General information

Community licenses are for non-commercial, non-production use in an academic setting. You can find more information about licensing here .

There are two types of licenses, which can be generated in the academic user portal:

  1. Node licenses are meant for installation on a PC or laptop. Up to two different computers can be used, and the GAMS installation will be locked to those computers. No internet connection is required when using GAMS.
  2. Network licenses are meant for use in docker, virtual machines, or similar settings. You can use up to two concurrent nodes with a network license. The machines always have to be connected to the internet.

How to generate and install your license

This video shows how to register for a community license and install it on Windows. The process is basically the same on a Mac. If you prefer written instructions, keep reading below the video.

  • If you have not done so yet, signup for a free account at https://academic.gams.com using your institutional email address.

  • Download a GAMS installation file at https://gams.com/download/ for your operating system and install GAMS.

  • Make sure to update your name in the user portal, so it can be included in your license.

  • Go to the portal dashboard , click on the correct “get your free community license” button (either node or network), and then hit the orange “Generate License” button

  • You will then see your personal license in the Licenses section

  • Copy your Access Code into your clipboard

  • Start the GAMS Studio application on your laptop or PC, and inside the application go to HELP > GAMS Licensing.

  • Click on the white box that says “Access code” and paste your access code.

  • Click on “Install License”. A message will appear asking if you want to “create a license file based on the selected license”. Click “Yes”.

  • Your new Community License should be installed and visible. Click “Ok”. You are now ready to starting using GAMS Studio.