IronPDF reads this variable automatically at runtime across Windows, Linux, and macOS environments. 5. Troubleshooting Common License Key Issues The Watermark is Still Appearing
Depending on your project stage, you can obtain either a free trial key or a commercial license. 1. Requesting a Free Trial Key
| License Type | Watermark Removed | Production Deployment | SaaS/Cloud Allowed | Source Code Option | |--------------|-------------------|------------------------|--------------------|--------------------| | Free Trial (30 days) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Single Developer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (1 dev) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Team (up to 10 devs) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Agency (unlimited devs) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Enterprise | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Optional | ironpdf license key
Covers up to 10 developers and 10 distinct applications.
IronPDF automatically detects this key at runtime when the application initializes. Method 3: Using the web.config File (.NET Framework) IronPDF reads this variable automatically at runtime across
| Error | Likely Cause | Fix | |-------|--------------|-----| | License key not found | Key never set | Set License.LicenseKey before any PDF operation | | This license is for evaluation only | Trial key in prod | Buy production key | | The license key does not allow deployment on this server | Wrong deployment type | Buy correct tier (Cloud, OEM, or Standard) |
Would you like a sample Dockerfile or CI pipeline example (GitHub Actions) for IronPDF license injection? Method 3: Using the web
Your (e.g., Docker, Azure Apps, AWS, local server).
For Console Applications, Windows Forms, or WPF apps, you can set the license key in your code. It is best practice to call this method at the very start of your application (e.g., inside Main() or the Form constructor).
License keys are required to license your application for deployment in production environments (servers, cloud services, Azure, AWS).
You cannot "unlock" IronPDF with a key for free. The key must be purchased from Iron Software or obtained via a free trial (which still requires a key).