| Symptom | Likely Cause | Recommended Fix | |---------|--------------|-----------------| | “Invalid license key” error | • Typo when copying the key (extra spaces, missing hyphens).
• Using a key from a different product (e.g., Coolorus 1.x). | Re‑enter the key carefully; verify you have the correct version’s key. | | “License already in use” | • The key is already bound to the maximum number of devices (usually 1 for a single‑user license). | Log into your Coolorus account → Deactivate an old device, then reactivate the new one. | | Server timeout / cannot connect | • No internet connection or firewall blocking api.coolorus.com.
• Server maintenance. | Ensure outbound HTTPS (port 443) is allowed. Try again later; offline mode works for up to 30 days. | | Key works on Windows but not macOS (or vice‑versa) | • The key is version‑specific; older keys may not be recognized by newer platform builds. | Contact Coolorus support with purchase details; they can issue a cross‑platform key if needed. | | “Trial expired” after entering a key | • The key is for a different product (e.g., Coolorus Pro) or is corrupt.
• Activation server returned an error. | Verify purchase receipt; request a new key from support. |


  • Delivery – The key is sent via email (HTML/Plain‑text) and also appears in the user’s account on the Coolorus website.

  • Activation Process

  • Validation on Launch – Each time Photoshop starts, Coolorus checks the local token. If the token is missing or tampered with, the plugin re‑queries the server (once per 30 days offline). If validation fails, the UI reverts to “Trial Mode” (30‑day limited functionality).

  • Revocation & Transfer – Users can log into their account on the Coolorus website and de‑activate a machine, freeing a slot for another installation. This is the only officially supported way to move a license.


  • | License Type | Price (USD) | Validity | What It Covers | |--------------|-------------|----------|----------------| | Single‑User (Standard) | $49.00 (often on sale for $39) | Perpetual (lifetime updates for the major version you purchased) | One installation on a single machine. Includes free updates within the 2.x branch (e.g., 2.5 → 2.6). | | Multi‑User / Team | $129.00 (up to 5 seats) | Perpetual, same update policy | Allows installation on up to 5 machines (different users). | | Educational Discount | 30 % off the standard price | Same terms | Valid for students, teachers, or academic institutions (requires proof of eligibility). | | Upgrade License | $19‑$29 | Perpetual | For owners of a previous major version (e.g., 1.x) who want to jump to 2.x. |

    All licenses are delivered as a license key (a 25‑character alphanumeric string) that must be entered in the plugin’s “Register” dialog after installation.


    | Aspect | Explanation | |--------|-------------| | Legal | Distributing or using unlicensed keys violates copyright law and Coolorus’s EULA. | | Security | Many “free key” websites bundle malware, trojans, or unwanted adware. Installing such a version can compromise your workstation and any client data. | | Functionality | Unofficial builds often lack critical bug fixes (e.g., Hi‑DPI scaling) and may crash Photoshop. | | Support | Only holders of a legitimate license receive priority email support and updates. | | Ethics | Supporting the developers sustains future updates and new features (e.g., AI‑assisted palette generation). |

    Bottom line: If you need a working license key for Coolorus 2.5, the only reliable, safe, and legal route is to purchase it through the official channel or an authorized reseller.


    | Item | Details | |------|---------| | Product | Coolorus – a professional color wheel and palette plugin for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other Creative Cloud apps. | | Developer | Coolorus LLC, founded by Alexey Vasiliev. | | Primary Use‑Case | Fast, intuitive color selection and palette management for digital artists, designers, and photographers. | | Key Features | • Interactive HSV/HSL color wheel
    • Real‑time swatch creation
    • Harmony rules (complementary, triadic, etc.)
    • Integration with Photoshop’s native color picker
    • Support for Adobe’s new UI scaling (Hi‑DPI)
    • Customizable UI themes and shortcut keys | | Supported Platforms | Windows 10/11 (64‑bit) and macOS 10.15+ (Catalina onward). Works with Photoshop 2020‑2024, Illustrator 2020‑2024, and other Creative Cloud apps that expose the color picker API. | | Current Stable Version | 2.5 (released Oct 2023). Minor updates (2.5.1‑2.5.4) address UI scaling and bug fixes. |