# [FlexNet Publisher Floating license setup](https://learn.arm.com/install-guides/license/flexnet/)

## About this Install Guide

| Reading time: | 15 min |
|---------------|---------|
| Last updated: | 22 Jun 2026 |

| Author:        | Ronan Synnott, Arm [View](https://linkedin.com/in/ronansynnott) |
|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Official docs: | [View](https://developer.arm.com/documentation/dui0209) |

This guide shows you how to install and use the tool with the most common configuration. For advanced options and complete reference information, see the official documentation. Some install guides also include optional next steps to help you explore related workflows or integrations.

Older Arm products do not support user-based licenses. These will be enabled with FlexNet Publisher floating licenses.

You will be supplied with license key(s) to generate such license(s).

## How do I set up a license server?

### How do I download the FlexNet Publisher software?

License Administrators should download and install the latest FlexNet Publisher software to your internal license server.

```
https://developer.arm.com/downloads/-/download-flexnet-publisher
```

### How do I generate a license file?

Access the [Software Licensing Portal](https://developer.arm.com/support/licensing) to generate your license. You will need the `HOSTID` of the license server and your product license key from Arm.

Optionally add license server names and network port to the `SERVER` line of the license file:

```
__output__
SERVER HOSTNAME HOSTID PORT
```

### How do I launch the license server?

Start the license server with:

```
lmgrd -c license_file
```

See the [FlexNet for Arm Tools License Management Guide](https://developer.arm.com/documentation/dui0209) for full options.

## How do I configure end-user setup?

End-users should set the environment variable `ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE` to map to the location of your license server.

#### Windows

```
set ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE=port@server
```

#### Linux

```
export ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE=port@server
```

### How do I activate the license via tools IDE?

The license can also be activated in the various Arm tool IDEs. For example, [Arm Development Studio](https://developer.arm.com/Tools%20and%20Software/Arm%20Development%20Studio), via `Help` > `Arm License Manager`.

If `ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE` is not set, use `Add` > `Add product license`, and specify `port` and `server` information for your license server. Arm Development Studio will also ask to specify the appropriate [Edition](https://developer.arm.com/Tools%20and%20Software/Arm%20Development%20Studio#Editions) as the `Active Product`.

### How do I verify the license setup?

To verify that the license is set up correctly, set the following environment variable:

#### Windows

```
set FLEXLM_DIAGNOSTICS=3
```

#### Linux

```
export FLEXLM_DIAGNOSTICS=3
```

and execute an appropriate Arm tool, for example `Arm Compiler for Embedded`:

```
armclang --version
```

Observe the output, which will be similar to:

```
__output__
Checkout succeeded: ds_suite_rowan/04C6 0E2A CDA4 6344
__output__
        License file: port@server
__output__
        License Server: port@server
__output__
Checkout succeeded: ds_compiler_rowan/141D C968 2E7F 4187
__output__
        License file: port@server
__output__
        License Server: port@server
__output__
Product: Arm Development Studio Gold Edition 2023.1
__output__
Component: Arm Compiler for Embedded 6.21
```

> Unset the `FLEXLM_DIAGNOSTICS` environment variable afterwards, as this will impact the tools performance.