SDK Licensing
Apply a TFORMer SDK license to remove evaluation restrictions. You can supply license data in your application or use a TFORMer.ini file provided by TEC-IT. Windows also supports license data stored in the registry.
Evaluation output may contain demo markings or have individual elements replaced with demo text. For an evaluation license, contact TEC-IT.
Apply a License in Your Application
Apply the license during initialization, before the first output operation. Use the licensing example for your interface:
The examples use Base64 license data. If you have a license file or individual license values instead, use the matching licensing method. In .NET, use TFORMer.LicenseFile for a file or TFORMer.License for individual values. Other interfaces provide corresponding methods in their API reference. TFPrint accepts a file with -L file:<path>.
An explicit licensing call applies the supplied data instead of relying on automatic lookup. If the call fails, do not assume that the previous license remains active; follow the error-handling guidance alongside the API examples.
Keep license data confidential. Programmatic licensing is recommended for redistributable applications so that the application can protect the license data. Do not redistribute a received TFORMer.ini file or registry license data.
License Files and Registry
The TFORMer.ini license file is supplied with the license or can be requested from TEC-IT Support. For automatic lookup, use the locations described for Windows or Linux. Those sections also give the search order; Windows additionally supports registry licensing.
Automatic lookup uses the first successfully read license data, even if that license has expired. Later locations are then ignored. When updating a license file, check the earlier search locations for an outdated copy.
License Types
The issued license and the applicable TEC-IT license agreement determine permitted use and limits.
| License type | Intended use |
|---|---|
| Single / Workstation | One installation on a machine identified by its System ID; not for redistribution. |
| Developer | Redistribution with client applications, within the limits of the license agreement. |
| Server | Installation on an application or web server, with user limits defined by the license agreement; not for redistribution. |
TFORMer SDK can be used in server applications through its supported programming interfaces or TFPrint. Deployment on an application or web server requires an appropriate Server license.
License Validity and SDK Updates
If your license has an expiration date, its effect normally depends on the license type:
- Developer license: Validity is checked against the SDK library's build date. A build covered by the license does not become invalid merely because the current date passes that expiration date. A newer SDK build outside the covered period requires an appropriate license.
- Workstation or Server license: Validity is normally checked against the current date. A time-limited license stops authorizing use after it expires.
The terms and options of the issued license take precedence. Before redistributing or updating the runtime, test with the exact SDK build you intend to deploy: check that licensing and output complete without errors and that the result has no evaluation markings. An expired or unsuitable license can cause licensing or output operations to fail.