Understanding qPapel License Key Types
Every software product shipped through PapelShip can leverage the qPapel Protection engine for license management. The key creation system at /dashboard/keys/create supports five distinct key archetypes, each designed for a different monetization model.
Key Types Explained
Single-Use Keys
A single-use key can be activated exactly once. After the end-user validates their license through the qPapel API, the key is consumed and cannot be used again. This is ideal for one-time digital product deliveries like game keys, serial codes, or downloadable assets.
Multi-Use Keys
Multi-use keys allow a configurable number of activations via the max_uses parameter. For example, a team license with max_uses: 5 lets five different machines activate the same key. The used_count field tracks how many activations have been consumed.
Time-Limited Keys
Time-limited keys bind to a duration in days. When a user first activates the license, the system records start_time and calculates end_time by adding the configured duration_days. The dashboard shows remaining time in a human-readable format like "14d 6h left".
Hour-Limited Keys
Similar to time-limited keys, but measured in hours instead of days. Perfect for trial periods, pay-per-hour access models, or competitive gaming sessions where access is measured in short bursts.
Demo Keys
Demo keys (is_demo: true) are special keys that grant limited access without consuming a paid license slot. They're useful for reviewers, testers, or promotional campaigns.
Hardware ID (HWID) Binding
When bind_hwid is enabled on a key, the first activation records the client machine's hardware fingerprint in the hwid_value column. All subsequent validation requests must present the same HWID or they will be rejected.
The HWID method is configured per-product in the Remote Settings panel and supports four fingerprinting strategies:
| Method | Identifier Source | Spoofing Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | CPU Serial Number | Moderate |
| MAC | Network Adapter MAC | Easy (VPN changes) |
| Disk | HDD/SSD Serial Number | Hard |
| Windows GUID | Registry MachineGUID | Easy (regedit) |
For maximum security, we recommend CPU or Disk methods. HWID resets can be performed from the key management dashboard — you can reset individually or bulk-reset all keys using the "Reset All HWID" action.
Bulk Operations
The keys dashboard supports powerful bulk operations:
- Select Mode — Toggle checkbox selection on all visible keys
- Add Time All — Extend expiration for every active key by a configurable amount (hours, days, or weeks)
- Bulk Add Time — Add time only to selected keys
- Bulk Ban / Unban — Mass-ban or mass-unban selected keys
- Bulk Delete — Permanently remove selected keys (requires confirmation)
Reseller System
Keys can be delegated to resellers via the reseller_id field. The scope filter lets you view:
- My Keys (
scope=me) — Only keys you created - Reseller Keys (
scope=resellers) — Keys created by your resellers - All (
scope=all) — Combined view
Each key stores its creator and creator_ip for audit purposes. Resellers can only manage keys assigned to their accounts and products they've been granted access to.
Key Lifecycle Flow
/dashboard/keys/create with type, product binding, and optional HWID enforcementused_count = 0)start_time recorded, HWID locked if enabledend_time has passed (time-limited/hour-limited only)is_banned = true with optional note for reasonAPI Validation Endpoint
Your client application validates licenses by hitting the qPapel API. The typical request flow:
key_value, product (cheat_value), and collected hwidbind_hwid is enabled and hwid_value is null → records the HWIDbind_hwid is enabled and hwid_value doesn't match → rejectsStart building your license system today. Create your first key →