> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dynamicshelp.broadstream.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dynamicshelp.broadstream.com/reference/license-activation-flow.md).

# Activation flow reference

This article documents the activation behavior around Dynamic Graphics — what puts it into an unactivated state, what the dialogs and banner mean, and how the license state changes when you activate, deactivate, or move a seat. For step-by-step activation walkthroughs, see [Activate Dynamic Graphics](/get-started/chapter-index/activate-the-product.md).

This page is reference material. Support staff, IT administrators, integrators, and experienced users will find it useful when they need to understand why Dynamic Graphics is in a particular license state.

* [What puts Dynamic Graphics into an unactivated state](#what-puts-dynamic-graphics-into-an-unactivated-state)
* [How Dynamic Graphics picks up license changes](#how-dynamic-graphics-picks-up-license-changes)
* [Online activation](#online-activation)
* [Offline activation](#offline-activation)
* [Deactivation](#deactivation)
* [Moving a seat to a new computer](#moving-a-seat-to-a-new-computer)

## What puts Dynamic Graphics into an unactivated state

Dynamic Graphics checks its license at launch and rechecks periodically while running. When the check fails, you’ll see:

* The **Activation Is Required** dialog at launch, when a license file is present on disk but the seat is not activated. The dialog includes a **Launch Application Manager** button.
* The unlicensed banner in the top bar — see [Top-bar status indicators](/get-started/chapter-index-2/top-bar-status-meaning.md).

Until activation succeeds, every output is watermarked.

## How Dynamic Graphics picks up license changes

Dynamic Graphics rechecks license state periodically while running, so license changes usually appear within a few seconds. You don’t need to restart Dynamic Graphics after the Application Manager activates or deactivates a seat.

## Online activation

Online activation happens through the NewBlue Application Manager. After sign-in or license entry succeeds, the Application Manager writes the activation state and Dynamic Graphics picks it up on its next license check.

For the full walkthrough, see [Activate Dynamic Graphics](/get-started/chapter-index/activate-the-product.md).

## Offline activation

Offline activation transfers an activation blob between an air-gapped machine and one with internet access. The Application Manager generates a URL, an online machine returns an activation text string, and Dynamic Graphics picks up the activation after the string is pasted back.

For the full walkthrough, see [Activate Dynamic Graphics](/get-started/chapter-index/activate-the-product.md).

## Deactivation

Deactivation releases your seat so you can activate on a different computer. In the Application Manager, click **Settings** and choose **Deactivate**.

**❗ IMPORTANT**\
Deactivation removes the seat for **every** NewBlue product on the current computer, not just Dynamic Graphics. The products still launch, but their outputs are watermarked until you reactivate.

## Moving a seat to a new computer

A seat move is the deactivate-then-activate sequence. On the old computer, deactivate the seat in the Application Manager. On the new computer, install Dynamic Graphics, open the Application Manager (installed with Dynamic Graphics), sign in with the same NewBlue account, and activate.

If you don’t deactivate the old computer first, activation on the new computer may require an extra rebind step in the Application Manager.

## Related

* [Activate Dynamic Graphics](/get-started/chapter-index/activate-the-product.md) — step-by-step walkthroughs for online, offline, and license-move scenarios.
* [About the NewBlue Application Manager](/get-started/chapter-index/application-manager.md) — what the Application Manager is and how to open it.
* [Top-bar status indicators](/get-started/chapter-index-2/top-bar-status-meaning.md) — the unlicensed banner and the rest of the operator surface.


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