In this article, you will learn
- how long you can use the PDF Editor in trial mode,
- how to purchase a license during or after the trial period, and
- how to activate the license in the PDF Editor.
1. Trial Period
After installation, the PDF Editor can be used free of charge for 30 days on the system. During this trial period, all features are fully available – including integration with the Workflow, a browser-based solution for managing, processing, and utilizing print data. This allows you to thoroughly evaluate the application´s functionality and performance.
Each time you start the application during the trial period, a notification will appear indicating that a trial license is active and showing how many days remain. The following dialog is displayed throughout the 30-day trial period:
Figure 1: Dialog displayed during and after the expiration of the trial period
- Select License File [1] – opens the dialog for uploading the license file (.WCLID).
- Send E-Mail [2] – opens the default E-Mail client and automatically generates a message containing the license request.
- Cancel [3] – closes the dialog. If the trial period has expired, the application will close automatically. If the trial period is still active, you can continue using the PDF Editor.
30-Day Trial Period
Please note that the 30-day trial period is granted only once per hardware device. If you need to test the PDF Editor again at a later time, this will no longer be possible on the same system.
2. Licensing
The PDF Editor is only available as a subscription-based (rental) license. The minimum subscription period after the 30-day trial is 12 months. After this period, the license expires automatically but can be renewed. A separate license must be purchased for each workstation. However, transferring the license to another system is possible at any time.
2.1. Request License File
To purchase a license for the PDF Editor, please proceed as follows:
- Authorized Reseller: Contact your designated sales representative from your preferred sales partner to place your order.
- No Reseller in Your Region: If you can not find a sales partner in your region, please send your inquiry or order to licensing@prepress-digital.com. The license will either be invoiced directly by PrePress digital - Softwareentwicklung GmbH or your order will be forwarded to the appropriate sales partner in your region.
2.2. Upload and Activate the License File
By purchasing a license, you will receive a license key in the form of a .WCLID file. To activate your license, simply upload this .WCLID file. Once uploaded, the license is automatically activated online for the system.
To upload and activate the license, proceed as follows:
- Start the PDF Editor.
- If the trial period has already expired, click Select License File [1] (Figure 1) in the dialog that appears (Figure 1). If the application is already running, go to the menu option Help > License Information....
Figure 2: The dialog License Information under macOS
- In the dialog that opens, click Upload WCLID... [4] and select the WCLID file you received.
- Confirm by clicking OK [5]. This will establish a connection to the online license server, activate the license, and assign the activated license to your system.
- The license is now activated.
Keep the WCLID File Safe
The WCLID file is your personal key to activate the license on a specific computer. Please store this file securely, as you will need it again if you transfer the license to a new computer.
Do not share the WCLID file with third parties, as the use of the PDF Editor is restricted to a single computer system.
3. Transfer of the PDF Editor License to Another Computer
To transfer your PDF Editor license to a different computer, please follow these steps:
- Install the latest version of the PDF Editor on the new computer.
- After the initial installation, the PDF Editor will temporarily run on both computers for at least 30 days.
- To transfer the license to the new computer, simply upload your WCLID file on the new system. Detailed instructions are available under Upload and Activate the License File.
- After uploading the license file, you have 5 days to notify us. Please send a brief message to info@prepress-digital.com, stating that the license has been activated on the new computer.
4. License Validation and Offline Use
Once your license is activated, it is verified online each time the program starts. If your license is no longer valid, you will be notified accordingly at startup. If the online license server is temporarily unavailable (e.g., due to lack of internet connectivity), this is not an issue. The PDF Editor can continue to be used offline for up to 30 days without connecting to the online license server.
No Connection to the Online License Server for Over 30 Days
Please note that the PDF Editor will cease to function if it can not connect to the online license server for more than 30 days. To ensure the program remains fully operational, you must establish an internet connection and restart the PDF Editor at least once per month.
Article update: PDF Editor 1.12.6 – 05/2025