To use Capture One, you need to activate it with either a license key or your Capture One account, depending on the version. This guide walks you through activation steps for all current and legacy scenarios, including trials and offline use.
Need help finding your license key? Follow this guide
Contents
- Activate Capture One (16.5.2 and newer)
- Activate Capture One (up to 16.5.2)
- Activate Capture One Trial
- Activate Older Versions (15.0.1 and earlier)
- Offline Activation
- FAQ
- Troubleshooting
Activate Capture One (16.5.2 and newer)
Note: Internet connection is required.
Important: If you've used a trial version, deactivate it first.
- Launch Capture One
- Sign in with your Capture One account or a social login
- Choose your available plan and click Continue
- You’re now activated
- Follow the onboarding tour
Activate Capture One (up to 16.5.2)
Note: Internet connection and a valid license key are required.
- Launch Capture One, click Let’s Get Started
- Sign in or create a Capture One account
- Choose Use License Key
- Enter your key and click Activate
- Capture One launches
- Complete onboarding tour and toggle the Resource Hub
For activation issues, see troubleshooting steps
Activate Capture One Trial
No need to cancel — the trial ends automatically. You won’t be charged unless you subscribe.
-
Download the trial
- Sign in or create an account
- Launch Capture One → Click Let’s Get Started
- Log in to id.captureone.com
- Select Start Trial
- Click Launch Capture One
- Use trial on up to 3 machines
Note: Trial cannot be extended. Trying new variants after expiry shows this message:
Activate Older Versions (15.0.1 and earlier)
Note: Internet and a valid license key are required. You’ll be prompted to activate on first launch.
- Launch Capture One
- Enter your license key
- Enter your email and click Get Profile
- Complete the form or sign in if you have an account
- Click Activate
Offline Activation
Note: Only for perpetual licenses, versions 15.0 and earlier.
Capture One 21–22
- Launch → Choose Manual Activation
- Scan QR or copy registration key
- Visit Offline Activation
- Paste key, enter device name
- Click Get Key, then enter in Capture One
Capture One 20 and older
- Launch → Choose Manual Activation
- Go to the offline activation page
- Copy and paste registration key
- Enter device name and click Get Key
- Enter key in Capture One and click Activate
FAQ
- Do I need a license key? Only for versions up to 16.5.2 or when activating manually.
- How long is the free trial? 7 days. It ends automatically.
- Can I use the trial on more than one machine? Yes, up to three.
- Can I activate offline? Only for perpetual licenses, versions 15.0 or older.
- How do I switch from trial to Pro? Follow this guide.
Troubleshooting
- Deactivate any existing trial before activating
- Check internet connection
- Disable VPN or switch networks
- See all activation error help