Help Desk

What is the License Administrator?

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

Hkey

Launched from the Houdini Installer:

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

Operating System Specific Locations:

Linux
  • Applications -> Side Effects Software -> Houdini 22.0 -> Administrative Tools -> License Administrator
  • Or, open a Terminal and type:
    `$ cd /opt/hfs22.0`
    `$ 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 22.0 -> 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.