Introducing Chaos Cloud Licensing

What is Chaos Cloud Licensing?

Chaos Cloud Licensing allows you to use Chaos products without deploying a License Server. Chaos Cloud Licensing works with all Chaos products and licenses. Within the product, you log in with your Chaos account. Your account gives you access to all Chaos products and services, including Cloud rendering, Collaboration, Cosmos, and more. 

The License Server remains fully supported and available to customers. New product versions give you the option to access your licenses via Cloud Licensing or the License Server. You can change this at any time.

Why should I use Cloud Licensing?

Although installing a license server offers benefits for larger customers, it also brings technical complexity. Cloud Licensing streamlines license usage for all license types under one Chaos Account, giving you access to all Chaos products and services, including Cloud rendering, Collaboration, Cosmos, and more. It also makes My Chaos the single source of truth for everything related to licensing.

In most cases, working with Cloud Licensing is the simplest solution. There are a few exceptions: if you use a VPN, if you want to use your licenses offline, if you work at a bank or government agency or another highly secure environment, or at very large companies.

Do I have to switch to Cloud Licensing?

Using Cloud Licensing is optional. Starting in 2026, all Chaos product versions give you the option to use Cloud Licensing or the License Server. You can change this setting at any time.

Do I still need a Chaos License Server if I switch to Cloud Licensing?

No – all new Chaos product versions will make the License Server optional. You can use any license type, named or floating, without a License Server. If you prefer a centralized model, you can still deploy a License Server on your local network and point products to it, or leave your current setup unchanged. For offline licenses, the License Server must still be installed.

Do older versions work with Cloud Licensing? Will they keep working when I enable Cloud Licensing?

Starting in 2026, all newly released Chaos product versions will support Cloud Licensing. Earlier versions will continue to use the License Server. You can use both models side by side – for example, keeping older versions on a License Server while newer versions use Cloud Licensing. By updating your product in 2026, you get the option to use Cloud Licensing or keep your License Server. You can change this setting at any time.

Can I use Cloud Licensing and License Servers at the same time?

Yes, mixed environments are supported. You can keep older product versions on a License Server and run newer versions with Cloud Licensing. You can also configure this per device – for example, your render nodes can connect to a License Server while artists log in with their accounts.

How do I switch to Cloud Licensing or back to the License Server?

Simply install or update the Chaos products you use. Starting in 2026, new Chaos product releases will support both Cloud Licensing and a License Server. Previously released product versions will still only support License Server deployment. You can choose which licensing option you want during installation.

What is the difference between named and floating licenses when using Cloud Licensing?

Named licenses are designed for use by specific individual users, guaranteeing dedicated access to the license for that person only. Named licenses are ideal for individual users or for teams where the license can be assigned to a specific user to guarantee exclusive access for this user. Floating licenses are designed to be used by teams, where a pool of licenses can be used by any user on a first-come, first-served basis. Floating licenses do not need to be assigned to a user and are ideal for teams with variable product usage. With Cloud Licensing, both license types require users to log in with their own Chaos account to obtain a license.

How do I log in from within the product? Which credentials do I use?

Upon first launch, your product displays a login window. Use your Chaos account credentials - your existing Enscape, V-Ray, Corona, Anima, or Veras login is a Chaos account and works for all Chaos products. Once you are logged in on a device, you have access to all licenses available to your account. Installing additional Chaos products will not prompt you to log in again on the same device.

Can I start a session online and continue working if my internet drops?

Yes. After you log in and start working, Cloud Licensing tolerates temporary internet outages for up to several hours, ensuring your work is not interrupted.

Do we really need individual user accounts? What is the easiest way to add everyone?

Your Chaos account gives you access to all Chaos products and services, including Cloud rendering, Collaboration, Cosmos, and more. Some online services only provide value when users have their own accounts. Adding users is easy:

Adding users to My Chaos:

• One by one: You can simply type in users' email addresses to add them.
• Via a list: Upload email addresses to add multiple users at once.
• Automatically: Connect your company's login system (SSO). Accounts will then be automatically created when someone joins and removed when someone leaves. Inquire about the options.