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

# Installing your License Key

{% hint style="info" %}
Prior to license key installation, make sure that you have completed [Installing Existent Plugin](/documentation/learning-existent/getting-started/installing-existent-plugin.md) successfully.
{% endhint %}

Every developer using the Existent plugin must install a valid license. 

To obtain a license key, you need to sign up at the Existent website. If you have not already, you can register for an Existent account at <https://existent.com/signup/>.&#x20;

The Existent Plugin is currently offered under 3 different licensing agreements. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please note that if you are using the **Starter** **License** you won't be able to make packaged builds of your application, and the number of Existent components that can be included in your levels will be limited - see [this section on Starter restrictions](#q-what-restrictions-apply-to-me-as-a-starter-licence-holder) for more details.

If you opt for an **Indie** **License** you will have unrestricted access to all Unreal features, and you'll be able to package your project for end users. If you don't enter a valid license you won't be able to Play in Editor (PIE) or in VR.
{% endhint %}

After signing up, you will receive an email with a License Key, as shown on the image below:

<figure><img src="/files/tntPTddtrUyMWjhjLkfY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When you first start a project after installing the Existent Plugin, a license validation will not have been run yet, and so the Play in Editor (PIE) or Play in VR modes won't be usable.

* Launch the Unreal Engine editor where your project is located.
* Ensure that the Existent plugin is enabled.&#x20;
* Click on the **Existent Toolbar Button** and from the dropdown menu select **Existent License.**<br>

  <figure><img src="/files/zdfQXuXcfelGq4oLPwst" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Existent Toolbar Button contains a button to open the Existent License Settings</p></figcaption></figure>
* This will open up the Project Settings window (under Plugins-Existent License) and you can enter an Existent License Key.
* After entering your license key, click on the **Validate License** button. <br>

  <figure><img src="/files/BhqogwtuF4OR57enC3vl" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Existent License Settings where you can enter your license key</p></figcaption></figure>
* The feedback text below the button will change to show whether the license was validated successful along with license expiry date and the type of License Plan (Starter/Indie).<br>

  <figure><img src="/files/eCuQKSJqJyzwKnl7yYS4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
* You have now successfully entered your license key for the Existent plugin in Unreal Engine. Your plugin should be fully functional and ready to use.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Ensure that when you click on "Validate License" your PC is connected to the internet.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

#### Troubleshooting Q\&A

#### **Q: Can I use the same license key on multiple projects?**&#x20;

A: Yes, each license is bound to a machine, so you can use the same key on multiple projects. You will just need to validate the license on each project. Refer to the license agreement for more details.

#### **Q: What should I do if I lose my license key?**&#x20;

A: Check your email folder for the original Existent registration email. Otherwise, contact us at <support@existent.com> and share the original email you used for registration or your company details.

#### **Q: Do I need to validate the license key every time I start my project?**

A: No, you only need to do it once. The next time you load your project, the license key will be saved and validation will take place on startup in the back-end.

#### **Q: I tried packaging my project but packaging failed even though I have a valid license.**

A: Make sure you validate your license key within your Unreal Engine project again and try re-packaging your project.&#x20;

#### **Q: How do I deactivate the license key used on an old machine?**&#x20;

A: When you try to validate the license key on a new machine, if the license key is valid but you have exceeded the maximum number of seats, you will see a UI menu with all currently activated machines, allowing you to deactivate old machines. You can then validate again and activate your new machine.

#### **Q: What restrictions apply to me as a 'Starter' licence holder?**

If you've opted for a 'Starter' licence of Existent, you will only be able to play the experiences you build via the Unreal editor (PIE), and cannot package your project into a separate executable file.

Any level you create must also include a maximum of:

* 2 Existent Players
* 2 Existent Spaces
* 1 Existent Vehicle
* 1 tracked object (i.e. a non-player Actor with an ExistentTrackerComponent attached)

If any of these limits are exceeded, you will not be able to play your experience via the editor.