First Steps of Installation

This section is applicable to installations involving a license file activation type. This licensing method is gradually being replaced by the user credentials activation type starting with Thermo‑Calc 2025a.

This section reviews some of the things you need to do before installing the Thermo‑Calc software.

• Learn about the different default directories where the software and license files are installed.
• For network installations, collect subnet information.
• Make sure the person installing the software has administrator rights for Windows and macOS.
• For macOS, install XQuartz and make sure the security preferences are set correctly.
• For a Linux Cent OS 7 installation, also install gtk2 before you run the installation script.

yum install gtk2

Should I get my license file before or after software installation? The Thermo‑Calc license file itself is not required during the installation process. However, it is required to make calculations in Thermo‑Calc. The license file has details about your computer(s) that in some cases cannot be determined accurately until after installation (especially for a network installation). For most users it is recommended you request the file before you start installing.

You do not need a license file if you are provided with user credentials to activate your license. See About User Credentials License Activations and proceed to the relevant installation instructions.