If you’ve just purchased an Agisoft Metashape license or simply want to try the software before buying it, this guide will walk you through the process from download to your first launch. At Aufiero Informática, official distributors of Agisoft Metashape, we receive many inquiries about this process, so we’ve documented it clearly and concisely.
What do you need before we begin?
Before downloading the installer, verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements :
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB | 32 GB or more |
| GPU | Compatible with OpenGL 3.2 | NVIDIA with CUDA support |
| Operating system | Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) / macOS High Sierra / Ubuntu with GLIBC 2.19+ | Windows 10/11, macOS Ventura or later |
| Disk space | 2 GB (installation) | 10 GB+ for projects |
Tip: If you’re working on large projects—more than 500 photos or large-scale drone flights—RAM is the most critical factor. Metashape can easily consume 16–32 GB for high-quality processing.
Step 1: Download the installer
Go to the official Agisoft website and download the installer corresponding to your operating system and edition (Standard or Professional):
Official download page: https://www.agisoft.com/downloads/installer/
The current version is Metashape 2.3.1 , available for:
- Windows → file
.msi - macOS → file
.dmg - Linux (Debian/Ubuntu) → file
.tar.gz
If you don’t yet have a license, you can also download the fully functional 30-day free trial version from the same page.
Step 2: Install Metashape according to your operating system
On Windows
- Run the
.msidownloaded file by double-clicking. - I followed the instructions in the installation wizard (Next → Next → Install).
- When finished, Metashape will be available in the Start menu.
The process takes less than 5 minutes and requires no additional setup.
On macOS
- I opened the downloaded file
.dmg. - Important: Drag the Metashape icon to the Applications folder . Do not run it directly from the
.dmgApplications folder , as this may cause problems during the license activation process. - The first time you open it, macOS may ask for permission. Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Allow to authorize the application.
macOS Note: GPU acceleration on macOS works through Apple Metal, available on most modern MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Studio models.
On Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)
- Unzip the file
.tar.gzto the desired folder:
tar -xzf metashape-pro_2_3_1_amd64.tar.gz- Install the required dependency:
sudo apt install libxcb-xinerama0- Start Metashape by running the script from the program folder:
./metashape.shStep 3: Activate the license
Once the software is installed, the next step is to activate your license. There are two main types of licenses and two activation methods.
License types
Node-Locked License:
This is the most common type. It ties the software to a single machine. If you need to migrate the license to another computer, you can do so by deactivating it first. Available for both Metashape Standard and Professional.
Floating License:
Allows you to install Metashape on multiple computers and use it simultaneously on as many computers as the number of licenses purchased. Requires setting up a license server on the network. Available only for the Professional edition .
Online activation (most common)
If your device has internet access, activation is very simple:
- I opened Metashape.
- Go to the Help menu → Activate Product .
- Enter your activation key (you received it by email at the time of purchase).
- Click on Activate .
The process takes a few seconds, and the software is then fully unlocked. Once activated, you can use Metashape offline.
Offline activation (for devices without internet)
If the computer where you will use Metashape does not have internet access, the process requires a second connected device:
- From a computer with internet access , go to https://activate.agisoft.com/activate-offline , enter your activation key and download the parameter file (
.actparam). - I transferred that file to the computer without internet (via USB, local network, etc.).
- On the offline computer , open Metashape and go to Help → Activate Product → Activate Offline . Select the file
.actparam. - Metashape will generate a request file (
.actreq). Transfer it back to the computer with internet access. - Back on the computer with internet , I uploaded the file
.actreqto the same Agisoft portal and downloaded the response file (.actresp). - Transfer it
.actrespto the offline device and select it in the activation dialog to complete the process.
Step 4: Verify activation
To confirm that everything went well:
- I opened Metashape.
- Go to Help → About .
- You should see the type of active license (Standard or Professional) and your serial number.
If the activation was successful, you can now create your first project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer the license to another computer?
Yes. First, deactivate the license from Help → Activate Product → Deactivate . Then you can activate it on the new computer normally. It is also recommended to deactivate the license before updating the operating system or changing hardware components.
What happens if my computer breaks down and I can’t deactivate the license?
You can contact Agisoft technical support directly. At Aufiero Informática, as official distributors, we can also help you manage the process.
Does the license expire?
No. The Metashape license has no time limit . It includes 12 months of email technical support and free updates within the corresponding version branch.
Can I try the software before I buy?
Yes, Agisoft offers a free 30-day trial with all features available.
Do you need help with installation or activation?
At Aufiero Informática , official distributors of Agisoft Metashape, we offer technical support in all languages for the entire process: from purchasing the license to setting up the software.
If you have any questions or problems during installation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can also purchase your license directly from our online store with official support and local billing.