1. IronZIP
2. Get Started
3. Using License Keys

Using IronZIP License Keys

Chaknith Bin

Updated:June 22, 2025

How to Get a License Key

Adding an IronZIP license key allows you to deploy your project live without restrictions or watermarks.

You can buy a license key or sign up for a free 30 day trial key here.

Step 1: Download the Latest Version of IronZIP

[Ensure you get the latest version of IronZIP from the official website or repository.]

Step 2: Apply Your License Key

Set your license using code

Add this code to the startup of your application, before IronZIP is used.

:path=/static-assets/zip/content-code-examples/get-started/license-keys-apply.cs

// THIS CODE SNIPPET IS NOT AVAILABLE!

' THIS CODE SNIPPET IS NOT AVAILABLE!

Set your license using Web.Config or App.Config

To apply a key globally to your application using Web.Config or App.Config, add the following key to your config file in appSettings.

<configuration>
  ...
  <appSettings>
    <add key="IronZIP.LicenseKey" value="IRONZIP.MYLICENSE.KEY.1EF01"/>
  </appSettings>
  ...
</configuration>

<configuration>
  ...
  <appSettings>
    <add key="IronZIP.LicenseKey" value="IRONZIP.MYLICENSE.KEY.1EF01"/>
  </appSettings>
  ...
</configuration>

There is a known licensing issue with IronZIP versions released before 2024.3.3 on projects:

• ASP.NET projects
• .NET Framework version >= 4.6.2

The key stored in a Web.config file is NOT being picked up and used by the product. Visit the 'Setting License Key in Web.config' troubleshooting article to learn more.

Ensure that IronZip.License.IsLicensed returns true to verify.

Set your license key using a .NET Core appsettings.json file

To apply a key globally to your application in .NET Core:

• Add a JSON file to your project called appsettings.json in the root directory of your project.
• Add a 'IronZip.LicenseKey' key to your JSON config file. The value should be your license key.
• Ensure that the file properties include Copy to Output Directory: Copy always.

File: appsettings.json

{
    "IronZip.LicenseKey":"IRONZIP.MYLICENSE.KEY.1EF01"
}

Step 3: Validate Your License Key

Verify the Installed License Key

To verify whether the license key has been applied correctly, you can check the IsLicensed property. Use the following code snippet:

:path=/static-assets/zip/content-code-examples/get-started/license-keys-is-licensed.cs

// THIS CODE SNIPPET IS NOT AVAILABLE!

' THIS CODE SNIPPET IS NOT AVAILABLE!

Validate the License Key

To ensure the validity of your license or trial key, you can use the following code snippet:

:path=/static-assets/zip/content-code-examples/get-started/license-keys-is-valid.cs

// THIS CODE SNIPPET IS NOT AVAILABLE!

' THIS CODE SNIPPET IS NOT AVAILABLE!

If the return value is True, it means the key is valid, and you can proceed with using IronZIP. However, if the return value is False, it indicates that the key is invalid.

Step 4: Getting Started with Your Project

To get started with IronZIP, we highly recommend following our comprehensive tutorial on how to Get Started with IronZip. This tutorial offers detailed instructions and examples to help you grasp the basics of using IronZip.

Questions or Need Support?

To use IronZip in live projects, you'll require a paid or trial license key, which you can obtain by purchasing a license. The trial license is available by visiting this link.

For a comprehensive collection of code examples, tutorials, licensing details, and extensive documentation, please visit the IronZIP section on our website.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to support@ironsoftware.com.

Chaknith Bin

  Chat with engineering team now

Software Engineer

Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.

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