Activating BarTender 2021 R4 and later

In all revisions, you can use browser activation to activate BarTender offline. Note that this process requires a second computer with an internet connection to complete this process.

In BarTender 2021 R6 and later, you have a second option to activate using a mobile phone. This option does not require a second computer, only a phone with internet access.

Mobile activation

1. From the Internet Connection window, click Activate Using Mobile Device on the computer you wish to activate. Note that you need a mobile phone with internet access to complete activation.

This will open the Mobile Device Activation Dialog. A QR code will automatically be generated for you and appear on the right-hand side of the dialog.

2. Using a QR Code app, scan the QR Code on the right. It contains a URL with activation information needed to complete the offline activation process. Tap the link or copy it into your mobile web browser to continue to the activation server

If you are activating provisionally, check the checkbox on the website then tap "Generate Product Activation Code" to complete the activation process.

3. Once activation is complete, you should be greeted with a confirmation screen and an activation code. Keep this window open and return to your computer or you can email yourself a copy of the code.

4. In the activation dialog in the box in step 2, enter the activation code.
   1. If you have the window open, type the Product Activation Code into the window. Note that there is only one space after the word BarTender.
   2. If you emailed yourself a code, copy the entire code that starts with "BarTender" and paste it into the text box.
5. Click Next then Finish to complete the activation process.

Browser Activation

1. From the Internet Connection window, click Activate Using Web Browseron the computer you wish to activate. Note that you do not need to have internet connection on this computer.

The Browser Instructions window opens, displaying several important pieces of information.

2. Write down the Primary Site for activation.
3. You have several options to carry the Activation Key code to a computer with a working internet connection.

• Save to File - Saves a key file to your computer or to a flash drive
• Send Email - Sends an email containing the key file using the default email application on the computer. 
• Copy to Clipboard - Copies the key to the clipboard. you can paste this key in a Notepad or text editor or paste it into the body of an email.

4. Leave this window open and move to another PC with an active Internet connection.
5. Open an Internet browser and enter the web address for the Primary Site to open the Activate Software web page.
6. You have two options to upload the key to the activation server

• If you've copied the key to an email or text editor, copy the code and paste it into the text box
• If you've saved or emailed a key file, use the "Upload Activation Key" button to upload this key file.

7. Answer the CAPTCHA test and click the Activate Product button to open the Product Activation Code web page.

For more information, please see:

• What is provisional activation? How do I provisionally activate my software?
• How to Deactivate BarTender

8. Once your software is activated, you'll be greeted with a screen that says "Success!" You can download the key file or send it to yourself via email. If you have pasted the key into the previous screen, you can additionally copy the key to the clipboard.
9. Return to the other PC where BarTender is currently installed.
10. If you have saved a key file, use "Select File" and locate the .pac file. If you have emailed it to yourself or pasted it into a text document, copy the full key and use "Paste from Clipboard"

11. Click Next to open the Activation Wizard Completed dialog.
12. Click Finish.

You have successfully activated the BarTender Suite.

Activating BarTender 2019 through BarTender 2021 R3

1. From the Internet Connection window, click Try Browser Instead on the computer you wish to activate. Note that you do not need to have internet connection on this computer.

The Browser Instructions window opens, displaying several important pieces of information.

2. Write down the Primary Site for activation.
3. If you are provisionally activating, check the "Use Provisional Activation" box before proceeding.

4. Copy the activation code into a notepad or an email using the copy button on the righthand side. As this code is about 1500 characters, it is not recommended to write it down but instead store it digitally.

4. Leave this window open and move to another PC with an active Internet connection.
5. Open an Internet browser and enter the web address for the Primary Site to open the Activate Software web page.
6. Enter the Product Key Code and the Installation Identification Code.
7. Answer the CAPTCHA test then click the Activate Product button to open the Product Activation Code web page.

8. Copy the Product Activation Code by using the copy button to the right of the text box. The code is very long so it's not recommended to write it down on paper. Paste the code into a text document or an email.
9. Return to the other PC where BarTender is currently installed.
10. Paste the Product Activation Code in the Browser Instructions window on the BarTender computer.

11. Click Next to open the Activation Wizard Completed dialog.
12. Click Finish.

You have successfully activated the BarTender Suite.

Activating BarTender 2016 and earlier