--- title: "ACE 2D/3D Translator Installation Instructions | Numerical Innovations" description: "Complete installation guide for ACE 2D/3D Translator including license setup, activation codes, network licensing, and step-by-step tutorials for all CAD format conversions." lang: en json-ld: | { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Numerical Innovations Inc.", "url": "https://www.numericalinnovations.com", "logo": "https://numericalinnovations.com/logo.png", "description": "Leading solutions for CAM, DFM, and 3D Software. Discover FAB 3000, ACE 2D/3D Translator, EasyGerb, and Numerical Cloud for engineering-grade precision.", "sameAs": [], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "Customer Service", "email": "support@numericalinnovations.com" }, "hasOfferCatalog": { "@type": "OfferCatalog", "name": "CAD/CAM Software Products", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "Product", "name": "FAB 3000", "description": "The Ultimate CAM Tool for PCB Manufacturing with advanced DFM analysis, Gerber, ODB++ IPC-2581 support", "category": "CAM Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "ACE 2D/3D Translator", "description": "CAD Conversion Tool for DWG, DXF, STEP file conversion and translation", "category": "CAD Conversion Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "EasyGerb for AutoCAD", "description": "Instant Gerber Output from AutoCAD with seamless integration", "category": "AutoCAD Plugin" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "Numerical Cloud Subscription", "description": "Cloud-based software management with single activation code for unlimited computers", "category": "Software Management" } ] } } --- We use cookies and analytics to improve your experience. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. [Learn more](/privacy-policy) DeclineAccept [🔁 Lifetime Support user? Click here for downloads](/lifetime-support-downloads) [![Numerical Innovations](/assets/ni-logo-C3u5Pfq2.png)](/) - Products - Support - Download - [Online Viewer](/free-gerber-viewer) [About](/about-us)[Blog](/blog) Toggle theme [Order Now](/order-now) Toggle theme Toggle menu # Getting Started with ACE 2D/3D Translator **IMPORTANT:**  If you haven't installed ACE 2D/3D Translator please [request a free trial](https://www.numericalinnovations.com/ace-2d-3d-translator-download) or contact our [sales team](mailto:sales@numericalinnovations.com). [1\. License Setup](#option_1)  [2\. Asking Questions and Getting Personal Assistance](#option_2)  [3\. Convert Any Format in just 4 Steps!](#option_3)  [4\. ODB++ Import and Export](#option_4) [5\. DXF/DWG Import and Export](#option_5) [6\. GDSII Import and Export](#option_6)  [7\. PDF/Postscript Import and Export](#option_7)  [8\. High Resolution Bitmap/TIFF Import and Export](#option_8) [9\. Using the Viewer with Editing Capabilities](#option_9) [10\. 3D STEP Import and Export](#option_10) [11\. Numerical Cloud (Monthly Subscription for ACE 2D/3D Translator)](#option_11) * * * ## 1\. License Setup: ACE 2D/3D Translator accepts many different license methods. Please choose the setup instructions that best meet your requirements:   [Trial License or Permanent Flexnet Key (Single User)](#license_1a) [Network Flexnet Key (Floating)](#license_1b) [Activation Code (Numerical Cloud and Single User)](#license_1c) Feel free to [contact us](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new) for assistance with any license problems. ### 1.1.  Trial License or Permanent Flexnet Key (Single User) Typically when you receive a FLEXnet License key from us (either Trial or Permanent), make sure to copy all lines of the FEATURE (including the word "FEATURE") to the clipboard and paste into the space provided on the Enter License Key dialog.  Then press button "Activate".  See below for a sample FLEXnet key. FEATURE ace3000 numinno 6.0 28-jan-2011 uncounted HOSTID=ANY \\ ISSUED=23-jan-2011 \\ NOTICE=@demo\_license\_for\_evaluation\_only;ace3000 TS\_OK \\ SIGN="268C 1021 B383 A4BB 6AAD 0B10 BA1F AD1E 4B13 ABD1 1BA7 \\ 7270 E28A 2A28 3295 02EF C233 4417 17EF A299 A235 6454 441D \\ 6473 339F 0358 68DF 204A 8A78 b5A4" Screen capture of Enter License Key Dialog with FLEXnet License Key pasted: ![Enter FLEXnet License Key Dialog](/images/ace-license-key-dialog.png) **Important:**  When pasting your FLEXnet License Key, make sure there are not any "strange" or "extra" characters that show up in the License Key Dialog.  If so, make sure to delete them before pressing button "Activate" ![FLEXnet License Key with extra characters example](/images/ace-license-extra-characters.png) **Note:**  Other potential License errors include: **Invalid Clock:**  Your computer is set to a date that is either 1 year ahead or 1 year behind.  Make sure to set your computer to a valid date will resolve the issue. **Invalid KEY:**  Either your license key contains extra characters (which occurred during pating - as described above), or it's not a valid license key. Common Questions: [How do I get my HOSTID? I want to use FLEXnet Licensing](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000040204-how-do-i-get-my-hostid-i-want-to-use-flexnet-licensing) [When I entered my trial license key, I got the message "System Clock Has Been Set Back"?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/discussions/topics/14000002843) ### 1.2 Network Flexnet Key (Floating) ACE 2D/3D Translator uses FLEXnet Publisher (formerly FLEXlm) for concurrent license management. All new and existing concurrent license customers will use FLEXnet Publisher to authorize each product user within their environment.  Please view the following [network installation instructions](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026043-ace-3000-network-installation-setup). Common Questions: [I already have a flexlm running other applications on our server. Can I incorporate that existing service?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026033-i-already-have-a-flexlm-running-other-applications-on-our-server-can-i-incorporate-that-existing-ser) [What is the oldest version of Flexlm that I can use with your software tools?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026034-what-is-the-oldest-version-of-flexlm-that-i-can-use-with-your-software-tools-) [How do I check the license server status using LMTOOLS?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026035-how-do-i-check-the-license-server-status-using-lmtools-) [How do I create a Second Service for Flexlm? I already installed and am running a service for existing application(s).](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026037-how-do-i-create-a-second-service-for-flexlm-i-already-installed-and-am-running-a-service-for-existi) [Do you have a list of the Flexlm complete error codes?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026038-do-you-have-a-list-of-the-flexlm-complete-error-codes-) [How do I create the LM\_LICENSE\_FILE variable on the client computers?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026040-how-do-i-create-the-lm-license-file-variable-on-the-client-computers-) [How to prevent directory naming conflict using daemon name "numinno"?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026041-how-to-prevent-directory-naming-conflict-using-daemon-name-numinno-) ### 1.3 Activation Code (Numerical Cloud and Single User) [![ACE 2D/3D Translator Activation Code Dialog](/images/ace-activation-code-dialog.png)](https://www.numericalinnovations.com/activation-code-center) The activation code is a quick and easy process to validate your license and permits you the freedom to easily move your license to another computer.  All Numerical Cloud users and a majority of all customers receive an activation code. Start ACE 2D/3D Translator and go to menu: Help | Enter License Key | Activate... Enter your activation code and complete the registration process.  **NOTE:** When prompted create a unique password that you will remember. You will be asked for that password, in the event you need to transfer ACE 2D/3D Translator to another computer or re-install the software. Common Questions: [I have forgotten my activation password. How do I retrieve it?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026030-i-have-forgotten-my-activation-password-how-do-i-retrieve-it-) [How do I move to another computer?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000031754-how-do-i-move-to-another-computer-) [What is "lockout" mode?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026027-what-is-lockout-mode-) [Will your software still work if I upgrade my hardware or move it to a new computer?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026032-will-your-software-still-work-if-i-upgrade-my-hardware-or-move-it-to-a-new-computer-) [How do I activate your software from behind a proxy server?](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/14000026029-how-do-i-activate-your-software-from-behind-a-proxy-server-) * * * ## 2\. Asking Questions and Getting Personal Assistance  The Ask for Help box, allows anyone to  type in a question (or keywords).  ACE 2D/3D Translator will search 1000's of posts to quickly find answers.  This is a resource that has been part of our software since day one, but not everyone is aware of this feature. View the tutorial movie below showing how easy and fast it is to find answers to your questions:  Need more?  Visit the [Numerical Innovations - Help Center](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/home) for hundreds of related topics and helpful articles.  Get in contact with our engineering team: [Open a Support Ticket](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new) * * * ## 3\. Convert Any Format in just 4 Steps!  With ACE 2D/3D Translator all file formats are Converted in just 4 STEPS! In addition ACE has a friendly and modern GUI which drastically reduces the learning curve. Most users are able to successfully convert their first files in less than 5 minutes! * * * ## 4\. ODB++ Import and Export ACE 2D/3D Translator is the only translator that can import and export ODB++ archives. Video tutorial coming soon. * * * ## 5\. DXF/DWG Import and Export ACE 2D/3D Translator has the most comprehensive DXF/DWG Importer.  Please view our series of video tutorials that demonstrate all the required steps. * * * ## 6\. GDSII Import and Export ACE 2D/3D Translator has the most advanced GDSII Importer & Exporter.  Please view our series of video tutorials that demonstrate all the required steps. * * * ## 7\. PDF/Postscript Import and Export Please check out the [Postscript and PDF Conversion Guideline](https://www.numericalinnovations.com/postscript-pdf-conversions). * * * ## 8\. High Resolution Bitmap/TIFF Import and Export ACE 2D/3D Translator permits the importing of Bitmaps and other image files & converting them into a vector format.  Please view our series of video tutorials that demonstrate all the required steps. * * * ## 9\. Using the Viewer with Editing Capabilities ACE 2D/3D Translator has a viewer that includes many editing capabilities like Copy/Move, Delete, DRC, NC Route Editor and more!  Please view our series of video tutorials that demonstrate all the required steps. * * * ## 10\. 3D STEP Import and Export ACE 2D/3D Translator is the only CAM software that has a true native 3D STEP translator. Other products use external libraries which sometimes create export errors.  Please view our series of video tutorials that demonstrate all the required steps. * * * ## 11\. Numerical Cloud (Monthly Subscription for ACE 2D/3D Translator) Numerical Cloud is a monthly subscription that provides access to ACE 2D/3D Translator without a large upfront investment.  [Learn more about Numerical Cloud](https://www.numericalinnovations.com/numerical-cloud-subscription). ![Numerical Cloud Subscription](/images/numerical-cloud-logo.jpg) * * * **Need Additional Help?** Visit our [Help Center](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/home) or [Open a Support Ticket](https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new) for personalized assistance. ![Numerical Innovations](/assets/ni-logo-C3u5Pfq2.png) Leading solutions for CAM / DFM / 3D software. Clever, affordable CAD EDA 3D viewers, translators, and DFM verification software. ### Company - [About](/about-us) - [Blog](/blog) - [Partners](/partners) - [Customer Testimonials](/customer-testimonials) - [OEM Solutions](/oem-solutions) - [Feedback](/feedback) - [Contact Us](/contact-us) ### Resources - [Order Now](/order-now) - [System Requirements](/system-requirements) - [Gerber Format](/gerber-format) - [ODB++ Format](/odb-format) - [DXF Conversions](/dxf-conversions) - [Postscript and PDF](/postscript-pdf-conversions) - [3D STEP Conversions](/3d-step-conversions) - [FUJIFILM Dimatix Inkjet Conversion](/fujifilm-dimatix-inkjet) - [Advanced DFM Checks](/advanced-dfm-checks) - [Matrix File Description](/matrix-file-description) - [FAB 3000 Command Line Description](/resources/fab-3000-command-line-description) - [Don't Blindly Trust Your Gerber Files!](/blog/dont-blindly-trust-gerbers) - [Cancel Subscription](/cancel-subscription) ### Legal - [Terms & Conditions](/terms-conditions) - [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy) - [EULA](/eula) - [Software Lifecycle](/software-lifecycle) - [Software Release Policy](/software-release-policy) - [Software Security Assessment](/software-security-assessment) © 2026 Numerical Innovations, Inc. 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