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Forum Update on Monday, May 27th 2025

Desktop app license validation / monetization

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  • V Offline
    V Offline
    Vouk
    wrote on 24 Nov 2023, 16:57 last edited by
    #1

    I am currently developing a Qt6 software that I want to distribute commercially. I would like to implement a licensing system that can validate and then activate offline license keys. There should be a website/simple store. There users should be able to purchase/return/etc. the software and updates.

    Are there special plugins for Qt6? Which other frameworks are recommended? Which payment service providers process worldwide payments? I am in the EU and the relevant regulations must be met.

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    • S Offline
      S Offline
      SGaist
      Lifetime Qt Champion
      wrote on 24 Nov 2023, 20:49 last edited by
      #2

      Hi,

      In many applications, the transaction happens on the seller's website and the license is activated within the application. That might be a simpler workflow to implement.

      Interested in AI ? www.idiap.ch
      Please read the Qt Code of Conduct - https://forum.qt.io/topic/113070/qt-code-of-conduct

      V 1 Reply Last reply 25 Nov 2023, 04:30
      0
      • S SGaist
        24 Nov 2023, 20:49

        Hi,

        In many applications, the transaction happens on the seller's website and the license is activated within the application. That might be a simpler workflow to implement.

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        Vouk
        wrote on 25 Nov 2023, 04:30 last edited by
        #3

        @SGaist Yes, and that's what I actually meant. :)

        S 1 Reply Last reply 25 Nov 2023, 15:50
        0
        • V Vouk
          25 Nov 2023, 04:30

          @SGaist Yes, and that's what I actually meant. :)

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          S Offline
          SGaist
          Lifetime Qt Champion
          wrote on 25 Nov 2023, 15:50 last edited by
          #4

          AFAIK, there's nothing premade for Qt on that topic.

          Beside the payment methods, you also need to determine whether your software can be used offline or if it needs to contact some server somewhere. Note that the last option would render your software useless in case of network disruption.

          Interested in AI ? www.idiap.ch
          Please read the Qt Code of Conduct - https://forum.qt.io/topic/113070/qt-code-of-conduct

          V 1 Reply Last reply 26 Nov 2023, 06:49
          0
          • S SGaist
            25 Nov 2023, 15:50

            AFAIK, there's nothing premade for Qt on that topic.

            Beside the payment methods, you also need to determine whether your software can be used offline or if it needs to contact some server somewhere. Note that the last option would render your software useless in case of network disruption.

            V Offline
            V Offline
            Vouk
            wrote on 26 Nov 2023, 06:49 last edited by
            #5

            It will be used in broadcast / editing studios where no internet connection is available, so an offline installation / license validation is a requirement.

            I am sure that some other independent developers have already gained experience with these requirements.

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            • S Offline
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              SGaist
              Lifetime Qt Champion
              wrote on 26 Nov 2023, 15:26 last edited by
              #6

              I did a long time ago but it was when online payment were not that common.

              You could check what software such as Sublime Text or GPGTools are using for that purpose.

              Interested in AI ? www.idiap.ch
              Please read the Qt Code of Conduct - https://forum.qt.io/topic/113070/qt-code-of-conduct

              V 1 Reply Last reply 1 Dec 2023, 09:59
              0
              • S SGaist
                26 Nov 2023, 15:26

                I did a long time ago but it was when online payment were not that common.

                You could check what software such as Sublime Text or GPGTools are using for that purpose.

                V Offline
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                Vouk
                wrote on 1 Dec 2023, 09:59 last edited by
                #7

                I have looked at both projects and decided to go the way GPGTooles goes. On a webserver a license can be bought, and I create a license file which is basically a JSON object encrypted with libsodium using a private/public key. This gets decrypted in the actual Qt app. Once it can be decrypted and the data in the JSON is valid the app can be used.

                Thanks for the hints.

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                • V Vouk has marked this topic as solved on 1 Dec 2023, 14:21

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                24 Nov 2023, 16:57

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