PyQt License Starter

Clone-and-run PyQt6 desktop app with Keymint license activation pre-configured. Activation dialog, machine binding, and a deactivation helper included.

Quick Start

git clone https://github.com/keymint-dev/keymint-pyqt-starter.git
cd keymint-pyqt-starter
pip install -r requirements.txt
export KEYMINT_CLIENT_API_KEY=km_live_your_client_key
export KEYMINT_PRODUCT_ID=YOUR_PRODUCT_ID
python main.py

Opens a PyQt6 window with an activation dialog. Enter a valid Keymint license key, and the main window appears.

What's Included

• License activation — calls POST /key/activate with cross-platform machine fingerprint
• Activation dialog — PyQt6 dialog with key entry, status feedback, pre-fill from stored key
• Persistent storage — license key and activation state saved via QSettings
• Startup check — on launch, a stored key is activated again; if that fails for any reason (including no network), the activation dialog opens with the key pre-filled
• Deactivation helper — deactivate_license() in license_manager.py frees the seat and clears the stored key. The starter has no menu or button that calls it; wire it into your own UI
• Cross-platform host ID — works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Offline licenses (optional) — set KEYMINT_PUBLIC_KEY (the PEM from Developer → Public Keys) to accept signed .lic files, verified locally in offline_license.py

Configuration

Copy .env.example to .env and fill in your values, or export them in your shell:

export KEYMINT_CLIENT_API_KEY=km_live_your_client_key
export KEYMINT_PRODUCT_ID=YOUR_PRODUCT_ID

Project Structure

├── main.py                 # Entry point and placeholder main window, gates app on license check
├── license_manager.py      # Keymint SDK calls, machine ID, license storage
├── activation_dialog.py    # PyQt6 activation UI
├── offline_license.py      # Offline .lic verification (optional)
├── requirements.txt        # Python dependencies
└── .env.example            # Environment variable template

SDK Methods Used

Host ID Strategy

def get_host_id() -> str:
    system = platform.system()
    try:
        if system == "Windows":
            # WMIC UUID
            output = subprocess.check_output("wmic csproduct get uuid", shell=True)
            raw = output.decode().split("\n")[1].strip()
        elif system == "Darwin":
            # IOPlatformUUID
            output = subprocess.check_output(
                "ioreg -rd1 -c IOPlatformExpertDevice | grep IOPlatformUUID", shell=True
            )
            raw = output.decode().split('"')[-2]
        else:
            # /etc/machine-id
            with open("/etc/machine-id") as f:
                raw = f.read().strip()
    except Exception:
        # Falls back to the MAC address
        raw = str(uuid.getnode())

    return hashlib.sha256(raw.encode()).hexdigest()[:16]

wmic isn't installed by default on recent Windows 11 builds, so there the starter falls back to the MAC address, which can change with network adapters. For a steadier ID, consider get_or_create_installation_id() from the SDK's keymint.identity module.

Build & Package

# Single-file executable
pyinstaller --onefile --hidden-import=keymint main.py

# macOS .app bundle
pyinstaller --windowed --hidden-import=keymint main.py

The client API key is bundled into the executable. It has client scope — safe for distribution.

Next Steps

• Add optional offline license support for air-gapped deployments
• Integrate with Stripe for subscription licensing
• Customize the activation dialog styling with your brand
• Add a trial mode using expiryDate on trial license keys