Tecplot Focus Support FAQs
These FAQs provide information for supported versions of Tecplot Focus. To learn which versions are currently supported, please see our support policy. Note that these FAQs may not apply to earlier versions of Tecplot Focus. For questions about older versions, or if you administer a site license, please contact technical support.
What new features does the latest version of Tecplot Focus include?
To read about the new features in the latest version of Tecplot Focus, see the release notes. For older versions, refer to the release.pdf file in the Tecplot Focus installation folder.
What platforms does the latest version of Tecplot Focus support?
To read about the supported platforms in the latest version of Tecplot Focus, see the Installation Guide. For older versions, refer to the install.pdf file in the Tecplot Focus installation folder.
What versions of Tecplot Focus does Tecplot, Inc. currently support?
The supported versions of Tecplot Focus are listed in our support policy.
Do I need a license key to run Tecplot Focus?
Yes. Tecplot Focus licenses require a license key file in order to run. You will also need a new license key when upgrading to a newer version of Tecplot Focus.
Do I need to install a license manager to run Tecplot Focus?
Only Tecplot Focus network licenses require a license manager installation. Single-user Tecplot Focus licenses do not. For more information on license management for network licenses, refer to the Tecplot License Manager Support FAQ.
How can I get a license key?
The primary method for requesting a license key is through our automated software activation page, which is open to all customers with current Software Maintenance Service (SMS) subscriptions. In most cases, you will receive a license key immediately after requesting it, although it may take up to one business day.
If you do not have a current SMS subscription, you will need to contact technical support to request your license key.
I installed the demo version of Tecplot Focus and now I want to install the purchased version. Do I need to uninstall the demo version first?
No, the installation of Tecplot Focus remains the same regardless of the license type you choose. You only need to request a license key (see above) and replace the demo license key with it.
How do I install my license key after I receive it?
If you request your license key through our website, you should receive an email with your license key file, named tecplotlm.lic, attached to it. If you requested a license key for a single-user license, place the license key file in your Tecplot Focus installation folder, replacing the default tecplotlm.lic file. If you requested a network license key, place the tecplotlm.lic file in the license manager installation folder.
I want to install Tecplot Focus on a new computer. Do I need a new license key?
If you have a single-user license, you will need a new license key to migrate your Tecplot software to a new computer. Customers with a current Software Maintenance Service (SMS) subscription can download and install the latest version of Tecplot software on the new computer and then request a license key.
If you do not have a current SMS subscription, please read our Support Policy – without SMS.
If you have a network license, you will not need a new license key. Install your software on the new computer, choose the network install mode, and include your license server name when prompted. Your software should run successfully as long as your license manager is set up correctly.
Can I run multiple versions of Tecplot Focus on the same computer?
Yes, multiple versions of the product can run on the same computer.
Can I run Tecplot Focus, Tecplot 360, and/or Tecplot RS on the same computer?
Yes, the products can run on the same computer without conflicting with each other.
Can Tecplot Focus run on a virtual machine?
You can run Tecplot Focus on a virtual machine with a network license, but the single-user license key does not allow it. If you need to use Tecplot Focus on a virtual machine with a single-user license, please contact us and explain the situation.
How can I get started using Tecplot Focus?
If you’re new to Tecplot Focus, we recommend that you start by working through the tutorials in the Getting Started Manual.
Your Tecplot Focus installation has an “examples” folder, which contains several sample data files in Tecplot format. To open them, go to File > Load Data File(s), then select the Tecplot Data Loader and choose a data set.
For questions on how to perform specific actions in Tecplot Focus, we recommend referring to the product documentation, especially the User’s Manual. You can also view this information by choosing Tecplot Focus Help from the Help menu.
Where can I get more detailed questions answered?
Our Knowledge Base has answers to many common questions. If you administer a site license, please contact technical support.