Standalone licensing in 2024
Hey guys,
Has anybody tried and succeeded to use/create a licensing solution for their mac standalone? I’m not worried about ‘copy protection’, but just want to prevent the user from being able to open the app unless they have a licence.
I’m already aware of Excel Software and have seen references to Livid from over 10 years ago, but wondering if any newer solutions might exist?
Thanks!
David
I went the nagware route for my rig https://sousastep.github.io/SousaFX-docs/en/master/content/purchase.html It's not too tough to crack for anyone who knows Max, but it's good enough for now.
To create the license key I join the date, username, and a secret string, and send them thru a simple cypher made with atoi, mtof, zl.rotate, etc. To check it I reverse the cypher, the logic for which is hidden in a patcher that auto-closes when opened unless a secret word is typed.
I don't believe there are any newer, more robust solutions, unless you know c++ and can bake auth into an external.
Thanks Sousastep - I should have been a bit clearer….
We want to offer our product on a subscription basis, so need a method that can connect online to check if the subscription has been paid
Unfortunately with open patchers or mxf files it is a matter of few minutes
to hack thispatcher based nag screens, decipher "secret" words hidden behind atoi /itoa tricks, messages to max etc
If you want to allow running of you mac standalone in authorised state
only through online subscription check, than maybe you can do all through web server.
Get computer ID based on prefered hardware ID (on mac UUID for example),
and send something to app in case subscription is valid.