Do you own a Network license of SOLIDWORKS? Is your license actively on subscription? Do you use SOLIDWORKS at home?
If you answered “yes” to all three of these questions, you should probably be using a HUL! A HUL, or Home Use License, is a type of SOLIDWORKS license that enables you to use SOLIDWORKS on a machine that is not typically connected to your office network.
This blog post is your guide for any and all questions HUL-related. If you’ve never heard of a HUL, you’ve heard of it but you’re not using it, or you’re already using and loving HULs, hopefully there’s something for you here.
What is a Home Use License?
A HUL, or Home Use License, is a license that allows customers with SOLIDWORKS Network licenses to install and run SOLIDWORKS on machines that are not connected to the standard SolidNetWork license server. As long as the original license is not used at the same time, a HUL allows access to SOLIDWORKS from a home computer.
HULs use different serial numbers than the network licenses they are attached to. They are typically installed like Standalone licenses.
An important distinction to make here is that a HUL is not intended for machines that are generally connected to the office network but may sometimes leave the office, such as laptops. If the laptop is the primary machine for SOLIDWORKS use, a license will need to be borrowed from the SolidNetWork license server in order to use the machine while out of the office.
Who can use a HUL?
Any commercial account with a Network (9010) serial number of SOLIDWORKS CAD on active subscription can request and use a HUL. HULs are not available for customers using Standalone licenses or non-commercial customers (such as education, evaluation, etc.).
If I meet the criteria, how do I request a HUL?
Simply contact Computer Aided Technology (your SOLIDWORKS reseller) to request a HUL. We will submit a request to SOLIDWORKS on your behalf to acquire your HUL serial number.
What version of SOLIDWORKS do I get with my HUL?
Typically, you will receive the most basic version of SOLIDWORKS attached to your Network license. For example, if you have 6 seats of Standard, 3 seats of Professional, and 2 seats of Premium on your Network, you would receive 6 seats of Standard on your HUL.
Non-CAD licenses of other SOLIDWORKS software are typically not eligible for HULs.
I have multiple Network licenses under different serial numbers. Will I receive multiple HULs?
Yes, you will receive a separate HUL for each Network instance you own provided they are on subscription.
I received my HUL, but I only have one serial number even though I have 10 seats of SOLIDWORKS. What gives?
All of your HULs share the same serial number. That serial number will have as many activations as necessary to account for your Network seats. If you have 10 seats of SOLIDWORKS, the HUL serial number could be used to install SOLIDWORKS on 10 different machines.
How do I install SOLIDWORKS using a HUL?
When using a HUL, SOLIDWORKS is installed and licensed similar to a Standalone license. If you’re new to installing SOLIDWORKS, check out our guide for downloading and installing an Individual installation of SOLIDWORKS.
Please contact CATI SOLIDWORKS Support if you have any trouble downloading or installing SOLIDWORKS.
I bought a new home computer. How do I move my HUL from the old machine to the new one?
HUL licenses can be moved between computers using the same method as moving a Standalone seat. Whether you have purchased a new computer or you want to switch computers, you simply need to deactivate SOLIDWORKS to move your HUL. Please see our step-by-step guide on moving a Standalone license.
If you were using a HUL on a computer that has suffered a hard drive failure (or another type of catastrophe) please contact Support before using the HUL on a new computer.
I have SOLIDWORKS installed on my machine using my Network serial number. How do I switch it to the HUL?
Please see our blog post on switching Network seats to Standalone. Switching to the HUL uses the same procedure.
My HUL has expired, but I am still on subscription. How can I update the HUL?
Contact us, and we will request an updated HUL for you from SOLIDWORKS.
What if my subscription lapses?
If the subscription service on your Network license lapses, you are no longer entitled to any HULs you might have received. If you renew some seats but not others, the HULs for the lapsed seats can no longer be used.
I have purchased additional seats for my Network. Will the HUL I am using update automatically?
The HUL will not update automatically. If you have purchased additional seats, you are entitled to an activation count increase for your HUL. You will simply have to request an update to your HUL when you purchase the new seats.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions and dispel some rumors about HULs. If you have any other questions, please contact CATI Support at support@cati.com or 888-308-2284.
Aarya Engineer
Applications Engineer
Computer Aided Technology, LLC