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How to activate Capture One

Julia
  • Updated

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)

Note: Internet connection is required.
Important: If you've used a trial version, deactivate it first.

  1. Launch Capture One
    Step 1
  2. Sign in with your Capture One account or a social login
    Step 2
  3. Choose your available plan and click Continue
    Step 3
  4. You’re now activated
    Step 4
  5. Follow the onboarding tour
    Step 5
    Step 6

Activate Capture One (up to 16.5.2)

Note: Internet connection and a valid license key are required.

  1. Launch Capture One, click Let’s Get Started
    Step 1
  2. Sign in or create a Capture One account
    Step 2
  3. Choose Use License Key
    Step 3
  4. Enter your key and click Activate
    Step 4
  5. Capture One launches
    Step 5
  6. Complete onboarding tour and toggle the Resource Hub
    Step 6

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.

  1. Download the trial

  2. Sign in or create an account
    Step 2
  3. Launch Capture One → Click Let’s Get Started
    Step 3
  4. Log in to id.captureone.com
    Step 4
  5. Select Start Trial
    Step 5
  6. Click Launch Capture One
    Step 6
  7. Use trial on up to 3 machines
    Step 7

Note: Trial cannot be extended. Trying new variants after expiry shows this message:
Trial expired 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.

  1. Launch Capture One
  2. Enter your license key
    Step 2
  3. Enter your email and click Get Profile
  4. Complete the form or sign in if you have an account
  5. Click Activate
    Step 5

Switch from trial to Pro

Activation Errors help

Offline Activation

Note: Only for perpetual licenses, versions 15.0 and earlier.

Capture One 21–22

  1. Launch → Choose Manual Activation
    Step 1
  2. Scan QR or copy registration key
  3. Visit Offline Activation
  4. Paste key, enter device name
    Step 4
  5. Click Get Key, then enter in Capture One
    Step 5

Capture One 20 and older

  1. Launch → Choose Manual Activation
    Step 1
  2. Go to the offline activation page
  3. Copy and paste registration key
  4. Enter device name and click Get Key
    Step 5
  5. 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

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