Activating your plugin with iLok License Manager

Christopher Hans

Aug 16, 2026

10027

A comprehensive PDF guide regarding activating Expressive E software protected by PACE iLok is available here:
👉 Expressive E iLok License Activation Guide

☝️This guide is not relevant for our Expressive Suites. These follow the activation logic of the respective third-party plugin developer.
To find the installation guides for Expressive Suites, click the ‘help’ button of the respective product tile in the my products section of your account.

There are two methods of redeeming and activating your license:

The inbuilt activation popup is the most convenient way to redeem your code and activate your license. It is explained here.

The dedicated iLok License Manager application is a handy alternative for redeeming your code and/or activating your license, especially when you encounter issues with the activation window not appearing in your DAW. It is explained below.

activating your instrument with ilok license manager

	If you don’t have iLok License Manager installed on your computer yet, navigate to the iLok website to download and install it.
	If you don’t have an iLok account yet, create one by entering your information on the iLok account creation page.
	After installation, launch the iLok License Manager and sign in to your iLok account.
	If your iLok activation code has never been redeemed before, click on the ‘Redeem activation code’ button in the upper right corner.
	Enter your activation code to redeem your license to your iLok account. Where to find my iLok activation code?
	The license is now stored in your iLok account (blue person icon). To actually use the plugin on your computer, you still need to activate it. For this, drag & drop the license from the right to your computer icon or to a connected iLok USB dongle on the left.
	Alternatively, you can use one of the ‘Activate’ buttons and choose the location from a list as a second step.

The license has now been activated on the location you selected, and you can start using the plugin in your DAW.

If the plugin still isn’t available in your DAW, please refer to our step-by-step troubleshooting guide: My plugin does not show up in my DAW