Free Trial
Every new installation of Cluster Terminal includes a free trial period that starts automatically on first launch. No account creation, email address, or credit card is required.| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Default duration | 7 days |
| Features included | All core features (charts, clusters, heatmap, TPO, indicators, drawings) |
| Features excluded | Cloud Workspace Sync |
| Extensions | Contact your server administrator — trial duration is configurable server-side |
The trial is tied to your device, not to an account. Reinstalling the
application on the same machine does not reset the trial period because the
device fingerprint remains the same.
What Happens When the Trial Expires
When the 7-day trial ends and no license key has been activated:- The application displays the License Activation screen on startup.
- You cannot access charts, indicators, or any analysis features.
- Any workspaces you created during the trial are preserved locally and will become accessible again once you activate a license.
- No data is deleted. Your drawings, indicator configurations, and workspace layouts are all retained.
License Key Format
License keys for Cluster Terminal follow a standardized format:XXXX is a group of alphanumeric characters. For example:
Activating a License
Activation connects your license key to your device and unlocks full access to Cluster Terminal. The process requires an active internet connection to reach the licensing server.Navigate to the activation screen
The activation screen appears automatically when the trial expires. You
can also access it at any time during or after the trial from Settings
in the application menu.
Enter the server URL
If not already configured, enter the Server URL for your Cluster
Terminal data server. This is the same URL used for market data and is
typically pre-filled if you configured it during initial setup.
Enter your license key
Paste your license key (in the
CT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX format) into the
License Key input field.Click Activate
Press the Activate button. The application sends your key and a
unique device fingerprint to the licensing server for validation.
Activation Errors
If activation fails, the screen displays an error message. Common causes:| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid key | The key is mistyped or does not exist | Double-check the key, ensure no extra spaces |
| Key expired | The license has passed its expiration date | Contact your administrator to renew |
| Device limit reached | All device slots for this key are occupied | Deactivate an old device (via admin) or upgrade |
| Server unreachable | No network connection to the licensing server | Check your internet and server URL |
| Key disabled | The administrator has deactivated the key | Contact your administrator |
Activation requires a one-time connection to the licensing server. After
initial activation, the license is cached locally and validated
periodically in the background (approximately every 24 hours).
Device Management
Each license key supports a limited number of simultaneous device activations. The default is typically 2 devices, but this is configurable by the license administrator.How Device Fingerprinting Works
When you activate a license, Cluster Terminal generates a unique device fingerprint based on your hardware characteristics. This fingerprint identifies your machine on the licensing server without collecting personal information.- The fingerprint is deterministic — reinstalling the application on the same hardware produces the same fingerprint.
- Significant hardware changes (such as replacing the motherboard) may generate a new fingerprint, which would consume an additional device slot.
Device Slot Scenarios
| Scenario | What Happens |
|---|---|
| First activation | Device is registered, one slot consumed |
| Second device | New device registered if a slot is available |
| Device limit reached | Activation fails with “device limit” error |
| Reinstalling same machine | Same fingerprint reused, no new slot consumed |
| Major hardware change | New fingerprint generated, may need admin assistance |
| Deactivating a device | Admin removes the device from the license via the admin panel |
Checking Your Active Devices
Currently, active device information is managed through the server admin panel. If you need to know how many devices are registered on your license, contact your administrator. A future update will add device visibility directly within the application settings.License Features
Not all licenses are equal. Each key can have specific features enabled, which unlock additional capabilities beyond the core analysis tools.Base Access
Every valid license (or active trial) includes:- All chart types: Candles, Clusters, Heatmap, TPO
- Full indicator library (Classic, Order Flow, Metrics, Profiles, SMC)
- Drawing tools
- Multiple workspaces and split-pane layouts
- Real-time WebSocket data feed
- Historical data access
- Depth of Market (DOM) widget
- Auto-updates
Cloud Sync (cloud_sync feature)
The Cloud Sync feature enables workspace synchronization across
multiple devices. When enabled on your license:
- Workspaces are uploaded to the server periodically (every 5 minutes) and when the application closes.
- Opening Cluster Terminal on another device with the same license downloads your latest workspaces automatically.
- An offline queue stores changes made without connectivity and synchronizes them when the connection is restored.
- A “Sync Now” button in the Workspace Dialog lets you trigger an immediate sync at any time.
Cloud Sync is not included in the free trial. It is a premium feature that
requires a license with the
cloud_sync entitlement. Contact your
administrator to check if your license includes this feature.Priority Support (priority_support feature)
Licenses with the Priority Support feature receive faster response
times and dedicated assistance through the support channel. This is
typically included in higher-tier license plans.
License Validation and Offline Behavior
After initial activation, Cluster Terminal periodically validates your license with the server in the background. This ensures the license is still active and has not been revoked.Validation Schedule
| Event | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Application launch | Validation check on every startup |
| Background check | Approximately every 24 hours while the app is running |
| Server URL change | Re-validation triggered immediately |
Offline Grace Period
If the licensing server becomes unreachable (due to network issues, server maintenance, or other causes):- The application continues to function normally using the cached license stored locally on your device.
- A grace period of up to 7 days begins during which all features remain fully accessible.
- After 7 days without a successful validation, the application prompts you to reconnect to the licensing server.
- Local data (charts, drawings, workspaces) remains accessible even if the grace period expires. Only server-dependent features (real-time data feed, cloud sync) require connectivity.
What Happens When a License Expires
When a license reaches its expiration date:- The application displays a notification indicating the license has expired.
- On the next launch, the License Activation screen appears.
- You cannot create new workspaces or access charts until the license is renewed or a new key is activated.
- All existing workspaces, drawings, and configurations are preserved locally and will be available again after reactivation.
- Cloud Sync stops functioning — no uploads or downloads occur.
License expiration does not delete any data. Everything you created is
stored locally and will be accessible again once a valid license is
restored.
Renewing or Upgrading
To renew an expired license or upgrade to a higher tier:Contact your administrator or support
Reach out through the official support channel (Telegram:
t.me/clusterterminal) or contact the
person who provided your original license.
Receive a new or renewed key
Depending on the arrangement, you may receive:
- An extension on your existing key (the same key with a new expiration date — no action needed in the app).
- A new license key with upgraded features (activate it in Settings to replace the old key).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my license to a different machine?
Yes. Ask your administrator to deactivate your old device from the admin panel, which frees up a device slot. Then activate on your new machine using the same license key.What happens if I format my computer?
A fresh Windows installation may change the device fingerprint depending on hardware. If the fingerprint changes, the system treats it as a new device. Contact your administrator to deactivate the old fingerprint if you have reached your device limit.Can I use the same license on a desktop and a laptop?
Yes, as long as you have available device slots. The default is 2 simultaneous devices per license, so activating on both a desktop and a laptop is the most common use case.Is an internet connection required at all times?
No. After initial activation, the application caches the license locally and can operate offline for up to 7 days. Real-time data features naturally require connectivity, but the license itself does not need constant validation.How do I change my server URL after activation?
Open Settings from the application menu and update the Server URL field. The application will re-validate your license against the new server. Note that your license must exist on the target server for validation to succeed.Getting Help
If you encounter licensing issues that you cannot resolve:- Telegram: t.me/clusterterminal — the primary support channel for licensing questions, renewals, and device management.
- Administrator: If you received your license from a specific person or organization, contact them directly for server-side assistance such as device deactivation or key renewal.
- Your license key (or the first and last 4 characters if you prefer not to share the full key).
- The error message you are seeing.
- Your operating system version.