---
title: "Add licence keys"
description: "Upload a pool of keys, or have Filemonk generate them, ready to hand out with orders."
url: https://help.filemonk.io/add-licence-keys/
section: "Licence keys"
last_updated: 2026-09-08
---

# Add licence keys

> Upload a pool of keys, or have Filemonk generate them, ready to hand out with orders.

If you sell software, plugins, or anything that unlocks with a code, Filemonk can deliver a unique licence key alongside the files. You supply a pool of keys and Filemonk assigns one per order, or it generates keys for you.

## Before you begin

- Keys are grouped by **tag**, and tags must be lowercase. The tag is how you attach a pool to a product, so name it after the product, for example `pro-plugin`.
- Decide how duplicates should be handled before you paste a big list.

## Set it up

1. Click **Filemonk** in the left menu of your Shopify admin.
2. Click **Content library** in the app's menu, then open the **Licence keys** tab.
3. Click **Add licence keys**.
4. Paste your keys into **Licence Keys**, one per line.
5. Add one or more **Tags**, lowercase, comma separated.
6. Choose how to **Handle duplicate keys**:
   1. **Ignore duplicates**, which skips repeats.
   2. **Allow duplicates**, if the same key can legitimately go to more than one customer.
   3. **Raise error on duplicates**, which stops the upload so you can fix the list.
7. Save.

If orders are already waiting on keys, they are assigned automatically as soon as you add these.

## Import a large list

For a big pool, use **More** then **Import in bulk** on the Licence keys tab. The CSV needs headers `Tag` and `Licence Key`, and must be under 1MB.

## Auto-generated keys

Instead of a pool, Filemonk can create a key per order. That is configured on the product when you attach licence keys to it, by choosing **Autogenerated**. See [Assign licence keys to a product](https://help.filemonk.io/assign-licence-keys-to-a-product/).

## Check your setup

Open the **Licence keys** tab. Your tag should be listed with its **Total**, **Used**, and **Remaining** counts. Then place a test order for a product using that tag and confirm the customer receives a key. See [Create a test order](https://help.filemonk.io/create-a-test-order/).

## Troubleshooting

### Tag names cannot contain uppercase letters

Tags are lowercase only. Retype the tag in lowercase and save again.

### Duplicate keys are present

Your list contains repeats. Either clean the list, or choose **Ignore duplicates** so repeats are skipped on upload.

### One or more lines are too long to be a licence key

Almost always several keys pasted onto one line, usually from a spreadsheet cell or a comma separated list. Each key goes on its own line. A single key cannot exceed 2,000 characters.

### The CSV import failed

The file needs headers `Tag` and `Licence Key` exactly, must be a genuine CSV, and must be under 1MB. Split a larger file and import in parts.

### Keys were added but customers aren't getting them

Adding keys to a pool does not connect them to anything. The product needs the tag attached to it. See [Assign licence keys to a product](https://help.filemonk.io/assign-licence-keys-to-a-product/).

## FAQ

### Where do the keys come from?

You generate them in whatever system issues your licences, then paste or import them here. Filemonk stores and assigns them; it does not validate them against your software.

### How many should I add?

Enough to cover expected sales plus a buffer, and turn on the low-key warning so you hear about it before running out. See [Emails and reports Filemonk sends you](https://help.filemonk.io/emails-and-reports-you-receive/).

### Can one tag serve several products?

Yes. Any product attached to that tag draws from the same pool, which is what you want for a single licence covering several listings.

### What if I run out mid-sale?

The order is marked as pending a key, and keys are assigned automatically once you add more. See [Handle orders without licence keys](https://help.filemonk.io/orders-without-licence-keys/).

## Related guides

- [Assign licence keys to a product](https://help.filemonk.io/assign-licence-keys-to-a-product/), the step that connects the pool.
- [Manage licence keys](https://help.filemonk.io/manage-licence-keys/), to organise what you have added.
- [Handle orders without licence keys](https://help.filemonk.io/orders-without-licence-keys/), for when the pool runs dry.