REAPER FAQ – Licenses and Authorization

I’ve been seeing a lot of the same questions being asked often and I’ve been looking at the phrases people search for to get here. I’m starting a new series to cover these topics because clearly, they’re the important ones. I don’t want people to stop asking the simple questions, I just want the answer to be easy to find.

REAPER FAQ is a series of Q & A and quick tip articles answering some of the most frequent asked questions and searches.

REAPER says I need to authorize, what do I do?
REAPER is not free. There are two licenses you can purchase, the $60 Discounted or $225 Full license. The program functionality is the same, see below for details.
Purchase license

Fair Pricing
There is only one version of REAPER. We offer two licenses, depending on how you use it.
$225: full commercial license.
$60: discounted license.

You may use the discounted license if any of the following is true:
* You are an individual, using REAPER only for personal use.
* You are an individual or business, using REAPER for commercial use, and the yearly gross revenue does not exceed USD $20,000.
* You are an educational or non-profit organization.

HOW do I authorize?
After purchase you will receive an email with instructions, a code and a file to download. You can use either the code (just copy the text), or the file. SAVE this email.

Can I authorize REAPER on multiple computers?
YES. Your license allows you to install as a single user on multiple systems. The one license lets you install on Mac and PCs for your laptop and desktop and work computer etc.

What if I don’t want to pay for REAPER?
REAPER will continue to function without restriction in Evaluation Mode, but you will feel bad. If you want to see the development of REAPER continue, purchase a license, otherwise you should uninstall.

Posted

in

by

Admin

Tags:

Comments

90 responses to “REAPER FAQ – Licenses and Authorization”

  1. misc100 Avatar
    misc100

    QUOTE: “SAVE this email.”

    Add: ‘in several different places’

    Reply
  2. Nate Day Avatar
    Nate Day

    I want to download Reaper to another computer, I have a license but I’m not sure where to go to put the license number in.

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      you can copy the code from the email, then open reaper it will find it in the clipboard. Or you take the license file “reaper-license.rk” and put it in the reaper resources folder.

      Reply
  3. Kaitlyn Avatar
    Kaitlyn

    How long does a reaper license last?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      it does not expire

      Reply
      1. birdbrain Avatar
        birdbrain

        Looks like the license lifespan has changed. When did this happen. I feel a bit wierd about being concerned or even asking like i am cheap skate.

        Reply
        1. Admin Avatar
          Admin

          This is the first I’m hearing of this.

          Reply
          1. Birdbrain Avatar
            Birdbrain

            I failed to relize the license doesnt expire. If im understanding correctly, the license allows upgrades up to versions.

      2. Branan Dubh Avatar
        Branan Dubh

        Why is version 6 now asking for the license fee again then? I reinstalled in on a new laptop and it told me the license key was only valid for a previous version. I purchased it about 4 years ago. My friend had a similar experience.

        Reply
  4. Marvin Cosby Avatar
    Marvin Cosby

    Is the liscense a one time fee or is it yearly?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      one time payment that gets you free updates for 2 full versions. Buying to day last you several years until version 7 is released.
      Version 3 to 5 was about 6 years between with free updates every few weeks.

      Reply
  5. gary Davis Avatar
    gary Davis

    I have one computer with license for version 5.4 and version 4.7 on my other comp I updated the machine with 4.7 and it says my activation code is invalid. How can it work on one machine and not the other

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      Copy your v5 code to the other system.

      Reply
  6. gary Davis Avatar
    gary Davis

    I have lost it and have tried to log in to my account. The password I thought I used didn’t work. Submitted a change of password. Never received an email back from Reaper to continue. I have only had two email accounts in the last 15 years, tried them both, no response from Reaper

    Reply
  7. gary Davis Avatar
    gary Davis

    I had to sign up a new account to get on the forum

    Reply
  8. gary Davis Avatar
    gary Davis

    I forund the code, Thanks

    Reply
    1. edward j almada Avatar
      edward j almada

      where were you able to locate code. I am having the same problem. Ty

      Reply
  9. David Chan Avatar
    David Chan

    I play guitar and want to learn how to record but have no idea ? is this program beginner friendly?

    thanks in advance

    Reply
    1. Chuck Pain Avatar
      Chuck Pain

      Very! I’ve found it to be the most intuitive DAW out there. I’ve got 15 years experience in studios and have used them all. Reaper is the only program for me now.

      Reply
    2. tom Avatar
      tom

      The tutorials on the Reaper webpage produced by Kenny Gioia are incredible.

      Reply
  10. Earl Lopez Avatar
    Earl Lopez

    I am a register user with REAPER. the program asking me for a evaulation license. I can’t locate the license. Please help. thank you

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      If you can’t find it in your email send a message to support[at]cockos[dot]com

      Reply
      1. stephen Avatar
        stephen

        hi i downloaded and purchased a license,i imported license fine on 1 computer,downloaded again for second pc,this time it wont accept license key,ive emailed cockos support twicw and am bieng ignored,,

        help..

        Reply
  11. vince Avatar
    vince

    How many users can use Reaper simultaneously with a commercial license? Thank You

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      single-user.

      Reply
      1. darius Avatar
        darius

        Is discounted liscence $60 or is it $64 i tried to pay for it and i wasnt able

        Reply
  12. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    It may sound dumb, but is $20,000 twenty thousands dollars or twenty dollars? I believe it is 20 thousands, but in some places ‘,’ is decimal separator .

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      thousands

      Reply
  13. John Avatar
    John

    i made the purchase, but never received an email. Who should I contact?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      send a message to support[at]cockos[dot]com

      Reply
  14. Terry Avatar
    Terry

    My VU meter shows the inserted media file is playing but I get no audio sound. How do I fix that?

    Reply
  15. Megan Riddell Avatar
    Megan Riddell

    I ordered a license ($60.00) back on 8/5/ 2016 and I have lost the email with the license. My order number is: ********. Can you please resend the email?

    Thank you

    -edited by admin-

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      Hi Megan. You have to email support[at]cockos[dot]com.

      Reply
  16. Shahrukh khan Avatar
    Shahrukh khan

    What is the limited time of disconnted licence

    Reply
  17. Shahrukh khan Avatar
    Shahrukh khan

    What is the limited time of disconnted licence can I use it to for 6month or 1year for one payment because I am a student and belong to poor family plss tell me sirr

    Reply
  18. Flute Avatar
    Flute

    I would like to purchase the license – but on the current computer that I use there is already one version that’s been installed previously. It says it is a commercial license, but I suspect that it hasn’t been purchased – only inserted from who knows where. Reaper works normally currently – but can I purchase one of the licenses from your official website and just replace the existing key – would this mess up the projects? Thank you

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      To clear the license info you can delete “reaper-license.rk” from the reaper folder.

      Projects will not be changed in any way.

      Reply
  19. Lee Rosenthal Avatar
    Lee Rosenthal

    What hardware do you need to record guitars and synthesizer?

    Reply
  20. Joe Avatar
    Joe

    Whats the difference between free reaper and paid reaper?

    Reply
    1. producer Avatar
      producer

      No license banner warning.

      Reply
  21. Danny Tsong Avatar
    Danny Tsong

    “There is only one version of REAPER. We offer two licenses, depending on how you use it.”

    Does it mean, no mater I am qualified as “commercial” or “discounted”, the features are all the same?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      exactly the same.

      Reply
  22. Keith Bolden Avatar
    Keith Bolden

    I literally was going to move my Reaper catalogue to a new computer went to the store came home and the transformer across the street took out me and my neighbors power No air no nothing checked my computer and it says that my memory is being dumped Does Reaper keep licensed buyers data on file

    Reply
  23. oreste Avatar
    oreste

    Hello, I don’t know why but when I want to record one track I record all the others tracks. Can someone helpme please

    Reply
    1. Grim Avatar
      Grim

      Oreste….turn off loopback function of your interface.

      Reply
  24. Joe V Avatar
    Joe V

    “A new REAPER 6 license includes unlimited free updates through REAPER version 7.99” Why is nobody asking what happens when the version ceiling is hit?? Is it another 60/225?? how much to keep the updates going?? LOL this is very clever marketing imho.. if there is more payment due after that then its not just 60 bucks.. technically you are licenced for life but i dont know about you but i like my software updated.. it shouldnt be an option… im sure it still works but i like to be updated call me crazy… so how much will it be after we hit v7.99 ??? confused and frustrated! please clarify.. thx

    Reply
    1. vinyl rake Avatar
      vinyl rake

      You are literally worrying about nothing. All the features of Reaper literally work whether you pay for a license or not, and you can download the latest version of Reaper and use it whether you have a current license or not so how on earth can you think the developer is trying to trick you or be ‘frustrated’ that your software won’t be ‘updated’? Your $60 license is good for 2 whole versions (probably at least 3-4 years) so that’s at most $15-$20 a year to keep your license current. If you don’t Reaper is worth $15-$20 a year then you are (as you say) ‘crazy’ – but feel free to look for a different DAW that is a better value (good luck with that). If you are earning more than $20K a year from your music/production so have a $225 commercial license and don’t think Reaper – the DAW that helped you earn that $20K+ a year – is worth $50-$60 a year, again, you are crazy. But if you think that’s unreasonable, please go look for another DAW as inexpensive as Reaper with as many features as Reaper that you can upgrade forever without any additional cost. Good luck!

      Reply
      1. Tom Bowden Avatar
        Tom Bowden

        If we leave aside Joe V’s editorial comments, he’s asking a simple question: if my $60 license is good through v. 7.99, what happens when it goes to v. 8.00? I assume at that point I can’t update without paying another fee. What is that fee? Will it be another $60, or something less or more, or we don’t know yet? It’s just a question, not a complaint.

        Reply
        1. Admin Avatar
          Admin

          you have it right. at 8.0 you can buy a new license or stay on 7.X if you prefer. I don’t know if there will be a price increase but it’s been $60 for as long as I’ve been using Reaper (since v3.)

          Reply
  25. Werner Avatar
    Werner

    Hi. I purchased a license for my old macbook a time ago. Now it’s broken and I want to install reaper at my new laptop. Unfortuallly the license key is gone too. How can I find out my license key?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      there should be a copy of the license in your email from when you originally purchased it
      If you ever backed up your old macbook you’ll see reaper-license.rk in the reaper folder
      if those two fail then you can email Cockos for another key

      Reply
      1. Branan Dubh Avatar
        Branan Dubh

        This didnt work for me as when I reinstalled the program from the website it said my old licence key was invalid for this version. I purchases about 4 years ago.

        Reply
  26. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    My business revenue exceeds $20,000, but I want to use the Reaper internally only (to test VST plugins). I do not plan to use it commercially, i.e. sell any products or plugins related to it. Do I qualify for the discounted licence?

    Reply
  27. Jim Bulleit Avatar
    Jim Bulleit

    I have been evaluating Reaper for about 30 days, and I just purchased a personal license for $60. I have the license key in my e-mail. The problem is I cannot see how to apply it. When I go into the program and click on it takes me into my files, where I don’t see anything related to Reaper. If I click the purchase I am back where I was before, as if purchasing for the first time.

    Reply
    1. James Welker Avatar
      James Welker

      I too paid for a license on April 3, but have not received the license number.

      Reply
  28. Al Mercurio Avatar
    Al Mercurio

    Is my Allen and Heath Zed 22FX mixer compatible with Reaper as an interface?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      it can be used for recording the mix and aux sends, or playing back from reaper, not full multitrack.

      Reply
  29. Jim Brooks Avatar
    Jim Brooks

    I trialled Reaper and now want to buy, but I want a fresh version with the original screen preset settings, because while learning I’ve moved everything about and can’t get transport, mixer etc. back where I want them on the screen. However, when I try to buy I keep get offered the previous one even though I’ve deleted all trace of it on my PC. Can I but a brand new version please?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      open the start menu, scroll to Reaper (x64) folder. Run the option to reset configuration to factory defaults.
      Reaper installs to this folder
      C:\Program Files\REAPER (x64)

      After first launch, Reaper creates this folder for your configuration
      C:\Users\*YOUR USER NAME*\AppData\Roaming\REAPER

      Reply
  30. Ernst Avatar
    Ernst

    If I buy a license and reaper goes beyond version 6.99, I will have to buy another key. Are there any discounts on the second key or is it 60$ again? Asking out of curiosity (pricing seems fair)

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      buying now would cover you until the last update to version 7.

      Reply
    2. Mary Singer Avatar
      Mary Singer

      Hi, how do you stop your renders from sounding completely different to what Reaper is playing you in the DAW? I’ve been looking it up everywhere but haven’t been able to find a solid answer… I haven’t purchased my license yet but the process to get what you hear in your daw onto a WAV file seems ridiculously complicated and if buying won’t solve the problem I need to find another way to make music…

      Reply
      1. Florent Valsesia Avatar
        Florent Valsesia

        Hello
        it happened to me once, I solved this problem by making renders “online” in real time and not at full speed.
        You may have solved the problem since you asked, but it might help someone else, who knows…

        Reply
  31. Tony Farina Avatar
    Tony Farina

    After the latest download,I have lost the window that shows my VST,VST1,2,3,Instruments etc.I am also having trouble directing the folders of my virtual instruments to be read by Reaper.Is this common?I can`t figure it out.I am willing to pay the 60.00 but not if I can`t use it of course.

    Reply
  32. Brandt Hawks Avatar
    Brandt Hawks

    I purchased a license yesterday but I never got the key. Ive sent emails and received NO response. Im not sure what to do.

    Reply
  33. DaveH Avatar
    DaveH

    I have just purchased a new laptop and want to move my reaper install 5.x (everything tied to reaper as well) from my old machine. I also will upgrade to 6.13 or latest. I am wondering, should I upgrade my current reaper setup, then try to move things, install the new upgrade to the new PC and move things over without upgrading the old PC…
    Also, I use customized layouts based on the WT imperial (which verson is something I cannot remember and do not know how to look up) .
    Anyway, anyone do a full move with/upgrade of all Reaper elements and the DAW itself?

    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      you can easily transfer your license and settings to the new computer by copying this folder:
      C:\Users\*username*\AppData\Roaming\REAPER

      Reply
      1. DaveH Avatar
        DaveH

        OK, so transfer everything then upgrade the license to 6.13 on the new machine?
        Thanks

        Reply
  34. Christopher Parker Avatar
    Christopher Parker

    If I Buy the 60$ personal Can I Use the Recording to make a real album. Can i use it to be a professional musician?

    Reply
  35. FRANCESCO FRUGIUELE Avatar
    FRANCESCO FRUGIUELE

    Hi, I purchased the license 10 years ago and I now want to use it on a different computer but I cant find the code.
    At the time I used an email I cant no longer access to….
    is there any chance I can recover it?
    thanks!

    Reply
  36. Klaus Jakobsen Avatar
    Klaus Jakobsen

    Youtube is littered with people using old computers, and I also have 2 C64s, a Commodore 128D, 2 old P3s for older software etc. In short, I’m one of those who like to use computers for an extended time, just like any good instrument. Thus I try to avoid software which uses online activation. Does the commercial Reaper Daw license use online activation, or?

    Reply
  37. Nick Avatar
    Nick

    Hi, does the ‘discount purchase’ version have any extras not available on the ‘evaluation’ program?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      There are no extra features to unlock etc. The demo is the full program.

      Reply
  38. Reece Williams Avatar
    Reece Williams

    When I install reaper after the evaluation will this delete files I’ve save already on the new downloaded version? If that makes any sense?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      nothing will deleted!

      Reply
      1. Nino Avatar
        Nino

        I already sent email with a question so i am going to ask again. If i buy licence does it extends to all future versions or just until next major version. I’ve seen that other daws offer free lifetime upgrades with any purchase, they do cost bit more than reaper. I can understand if for 60 usd you need to buy next major version. Doing the same thing for 225 usd would be asking to much because users of commercial licence would expect free lifetime updates.

        Reply
        1. Admin Avatar
          Admin

          its not lifetime. its 2 full versions. Buying license today authorizes version 6 (and earlier) up to 7.999. That’s many years, and plenty of time to do commercial work to save up $225.

          Reply
          1. Nino Heđi Avatar
            Nino Heđi

            So that’s how it works. Not bad at all. You intentionaly slowed down development of major version so people can enjoy using reaper for several years so in meanwhile they have more enough time to save up money for newer version. It’s fair. Besides i don’t have to buy new licence and i can use old one with old version as it won’t expire i am guessing and buy new one any time.

  39. Ctibor Ješina Avatar
    Ctibor Ješina

    i bought reaper years ago.I dont have a licence key or any email anymore. do I have to buy it again ?

    Reply
  40. davide rapp Avatar
    davide rapp

    Hi, i purchased the reaper license but i still get the message “Upgrade license for long projects”, what does this mean? how do i solve it?

    Reply
    1. Admin Avatar
      Admin

      That’s not a reaper message I recognize. Are there plugins in the project or was the project created by conversion software?

      Reply
  41. Zulkifli Ramli Avatar
    Zulkifli Ramli

    If I purchase the license, how about the files(recording) in my evaluation copy?
    Is it still there?
    Thanks.

    Reply
  42. Robert Willoughby Avatar
    Robert Willoughby

    I need to buy again. I downloaded new upgrade, and I see monitor moving but no sound! Is this because I have not paid? Is there a problem if my email address has changed? Will I lose any projects? They are important to me.

    Reply
  43. Nino Heđi Avatar
    Nino Heđi

    Do i need to buy licence for every major version or i get them for free with licence. I am considering buying commercial licence but won’t pay 225 usd for it you i am going to need to pay again for major version at some point. For 60 usd to pay for new version again from time to time i can understand and it’s fair but not for commecial licence. Only reason why i want commercial licence is that i get to do what i want without restrictions.

    Reply
  44. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    Hi !
    I speak English a little bit.
    For example, I have bought 32 bit Reaper for my Windows 32 bit, then I buy a new Windows 64 bit for my PC. Will my license be valid ?

    Reply
  45. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    Hello, I’m worry…
    Yesterday (11.01. 2022) I have sent a ‘dollar transfer’ (‘Swift’) to Reaper from Belarus. Can I hope to get a license key with mail or by electronic letter ?

    Reply
  46. Justin Avatar
    Justin

    I don’t intend to make more than $20,000 per year on music, but if I were to buy the discounted license and unexpectedly made more than that, what would happen then?

    Reply
  47. Jeferson Jeferson Rodriguez Avatar
    Jeferson Jeferson Rodriguez

    I have a question, if I purchase a license with a discount, can I opt for a commercial license? Do you pay the difference or the total?

    Reply
  48. Peter Bengelmann Avatar
    Peter Bengelmann

    Hello, I have to transfer my License, because I have to sell my reaper. What have I to do for this? Have I pay for the transfer? Pleas can help me anywhere? Thanks and musician greetings Peter Bengelmann

    Reply
  49. Carlos Avatar
    Carlos

    HI Guys, bought discounted license and never got the email with the license Key, already sent an email to support@cockos.com

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *