ArtCAM Licence (PAF) Expiry – What Are My Options?

Why has my ArtCAM licence stopped working?

ArtCAM was discontinued by Autodesk in 2018. Since then:

• Autodesk no longer provides license servers, activations, or PAF file renewals
• Expiring PAF licence files cannot be renewed, replaced, or extended
• As a proprietary technology, no company (including Carveco) has the technical ability to issue new or updated ArtCAM PAF files

When a PAF file expires, the software becomes inactive and cannot be reactivated.

We understand how disruptive this can be, particularly for businesses still relying on legacy ArtCAM installations.

Did Carveco “acquire” ArtCAM?

Carveco is developed by many of the original ArtCAM engineers, and it is the direct successor to ArtCAM, being built on the same codebase as the original ArtCAM series of products.

However, it’s important to clarify:

• Carveco does not own or control ArtCAM licences
• We cannot repair, renew, or replace ArtCAM PAF files
• We do provide a supported, modern alternative designed specifically to help ArtCAM users continue their work

Can Carveco open my ArtCAM files?

Yes — in the vast majority of cases.

Carveco can open most legacy ArtCAM files, including files created with much older versions such as ArtCAM Pro 2008.

While no software can guarantee 100% compatibility with every historical file ever created, most ArtCAM users are able to continue working with their existing data in Carveco without issue.

Many ArtCAM customers have made the transition to Carveco since our launch in 2019. 

What are my options now?

✅ Option 1: Try Carveco free for 30 days

The quickest way to confirm compatibility is to open your ArtCAM files directly in Carveco via a subscription. 

• Fully functional 30-day free trial
• Import and test your existing ArtCAM projects
• No obligation to purchase, cancel before the end of your free trial. 

Start your free trial: Purchase Carveco

✅ Option 2: Speak to a local sales representative

If you’d prefer guided help and assistance, especially for production environments (e.g. stone, marble, wood, signage, CNC manufacturing) where ArtCAM was an essential tool for your business, your local Carveco representative can:

• Advise on the most suitable Carveco product and a path forward for your business
• Discuss your specific needs in a migration from ArtCAM
• Provide localised support, pricing and trial installations of Carveco Pro

Contact Your Local Carveco Partner Find your local Carveco Partner

Why is moving to Carveco recommended?

Carveco is:

• Actively developed and supported (currently on our 63rd release)
• Compatible with modern operating systems
• Designed to preserve ArtCAM workflows while improving performance and stability
• Supported by a dedicated technical support team

Moving to Carveco ensures your software, files, and business remain supported going forward, rather than relying on an unsupported product with expiring licences.

Summary

• ❌ ArtCAM PAF licences cannot be renewed or replaced
• ❌ No support exists for expired ArtCAM licences
• ✅ Carveco is the supported successor to ArtCAM
• ✅ Most legacy ArtCAM files can be opened in Carveco
• ✅ A 30-day free trial is available to test your files

If your ArtCAM licence has expired, Carveco is the only supported path forward.