYSTEMAX website 2. Enter your **purchase credentials**: * Order ID or email address * Password (provided during purchase) 3. Enter your **System ID** exactly as shown in SAI 4. Click **Download License** 5. Save the certificate file Step 4: Install the Certificate ------------------------------- 1. Locate the downloaded certificate file (usually named with your System ID) 2. Copy the certificate to your SAI installation folder 3. Restart Paint Tool SAI 4. Verify activation: File menu should show normal Save/Load options Transferring Your License ========================= When you need to move your license to a new computer: Before You Transfer ------------------- * You can only have **one active license** per purchase * Transferring deactivates the old computer * Keep your purchase credentials safe Transfer Process ---------------- 1. **On your new computer:** * Install SAI * Note the new System ID 2. **On the SYSTEMAX website:** * Log in to your account * Navigate to license management * Request a new certificate for your new System ID 3. **Install the new certificate:** * Download the new certificate * Copy to SAI installation folder * Restart SAI .. warning:: After transfer, your old computer will no longer be licensed. You'll need to transfer again to use it. Using Ver.1 License for Ver.2 ============================= If you own a Ver.1 license and want to use Ver.2: 1. Install SAI Ver.2 (Technical Preview) 2. Note the **Ver.2 System ID** (different from Ver.1) 3. Log in to SYSTEMAX with your Ver.1 credentials 4. Request a Ver.2 certificate using your Ver.2 System ID 5. Install the certificate in your Ver.2 folder .. tip:: You can have both Ver.1 and Ver.2 licensed on the same computer, each with their own certificate. Troubleshooting License Issues ============================== "Invalid License" Error ----------------------- **Possible causes:** * Certificate is in the wrong folder * System ID has changed (hardware modification) * Certificate was generated for a different System ID **Solutions:** 1. Verify certificate is in the SAI installation folder 2. Check if System ID matches the certificate 3. Re-download certificate with current System ID Can't Download Certificate -------------------------- **Check:** * Purchase credentials are correct * Account is in good standing * System ID is entered exactly (no typos) If problems persist, contact SYSTEMAX support. System ID Changed Unexpectedly ------------------------------ Significant hardware changes can alter your System ID: * Replacing motherboard * Major BIOS updates * Changing primary hard drive **Solution:** Request a new certificate with your new System ID. Frequently Asked Questions ========================== **Can I use my license on multiple computers?** No, one license = one active computer. You can transfer as needed. **Does updating SAI invalidate my license?** No, updates don't affect your license. **What if I reinstall Windows?** Your System ID may change. Request a new certificate if needed. **Can I share my license?** No, licenses are non-transferable to other users. See Also ======== * :doc:`paint-tool-sai-2-technical-preview` * :doc:`installation-guide-no-installer` * :doc:`../tech/system-requirements`