Add licence keys

Adding licence keys in Filemonk enables you to sell software products and digital goods that require activation codes. You can either upload your own pre-existing licence keys for complete control, or configure Filemonk to automatically generate unique licence keys for each order as they're placed.

Adding Your Own Licence Keys

When you have existing licence keys that you want to manage and distribute through Filemonk, you can upload them in bulk with organized tagging and duplicate handling options.

Navigate to Licence Keys

• Click Content Library in the left menu bar of your Filemonk dashboard
• This opens your Content Library with multiple tabs for different content types
• Click the Licence keys tab to access licence key management

• You'll see a list of your existing licence key tags and their usage statistics
• Click the Add licence keys button to begin uploading your keys

Enter Your Licence Keys

• In the licence keys field, enter your keys with one key per line in the large text area
• You can paste multiple keys at once - the system will automatically separate them by line breaks
• Each line should contain exactly one licence key in whatever format your software requires
• The field accepts any text format, so your keys can be alphanumeric codes, UUIDs, or custom formats
• If you have pending orders waiting for licence keys, they will be automatically assigned after you add these keys

Add Tags for Organization

• In the "Tags" field, enter a tag name to group and organize your licence keys
• Tags help you identify different sets of keys and link them to specific products or software versions
• Tag names must be lowercase only - the system will show an error if you use uppercase letters
• Use descriptive tags like "software-v2", "premium-edition", or "trial-keys" for easy identification
• You can create multiple tag groups by adding different sets of keys with different tags

Configure Duplicate Handling

• Select how Filemonk should handle duplicate keys in your upload using the dropdown menu
• Ignore duplicates: Removes any duplicate keys from your list automatically before saving
• Allow duplicates: Adds all keys including duplicates, useful if you intentionally have multiple copies
• Raise error on duplicates: Shows an error message if duplicates are found, requiring you to clean your list first
• Choose the option that best fits your key management strategy and click Save to upload your keys

Setting Up Auto-Generated Licence Keys

Filemonk can automatically create unique licence keys for each order, eliminating the need to pre-upload keys and ensuring you never run out of inventory.

Navigate to Digital Products

• Click Digital products in the left menu bar of your Filemonk dashboard
• Click Add Product to link digital assets to a new product, or select an existing product from the list
• Choose the specific product you want to add licence key generation to from your Shopify store
• Click on 'More' button in the files area
• Choose Add licence key to open the licence key configuration modal

Configure Auto-Generation

• In the licence key modal, you'll see three radio button options for licence key types
• Select Autogenerated to enable automatic licence key creation for each order

• The system will create unique 26-character ULID (Universally Unique Lexicographically Sortable Identifier) keys
• Optionally, add a descriptive name in the "Licence Key Name" field to help customers understand the key's purpose
• You can verify generated keys using Filemonk's API as mentioned in the help text link
• Click Create to save this configuration and enable auto-generation for the product

Licence Key Options and Types

1. Manual Licence Keys

Manual licence keys give you complete control over the format and content of your activation codes. You can upload keys in any format that your software requires, whether they're simple alphanumeric codes, complex encrypted strings, or formatted activation keys with specific patterns.

2. Auto-Generated Licence Keys

Auto-generated keys use ULID format, creating 26-character unique identifiers that are time-ordered and globally unique. These keys are automatically created when orders are placed, ensuring immediate delivery without inventory management concerns.

3. Tag-Based Organization

Tags allow you to organize licence keys into logical groups for different software versions, product tiers, or customer segments. You can link specific tag groups to different Shopify products, ensuring customers receive the correct type of licence key for their purchase.

Important Information About Licence Keys

• Automatic Assignment Process

When customers place orders for products with linked licence keys, Filemonk automatically assigns available keys from the appropriate tag group or generates new keys for auto-generated products. This process happens immediately after order confirmation, ensuring customers receive their licence keys without delay.

• Inventory Monitoring

For manual licence keys, Filemonk tracks usage and remaining inventory for each tag group. You can monitor key consumption and receive email notifications when your inventory reaches low levels, helping you maintain adequate stock for customer orders.

• Key Uniqueness and Security

All licence keys, whether manually uploaded or auto-generated, are treated as unique identifiers. Auto-generated keys use cryptographically secure ULID generation, while manual keys are stored securely and assigned only once per customer order.

Known Limitations

• Tag Naming Restrictions

Licence key tags must use lowercase letters only. The system will display validation errors if you attempt to use uppercase letters, numbers at the beginning, or special characters. Plan your tag naming convention accordingly using descriptive lowercase terms.

• Manual Key Inventory Management

Manual licence keys require active inventory monitoring to prevent stockouts. Unlike auto-generated keys which create unlimited inventory, manual keys are consumed as orders are fulfilled. Set up email notifications and monitor usage regularly to maintain adequate stock levels.

• Key Format Constraints

While manual keys accept any text format, extremely long keys (over 255 characters) may cause display issues in customer interfaces. Auto-generated keys are always 26 characters and optimized for all display contexts.

Troubleshooting

FAQs

Q: Can I mix manual and auto-generated licence keys for the same product?

A: No, each product can only use one licence key method. You must choose either manual keys with specific tags or auto-generated keys, but not both simultaneously for the same product.

Q: What happens when I run out of manual licence keys?

A: Orders will be marked as pending licence key assignment until you upload more keys with the matching tag. Customers won't receive their licence keys until inventory is replenished.

Q: Can I edit or delete licence keys after uploading them?

A: You can view and manage licence keys through the licence key tags page, but individual key editing is limited. It's better to upload corrected key sets with proper duplicate handling if changes are needed.

Q: Are auto-generated licence keys truly unique?

A: Yes, auto-generated keys use ULID format which guarantees global uniqueness through cryptographic generation and time-based ordering, making collisions virtually impossible.

Q: Can multiple products share the same licence key tag?

A: Yes, you can link the same licence key tag to multiple products. This is useful when selling different product variants that should receive the same type of licence key from a shared inventory pool.

Updated on: 29/07/2025