> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.viesus.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.viesus.com/get-started/get-a-license.md).

# Get a License

VIESUS on-premise is commercially licensed. This page explains what to obtain from Viesus AG before installing.

VIESUS on-premise products are commercially licensed. Contact <info@viesus.com> to purchase or request a trial — Viesus AG will send you the software package along with your license details.

A **GUID** license runs VIESUS across multiple machines, containers, or VMs — a unique GUID is delivered with your software package and passed at runtime. Request it when arranging your license.

An **Activation Key** binds the license to a specific machine: you install the software, generate a request file from the target machine, and exchange it with Viesus AG for an activation file that unlocks the library on that machine.

See [Licensing](/licensing/overview.md) for how each model works, full activation steps, and renewal.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Using VIESUS Cloud?** No license or installation is required. See [Quickstart: Cloud](/get-started/quickstart-cloud.md) to get started.
{% endhint %}

## What you need before installing

| What                                           | Where to get it                                                                                  | Required for                                             |
| ---------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Software package** (`.exe` or `.deb`/`.rpm`) | [transfer.viesus.com](https://transfer.viesus.com)                                               | CLI, PDF Enhancer, Node.js module                        |
| **GUID**                                       | Delivered by Viesus AG when arranged                                                             | Deployments across multiple machines, containers, or VMs |
| **Activation Key**                             | Generated from your target machine, exchanged with Viesus AG for an activation file              | Fixed on-premise machines                                |
| **Cloud API key**                              | [viesus.cloud/app/api-keys](https://www.viesus.cloud/app/api-keys) after creating a free account | VIESUS Cloud only                                        |
| **Trial license**                              | Request from <info@viesus.com>                                                                   | Evaluation before purchase                               |


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