Generating and Distributing Keys

Once you have published your protected application, the final step is to issue licenses to your customers. Whether you are fulfilling orders manually or automating the process through an e-commerce platform, VBA Padlock provides tools to generate secure, tamper-proof keys.

Time needed: 10–15 minutes

VBA Padlock supports two formats. Choosing the right one depends on your distribution method and security needs.

If you fulfill orders manually or are testing your licensing, the built-in generator in VBA Padlock Studio is the easiest path.

If you have enabled Hardware Locking, you must first obtain the unique “System ID” from your user’s computer.

1. Ask the user to open your application.

2. The activation dialog will display their unique System ID.

3. The user copies this ID and sends it to you via email or your order form.

   

1. Open your project and go to Licensing Features → Key Generator.

2. Enter the Registered Name (e.g., Jane Doe).

3. Paste the System ID provided by the user.

4. Choose the License Type and set any limits (Trial Days, Expiration Date).

5. Click Generate.

   

Copy the generated key and send it to your user. They will enter it into the activation dialog to unlock the software.

For e-commerce automation (WooCommerce, Shopify, Stripe), you can generate keys programmatically using our PHP Key Generator SDK.

require_once('VBAPadlockKeygenAPI.php');

$vbp = new VBAPadlockKeygenAPI('vbp-YOUR-USER-ID');
$vbp->setApplicationMasterKey('{YOUR-PROJECT-GUID}');

// Optional: Binding to name and hardware
$vbp->setLicenseeName('Customer Name')
    ->setHardwareSystemID('ABCDE-12345')
    ->setMaxDays(365); // 1-year subscription

try {
    $licenseKey = $vbp->getActivationKey();
    echo "Your key: " . $licenseKey;
} catch (Exception $e) {
    echo "Error: " . $e->getMessage();
}

To use the more secure Full format, you must provide your project’s ECC keys. Export these from Advanced Activation Options in VBA Padlock Studio.

$vbp->setFormat('full');
$vbp->setECCKeys($privateKeyHex, $publicKeyHex);
$vbp->setMaxRuns(50); // Limit to 50 executions