To get a license for software, intellectual property (IP), and development kits that you have downloaded or purchased from Altera, choose one of the following, and your license file will be sent to you via email with installation instructions.
Quartus II Web Edition Software Licenses 
Beginning with version 8.1, a license file is no longer required for this or future versions of Quartus® II Web Edition software. ModelSim®-Altera® Starter Edition software does not require a license file.
Get a license for previous versions (prior to version 8.1) of the Quartus II Web Edition software and the ModelSim-Altera Web Edition software.
Altera Software Subscription Licenses
To get a license for your purchased Altera software subscription, which supports the Quartus II Subscription Edition software, IP Base Suite, and MAX+PLUS® II software, please enter your Serial Number, T-Guard, NIC ID, or Host ID (What’s This?):
| Quartus II Subscription Edition Software Licenses | |
| Licensing Plan | What You Need to Enter |
|---|---|
| Stand-Alone PC Licenses (FIXEDPC) | T-Guard or Serial Number What's This? |
| Floating Network Subscription Licenses (FLOATALL) | NIC ID or Host ID What's This? |
MegaCore IP and ModelSim-Altera Edition Licenses
Get a license for IP MegaCore® functions and/or ModelSim-Altera Edition software that you downloaded or purchased from Altera.
Nios II C-to-Hardware (C2H) Acceleration Compiler License
Get a license for the Nios® II C2H acceleration compiler.
DSP Builder License
The DSP Builder license is included with the purchase of the DSP Development Kit. Choose the appropriate development kit to receive your DSP Builder license.
Development Kit Licenses Request
The development kit licensing and registration process is currently undergoing a change. The way new kits that comply with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive are licensed is different from the way non-compliant kits are licensed. Depending on which development kit you purchased, you may receive a license for the Quartus II Development Kit Edition, Nios II IP core, and/or the DSP Builder software.
Licenses for RoHS-Compliant Kits
RoHS-compliant kits all have an “N” as the last character in the ordering code. These kits also have a bar code label (containing three bar codes) affixed to the Quartus II software CD jacket included within your kit. If your kit’s CD booklet has this label, the link above allows you to license the software included in your kit. If not, proceed to the licenses for legacy kits section.
The legacy licensing page allows you to license development kits that are not RoHS-compliant, including all Stratix® and Cyclone® FPGA series kits, as well as any other kit with an ordering code that does not have an “N” as the last character.
Third-Party Development Kit Licensing
If you purchased a development kit from an Altera partner, the third-party licensing page will provide your license file.
University Program License Request
Get a Quartus II license for students and universities.
MAX+PLUS II software is intended only to support legacy designs. MAX+PLUS II software does not support MAX® II CPLDs, Cyclone series FPGAs, or Stratix series FPGAs.
Quartus II software is Altera's primary development software and supports Altera's newest device families and most older device families. Download the free Quartus II Web Edition software today.
- MAX+PLUS II BASELINE Software
- Not recommended for new designs; Quartus II Web Edition software is now recommended for all new CPLD and FPGA designs
- MAX+PLUS II Software for Students and Universities
- Applies to MAX+PLUS II Student Edition software or MAX+PLUS II software for University Program members
