The feature allows you to place the license file in specific OS locations:
One File for All: Even if you purchase multiple licenses for a team, you typically receive one single license file to be shared among all authorized users.
Device Limit: Each individual user can use their license on up to 5 different machines or operating systems per month.
No Group Buying: The official policy states that group buying is not supported; licenses must be purchased for the specific entity using them. How to Install Your License File There are two primary ways to register your license: Manual Registration: Open SmartSVN and navigate to the Help menu. Select Register to switch to the Professional edition. Point the application to your saved license file. Automated Deployment (for 10+ users):
For larger Professional licenses, you can place the license file directly into the default SmartSVN directory.
When a new user starts the software for the first time, SmartSVN will automatically prefill the license field in the Setup wizard, allowing for a seamless start. On-Premise License Servers
For enterprise environments, SmartSVN offers on-premise license server options. Important security rules apply:
Access Control: Access to the license server must be limited to authorized staff and should never be accessible to the public on the internet. smartsvn license file
Usage Audits: Licensees are responsible for checking the number of active users at least once a quarter to ensure they don't exceed the agreed limit. Managing Upgrades
When you upgrade your version of SmartSVN, the existing license file is generally recognized automatically. This prevents "license expired" prompts and allows you to continue your workflow without manual re-entry. SVN client SmartSVN: Purchase Licenses
SmartSVN license files are standalone text or data certificates used to authorize the Professional or non-commercial editions of the SmartSVN client. This detailed guide covers how to obtain, install, and manage these license files. 🔑 Types of SmartSVN Licenses
Evaluation License: A temporary, machine-specific trial requested automatically during the first launch of the application.
Commercial License: Paid perpetual licenses meant for standard business users.
Non-Commercial License: Free licenses designated for open-source developers, students, or academic employees.
Foundation Version: A free, reduced-feature version of the client that does not require a commercial license file. 📥 How to Obtain Your License File The feature allows you to place the license
For Commercial Users: Complete your transaction on the SmartSVN Purchase Page. You will receive a single master license file via email, even if you ordered seats for multiple users.
For Non-Commercial Users: Fill out the registration form on the official website to have a dedicated file generated and sent to you.
For Large Teams: If you order 10+ users, the file is specifically generated as a multi-user deployment file. 🛠 How to Install the License File Method 1: The Setup Wizard (Manual) Launch SmartSVN on your desktop.
If it is your first time opening it, the Setup Wizard will appear. Choose the option to Activate a License.
Browse your local files and select the license file you downloaded from your email. Method 2: Mass Deployment (For 10+ Users) For IT administrators deploying to large teams:
Locate the default installation directory of SmartSVN on the host machine. Move the license file into that central directory.
When the user starts SmartSVN for the first time, the client will automatically prefill the licensing fields. 📋 Essential Rules & Limitations While you should never manually edit a license
Per-User Licensing: SmartSVN is licensed per person, not per machine.
5-Device Rule: An individual licensed user is allowed to use their license file on up to 5 machines or operating systems per month.
Updates and Expiration: License files grant perpetual use of the current major version, plus free minor bug fixes. Access to new major versions depends entirely on whether you purchased a 1, 2, or 3-year upgrade coverage plan. 🔄 How to Update or Renew
To update an existing pool of licenses (for example, adding more seats for a growing team): Navigate to the SmartSVN Purchase Page. Look for the Additional Licenses section.
Upload your current SmartSVN license file directly to the portal.
Adjust your desired quantity to your new total user count and proceed to checkout.
While you should never manually edit a license file (it will break the digital signature), understanding its structure helps in debugging. Open the file in a plain text editor (like Notepad or VS Code). You will see something like this:
-----BEGIN SMART_SVN LICENSE-----
"licensee" : "Acme Corporation",
"type" : "Enterprise",
"issueDate" : "2024-01-15",
"expirationDate" : "2025-01-15",
"maintenanceExpiration" : "2025-01-15",
"signature" : "MIIEwYJKoZIhvcNAQECo...[long encrypted string]..."
-----END SMART_SVN LICENSE-----
What to look for:
Even with a valid file, things can go wrong. Here are the most frequent issues and how to resolve them.