Help Desk

What is the License Administrator?

The License Administrator (hkey) is the easiest way to manage Houdini licenses.

Hkey

Launched from the Houdini Launcher:

  1. Launch the Houdini Launcher.
  2. Navigate to the left sidebar and click "Licenses".
  3. Click "License Administrator" button on the bottom center of Launcher.
Launcher Hkey

Operating System Specific Locations:

Linux
  • Applications -> Side Effects Software -> Houdini 21.0 -> Administrative Tools -> License Administrator
  • Or, open a Terminal and type:
    `$ cd /opt/hfs21.0`
    `$ source houdini_setup`
    `$ hkey`
Windows
  • Start menu -> All Programs -> Side Effects Software -> Houdini version -> Administrative Tools -> License Administrator
  • You may also do a search for License Administrator
macOS
  • Applications -> Houdini -> Houdini 21.0 -> Administrative Tools -> License Administrator

When you launch the License Administrator, you will need to log in to your account if you wish manage your licenses.

If you are running a headless system (a machine without a graphical display), please refer to to How do I Install licenses non-graphically?

The License Administrator connects to Side Effects Software using port 443 (https).
If you require a proxy to access the web, please see this section..

If you are having difficulties logging into your licensing account from the License Administrator, try resetting your password.