1. IronPDF
2. Get Started
3. Using License Keys

IronPDF License Keys

Chaknith Bin

Updated:June 22, 2025

How to Get a License Key

Adding an IronPDF license key allows you to develop and deploy your project live without restrictions.

Start using IronPDF in your project today with a free trial.

First Step:

Start for Free

Step 1: Download the Latest Version of IronPDF

Install via NuGet

In Visual Studio, right-click on your project in the Solution Explorer and select "Manage NuGet Packages...". From there, simply search for IronPDF and install the latest version. Click "OK" to any dialog boxes that come up.

This will work in any C# .NET Framework project from Framework 4.6.2 and above, or .NET Core 2.0 and above. It will also work in VB.NET projects.

Install-Package IronPdf

https://www.nuget.org/packages/IronPdf

Install via DLL

Alternatively, the IronPDF DLL can be downloaded and manually installed to the project or GAC from https://ironpdf.com/packages/IronPdf.zip

Remember to add this statement to the top of any .cs class file using IronPDF:

using IronPdf;

using IronPdf;

Imports IronPdf

Step 2: Apply Your License Key

Set your IronPdf license key using code

Add this code to the startup of your application, before IronPDF is used. This method is universally effective and straightforward. It works for .NET Core and also for .NET Framework applications.

// Set the IronPdf license key
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey = "IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01";

// Set the IronPdf license key
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey = "IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01";

' Set the IronPdf license key
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey = "IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01"

You can validate that your software is licensed using either IronPdf.License.IsValidLicense(string LicenseKey) or the IronPdf.License.IsLicensed property.

Set your key using Web.Config or App.Config in .NET Framework Applications

To apply a key globally to your application using Web.Config or App.Config, add the following key to your config file in the <appSettings> element.

<configuration>
  <appSettings>
    <add key="IronPdf.LicenseKey" value="IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01"/>
  </appSettings>
</configuration>

<configuration>
  <appSettings>
    <add key="IronPdf.LicenseKey" value="IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01"/>
  </appSettings>
</configuration>

There is a known licensing issue between IronPdf version 2023.4.4 and 2024.3.3 in projects:

• ASP.NET projects
• .NET Framework version >= 4.6.2

The key stored in a Web.config file is NOT being picked up and used by the product. Visit the 'Setting License Key in Web.config' troubleshooting article to learn more.

Ensure that IronPdf.License.IsLicensed returns true to verify.

Set your key using a .NET Core appsettings.json file

To apply a key globally to your application with .NET Core:

• Add a JSON file to your project called appsettings.json in the root directory of your project.
• Add an 'IronPdf.LicenseKey' key to your JSON config file. The value should be your license key.
• Ensure that the file properties include Copy to Output Directory: Copy always.
• Ensure that IronPdf.License.IsLicensed returns true to verify.

File: appsettings.json

{
  "IronPdf.LicenseKey": "IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01"
}

Set your key in Azure Functions

Local

Add the license key into local.settings.json:

{
  "IsEncrypted": false,
  "Values": {
    "AzureWebJobsStorage": "UseDevelopmentStorage=true",
    "FUNCTIONS_WORKER_RUNTIME": "dotnet",
    "IronPdf.LicenseKey": "YOUR-LICENSE-KEY"
  }
}

Deployment

1. Go to the Azure portal and sign in to your Azure account. In the search bar at the top of the portal, enter the name of your function app and select it from the list.
2. Under Settings in the left pane, select Configuration.
3. Select Application settings and click "New Application setting."

4. Add Name and Value as follows:

   • Name: IronPdf.LicenseKey
   • Value: YOUR-LICENSE-KEY
5. Save it.

Step 3: Test if your key has been installed correctly

// Check if a given license key string is valid
bool result = IronPdf.License.IsValidLicense("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Check if IronPDF is licensed successfully
bool is_licensed = IronPdf.License.IsLicensed;

// Check if a given license key string is valid
bool result = IronPdf.License.IsValidLicense("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Check if IronPDF is licensed successfully
bool is_licensed = IronPdf.License.IsLicensed;

' Check if a given license key string is valid
Dim result As Boolean = IronPdf.License.IsValidLicense("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01")

' Check if IronPDF is licensed successfully
Dim is_licensed As Boolean = IronPdf.License.IsLicensed

Note: After adding a license, always remember to clean and republish your application to avoid potential mistakes in deployment.

Step 4: Get started with your project

Follow our tutorial on how to Get Started with IronPDF.

Questions?

If you have any questions, reach out to support@ironsoftware.com

Chaknith Bin

  Chat with engineering team now

Software Engineer

Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.

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