Delcam Paf Wizard Guide

PAF stands for Product Authorization File.
It’s a license file that unlocks specific software features, modules, or time-limited access.

A PAF is generated by Autodesk/Delcam based on:

Using the PAF Wizard is straightforward, but the order of operations matters.

Delcam PAF Wizard (Protection Authorization File Wizard) is a legacy utility designed to manage licensing for Delcam software products released primarily between 1998 and 2012. Unlike modern Autodesk subscription licensing, Delcam used a hybrid system combining hardware keys (dongles – Rainbow/Sentinel SuperPro) and encrypted text files (.PAF). The PAF Wizard was the graphical interface for installing, viewing, and troubleshooting these PAF files. delcam paf wizard

You might be wondering: Doesn't Autodesk use a desktop app for licensing now?

Yes. Autodesk's current products (PowerMill 2023+) use the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service (ADLS). However, thousands of small job shops and mold shops still run Delcam 2014, 2015, or 2017 for three critical reasons:

As long as these legacy systems run, the Delcam PAF Wizard remains a mission-critical tool. PAF stands for Product Authorization File

Prerequisites: The Delcam USB hardware lock must be plugged into the computer.

Step 1: Locate the PAF Wizard. Typically found in the Windows Start Menu under: Delcam > PAF Wizard or Autodesk > Delcam PAF Wizard. Alternatively, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Delcam\PAF Wizard\

Step 2: Launch the Wizard. Right-click and select "Run as Administrator" to avoid permission errors. Using the PAF Wizard is straightforward, but the

Step 3: Select the Operation. Choose "Install new PAF files (from floppy disk, email, or file)" and click Next.

Step 4: Select Your PAF File. Click Browse and locate the .paf file you received from your reseller. Select it and click Open.

Step 5: Verification. The wizard will cross-reference the PAF file with the USB dongle plugged into your machine. If the ID inside the PAF matches the dongle’s serial number, you will see a green checkmark.

Step 6: Completion. Click Finish. The software is now licensed.

| Task | Command / Path | |------|----------------| | Launch PAF Wizard (if missing shortcut) | "C:\Program Files (x86)\Delcam\PAFWizard\PAFWizard.exe" | | Force license refresh | Delete license.rc file in software install dir | | Check PAF expiration | Open .paf in Notepad (human-readable: Expiry=DD-MMM-YYYY) | | Silent PAF install (script) | PAFWizard.exe /install "path\to\license.paf" /silent |