Autodesk Network License Manager (NLM) – configuration and activation
Step-by-step guide for configuring and activating Autodesk NLM products.
Configuring and activating your Autodesk software using the Network License Manager (NLM) can significantly streamline your licensing management. Below is a detailed guide to assist IT professionals, procurement managers, and business decision-makers in setting up Autodesk NLM-licensed products.
Step-by-step guide
1. Download and Install Autodesk Network License Manager (LMTOOLS)
The tool is usually installed along with Autodesk software NLM products (such as Inventor 2019). It can be opened by typing LMTOOLS in the Start menu (Windows icon).
Alternatively, the Network License Manager tool can also be downloaded from the Autodesk website.
2. Collect all necessary information for the license file
Before obtaining a license file, gather essential information such as your server host name and physical address (MAC). To find this information, open LMTOOLS and navigate to the System Settings tab:
Server Host Name = Computer/Host name
Physical Address = Ethernet Address
Write down this information as it will be required in the next steps.
3. Contact Autodesk for a license file for the NLM deployment
Log in to your Autodesk account at manage.autodesk.com.
Contact an Autodesk support agent: Contact Support and:
Select Post-purchase support – Install & activate.
Choose a product name from the dropdown list and enter ‘NLM license file’ in the text box.
Opt for Live chat and provide your Server Host Name and Physical Address. You can use the following template:
‘Hi! I would like to obtain a license file for my NLM product. My server hostname: NAME. My Physical address: ADDRESS. My Serial number for the product: SERIAL NUMBER.’
Your license file will be emailed to you. Download it to your device.
4. Add your license file to the NLM tool folder
Navigate to the folder where LMTOOLS is installed and copy your license file into it.
Next, create a log file:
Right-click on your desktop and select New → Text Document.
Rename the file to debug.log and move it to the LMTOOLS folder.
Not sure you've created the log file correctly? Check out the official video guide for this step.
5. Open LMTOOLS and configure the service
Open LMTOOLS from the Start menu.
Select the Server/License File tab.
Check the box that says 'LMTOOLS ignores license file path environment variables'.
Go to the Config Services tab and enter a new service name (e.g., ‘Autodesk Service’) in the Service Name field.
Specify the paths to lmgrd.exe, the license file, and the debug log file (all located in the folder from step 4).
Click Use Services and Start Server at Power Up, then click Save Service and confirm with Yes.
Go to the Start/Stop/Re-read tab and click on Start Server.
If successful, your configuration will allow activation of Autodesk NLM products.
Having difficulty understanding this step? Click here to view the official video guide for it.
6. Complete activation and upload the license file
Run your Autodesk software.
Select Multi license or Network license in the Let’s Get Started window.
Upload the license file when prompted.
Select the server model as Single License Server and enter the server name.
Click Done. Your Autodesk Network License Manager product is now activated.
Refer to the official Autodesk guide if you require more information about this step.