Issue description
When you updated your Archicad license through Graphisoft's S2S (SSA/Forward to Subscription) conversion program, your existing key-based license was automatically converted to a cloud-based license. However, when you opened Archicad after this conversion, you received a "License Not Found" error instead of your license being recognized.
Solution
This happens because your converted license is now tied to your Graphisoft ID account and only works with Archicad 26 Update 5 or newer versions—not with older versions you may still have installed.
The conversion is intentional and part of Graphisoft's transition from perpetual licenses to modern cloud-based subscriptions. Your license hasn't disappeared; it simply operates differently now and requires you to sign in with your Graphisoft ID credentials to activate it in the latest Archicad versions.
Step 1: Update to Archicad 26 Update 5 or newer
Cloud licenses only function with Archicad 26 Update 5 or later. If you are using an earlier version, your license will not be detected.
To check your version:
- Open Archicad and navigate to Help > About Archicad
To update Archicad:
- Go to Help > Check for Updates...
- Install all available updates until you reach Update 5 or later
If you need to download Archicad 26 or newer:
- Visit the Graphisoft website and download the latest version of Archicad
- Install it on your computer
Step 2: Sign in with your Graphisoft ID
When you launch Archicad 26 (Update 5 or later), you will see a Sign in with Graphisoft ID dialog.
This is where you activate your converted cloud license:
- Enter the email address associated with your Graphisoft ID account
- Enter your password
- Click Sign in
Once authenticated successfully, Archicad will automatically detect and activate your assigned cloud license, and the Start Archicad dialog will appear. You can now begin working with full functionality.
If you don't have a Graphisoft ID yet, click Create Graphisoft ID on the sign-in dialog and register with a valid email address.
Step 3: Verify your license assignment (if sign in fails)
If you sign in successfully but Archicad still shows no license, the issue is that your cloud license has not been assigned to your Graphisoft ID account. Your company's Administrator or Contract Manager must assign the license to your account. For more information, refer to this article: Getting Started with Graphisoft Licensing.
Step 4: Verify your license is active
After signing in, confirm that Archicad has detected your cloud license:
- Navigate to Help > License Information
- Verify that your cloud license is listed and active
Additional notes: Maintaining compatibility with older Archicad versions
One benefit of the S2S conversion program is that your key-based license is automatically converted to an Archicad 25 perpetual license, allowing you to continue working with Archicad 25 and all earlier versions (back to Archicad 13). This means:
- Your cloud license provides access to Archicad 26 and above
- Your Archicad 25 compatibility license works with Archicad 25 and earlier versions
- Both licenses coexist and can be used independently
You do not need to immediately upgrade all your workflows to the latest Archicad version. The automatic license update happens in the background:
- When you open Archicad 25 or earlier, the license automatically updates to Archicad 25 and displays "Protection Key Update Successful."
- When you open Archicad 26 or above without signing in, you'll see the "License Not Found" dialog (this is expected and normal)
Simply signing in with your Graphisoft ID when prompted will activate your cloud license for Archicad 26 and above.