Add licence keys
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
- Click Filemonk in the left menu of your Shopify admin.
- Click Content library in the app's menu, then open the Licence keys tab.
- Click Add licence keys.
- Paste your keys into Licence Keys, one per line.
- Add one or more Tags, lowercase, comma separated.
- Choose how to Handle duplicate keys:
- Ignore duplicates, which skips repeats.
- Allow duplicates, if the same key can legitimately go to more than one customer.
- Raise error on duplicates, which stops the upload so you can fix the list.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related guides
- Assign licence keys to a product, the step that connects the pool.
- Manage licence keys, to organise what you have added.
- Handle orders without licence keys, for when the pool runs dry.
