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How do I authorize?
Authorization requires an active Internet connection so that Max 8 / Max 7 can connect to our authorization server.
To log in + authorize Max on your machine:
- Open Max 8 / Max 7
- Navigate to Help > User Account and Licenses
- Then, you'll be able to log in with your Cycling '74 account + password
Starting with Max 7, we no longer support Pace "challenge/response" copy protection.
If you own a full license (no subscriptions) of Max 7 (or later), you may use iLok. Visit the authorization page for information.
If you were provided an activation code, please visit the activation page.
If you represent a school and use KeyServer, fill out the KeyServer form or visit our KeyServer FAQ for more information.
I followed the above steps, but can't authorize Max.
If you are unable to authorize Max, first check our System Status page for any recent Authorization outages. At the top of the page, it will list if Authorization is currently operational. Directly below, all past incidents are listed. If there was a recent incident, restart Max and try to authorize again. If Authorization is currently down, hang tight while we fix it.
If you are unable to authorize Max for a different reason, reach out to us at support@cycling74.com.
Can I use Max 8 / Max 7 without authorizing it?
If you've never used the Max 8 / Max 7 demo on your computer before, you can install and use it in fully functional demo mode for 30 days. After 30 days, saving is disabled. To use the demo, you need to create an account inside the application or on cycling74.com. Both require an internet connection. Learn more about accounts.
I have a full license of Max 8 / Max 7, but my computer isn't always connected to the internet. Will Max 8 / Max 7 still run?
Yes, it will run offline for up to 180 days before you need to connect to the internet again. Max will prompt you when you get close to that time to reconnect to our authorization server. Also, full licenses (no subscriptions) can be transferred to iLok for offline use.
What if I have a subscription and my computer isn't connected to the internet?
When you first purchase a subscription, your computer must be connected to the internet to receive the authorization. If you have purchased a monthly subscription, you must then be connected to the internet once every 30 days. If you have purchased an annual subscription, you must then be connected to the internet once every 180 days.
How many authorizations do I get?
If you own one license, then Max 8 / Max 7 can run on one computer at a time. However, we understand many people have multiple computers and need more than one authorization. Therefore, you can authorize up to 3 computers as long as they’re not running Max simultaneously.
If I own Live 10 Suite or Max for Live, should I also authorize Max?
No. Max 8 is a different product from the Max for Live editor (included in Live 10 Suite or purchased separately as "Max for Live"). There is no need to separately authorize the Max for Live Editor, as Live 10 Suite or Max for Live is authorized by Ableton.
If you have any trouble authorizing Max for Live, please contact Ableton support.
I want to move my Max install from one machine to the other. How do I do it? Do I need to de-authorize?
Your Max authorization is tied to your Max account. Once you sign into your account inside the Max application, it is authorized. Contact Support if you have any questions about using multiple machines or to remove authorization from an authorized machine.
I need to run Max simultaneously on more than one machine. Can I have extra authorizations for this?
No. Instead, use the Max demo which still functions without saving after 30 days or Max Standalones to run patches on the unauthorized machines.
Can I authorize Max on both my Windows and Mac machines? Will my patches work on both platforms?
Yes, you can authorize both. And, yes, patches will work on both.
Does Max 8 / Max 7 have a serial number?
No. You need an account to authorize Max 8 / Max 7. Your Max authorization will be tied to that account instead of a serial number.
Is an academic version or the 30-day demo of Max a different application than the regular, permanent Max?
No. There is only one installer and only one flavor of the Max application. The only difference between academic (individual student or teacher), subscription, and permanent licenses is the amount paid for the program and/or whether or not your license expires after some period of time (e.g. the 12-month student license). The 30-day demo simply refers to the fact that Max will run without copy protection for the first 30 days. There are no limitations to the program during this period.
What are the system requirements?
Visit this page for details.