Choose Desktop if one person uses the product on one main computer. Choose Floating if several people need to share access across multiple computers or offices.
Both license types use the same Archi products and include support and maintenance. The difference is how license seats are assigned.
A Desktop license is tied to one main computer. A Floating license is a shared pool: install on many computers, then use up to the number of seats purchased at the same time.
A Desktop license is best when one person uses Archi products on one main computer.
A Floating license is best when several people need access, but not everyone uses the software at the same time.
Use this table for the buying decision. Technical rollout details are lower on the page.
| Question | Desktop | Floating |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One user or fixed workstation. | Teams sharing access. |
| Installed on | One computer. | Multiple computers. |
| Simultaneous use | One licensed computer. | Up to the number of seats purchased at the same time. |
| How access works | Manually transferred by uninstalling and reinstalling. | Automatically checked out when Revit opens and released when Revit closes. |
| Internet required | Yes. | Yes. |
| Main benefit | Simple setup. | Flexible team usage. |
Desktop keeps access on one workstation. Floating checks out a shared seat when Revit opens and releases it when Revit closes.
Use this section when you are checking procurement terms, Revit compatibility, VDI support, or license administration requirements.
| Feature | Desktop | Floating |
|---|---|---|
| License terms | 1 month, 1 year, or 3 years. | 1 month, 1 year, or 3 years. |
| Support and maintenance | Included. | Included. |
| Revit compatibility | Revit only. Not compatible with Revit LT. | Revit only. Not compatible with Revit LT. |
| Revit sessions | Multiple sessions on the licensed computer. | Multiple sessions on an active computer, within the number of seats purchased. |
| VDI support | Windows Remote Desktop for direct 1-to-1 remote access. | Citrix, VMware, and Windows Remote Desktop for virtualized or shared environments. |
| License management | Online renewal, maintenance review, and release license. | Online usage overview and seat management. |
| Fixed IP | Not required. | Recommended for office-wide security whitelisting. Dynamic IPs can still be used; multiple office IP addresses are supported. |
Tell us how many people need access, how they work, and whether you use remote desktops or virtual machines.
Get pricing for Desktop or Floating seats before purchasing.
Get instant quotationReview installation, activation, and license management steps.
Open license user guideAsk us to confirm the right model for your team setup.
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