Software setup | Drone Emotions

DJI Terra Installation & Activation Guide

Install DJI Terra on your Windows workstation, activate the correct entitlement and check that it is ready for your projects. Follow the online or offline path, understand computer binding and prepare for updates or a future workstation change.

Before installing DJI Terra

A few checks at the beginning make activation and future support easier. Set aside time for the download, installation, driver preparation and a small validation project.

Prepare the final workstation

Check the computer you intend to use for reconstruction, its graphics driver and the free space available for installation and projects. Confirm that you can obtain Windows administrator approval for the installer.

For a managed computer, involve IT before the installation date and identify who will maintain the setup.

Prepare the license information

Keep your order confirmation, exact license name and supplied activation or exchange code available. Identify whether the entitlement is online or offline and which computer should receive it.

If you are upgrading an existing license, keep the original activation correspondence with your records.

Prepare the account and records

Agree which DJI account will hold an online entitlement before redeeming the code. Use an account that the responsible person can continue to access.

Keep passwords and activation codes in your own secure records. Support enquiries should begin with the order reference, license name and issue description.

Online or offline: select your setup path

Installation places the software on Windows. Activation, entitlement and device binding determine which licensed tools you can use.

Choose the correct activation route
Question Online license Offline license
Activation DJI account activation + computer binding CodeMeter request + authorization file
Internet access Required for paid-feature permission checks A connected device completes the exchange; processing can remain offline
Start here Online steps below Offline steps below

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Reference: DJI Activation and Binding manual.

Read the exact authorization mode in your order. Downloading the same application does not convert an online entitlement into an offline one. If the intended environment has changed, ask us to confirm the appropriate license before redemption.

How to install DJI Terra on Windows

Use official download links and the instructions for the package you received. The current download uses an ISO image; older releases may use a different installer format.

  1. Download the official package

    Open DJI’s official Terra downloads page and choose the Windows package you need. The page currently offers Terra on its own and a combined package including other DJI applications. Keep the release notes with your installation plan.

  2. Open the ISO file

    In Windows File Explorer, right-click the downloaded ISO and open it. Windows mounts a virtual drive. Open that drive and run Terra.exe. If mounting fails, DJI also describes extracting the ISO and running the installer from the extracted folder.

  3. Complete the installer

    Approve the Windows administrator prompt for the official installer. Choose the language, installation folder and optional shortcuts or startup setting, then review and confirm the selections.

  4. Finish and launch Terra

    Allow the installation to complete and restart if prompted. A command-line window during driver installation is normal. Launch DJI Terra and proceed to the activation path that matches your entitlement.

Reference: DJI Download and Installation instructions.

Keep the installed release identifiable. Record the package version, installation date and driver used. For a workstation already handling client projects, complete the backup and update planning below before replacing the working installation.

Activate and bind an online DJI Terra license

Work through account activation and computer binding in order. Keep your setup records available as you complete each stage.

  1. Activate on the intended DJI account

    Open the official DJI activation portal. Enter the activation code and the DJI account, then select Activate. Check the account carefully before completing redemption.

  2. Open license management

    Log in to Terra with that account. Open User Center > Manage Licenses and identify the correct license.

  3. Bind the workstation

    Choose Bind beside the entitlement and confirm the device binding. The license should show Bound when complete.

Reference: DJI online activation procedure.

The current User Center manual also describes an in-app activation entry under Manage Licenses > Activate License. Use the available interface for your installed release.

Reference: DJI User Center and license management.

Check the account first

If the expected license is missing, compare the account shown in Terra with the account used during activation. Keep the relevant order and activation confirmation ready for support.

A team installation should have a clear owner for account access and license records.

Check the entitlement next

Review the license name, displayed validity and device status before trying the intended workflow. Compare the required tool with the edition you ordered.

If a feature is unavailable, record what the interface shows so the request can be assessed.

Install CodeMeter and activate an offline license

Prepare the final computer first. Keep the request, email confirmation and returned authorization together so that the device and license remain traceable.

  1. Install the included CodeMeter runtime

    On the final Terra workstation, open the installation folder and run CodeMeter/Installer/CodeMeterRuntime.exe. Complete the runtime installation.

  2. Create the request on that workstation

    Import the supplied Terra_license.WibuCmLIF from CodeMeter/LIF. In CodeMeter, choose License Update, create a license request and export the .WibuCmRaC file.

  3. Exchange the request using an internet connection

    On a connected computer, open DJI’s official license-exchange page. For initial activation, choose First-time Exchange. Supply the receiving email, exchange code and request file, then complete the exchange. The authorization file is delivered by email.

  4. Import the authorization on the original workstation

    Copy the received .WibuCmRaU file to the computer that generated the request. Double-click to import it and check the license status in CodeMeter.

  5. Start with Offline Login

    Launch Terra and select Offline Login. Check the required workflow before putting the workstation into production.

Reference: DJI offline runtime, request and import instructions.

Reference: DJI offline license-exchange instructions.

Generate the request after finalizing the hardware. DJI states that changing the motherboard, CPU or hard drive after the request is generated can invalidate the authorization. Confirm planned hardware work before proceeding.

The exchange can be completed from a separate connected computer, while the reconstruction workstation stays isolated. Use your organization’s approved method for transferring the request and authorization files.

Offline mode restricts map loading, location searches and GEO Zone unlocking. Review any account-dependent flight functions in the current documentation before planning their use.

Reference: DJI offline-mode feature restrictions.

Offline request files, authorization and records

These files have different jobs. Keep their original extensions and associate them with the workstation used for the request.

Understand the three offline file types
File extension Purpose Where it is used
.WibuCmLIF Template supplied with the installation Imported into CodeMeter before creating a request
.WibuCmRaC Request generated for the workstation Uploaded during the license exchange
.WibuCmRaU Returned license authorization Imported on the workstation that made the request

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Reference: DJI offline licensing file workflow.

Keep a clear device record

For more than one offline workstation, identify which request and returned file belong to each computer. Use a folder naming convention that your team can understand.

Keep a copy of the original activation email alongside the order reference and workstation details.

Keep the master ID available

DJI’s exchange guidance identifies the original activation email as the place to find the master ID. Keep that correspondence available for a later exchange or support request.

If you cannot locate the ID, ask the dealer or DJI Support for help before selecting another exchange operation.

Check that Terra is ready for production

Validate the complete setup before the first large client dataset. A short test makes it easier to distinguish an installation issue from a later project-specific problem.

Confirm software and license status

  • Record the installed Terra version.
  • Check the intended account or offline-login route.
  • Review the license or CodeMeter status.
  • Compare the visible edition and term with the order.
  • Confirm that your required tool is available.

Run a small validation project

  • Choose a representative, manageable sample.
  • Use a project location with enough free space.
  • Confirm read access to source data and write access to outputs.
  • Inspect the generated result and export.
  • Keep the settings and outcome for future reference.

A successful activation is one part of readiness. Complete a sample reconstruction and confirm that the result opens in the software used for delivery. This is a practical check of your installation and workflow, with no implied accuracy or performance certification.

For a component review, use our hardware guide. For the capabilities of each reconstruction tool, see DJI Terra features.

Changing computers and managing device binding

Review transfer conditions before replacing a workstation. Account access, project backup and license transfer each require attention.

Current DJI unbinding reference
License device arrangement Unbinding allowance per calendar year
One-device license Once
Three-device license Twice

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Coordinate the change with every affected user. DJI states that unbinding releases all devices under that license. Free trial and complimentary licenses do not support unbinding. Follow the current license-management/support procedure for the entitlement.

Reference: DJI User Center — License Unbinding.

Reference: DJI unbinding allowances and complimentary-license restrictions.

Plan an online workstation change

Record the existing binding arrangement and confirm the applicable transfer allowance. Schedule the change after active jobs finish and preserve the projects separately.

Prepare the new computer and follow the authorized unbinding route. Then sign in using the appropriate account and complete binding on the replacement device.

If the old computer cannot be accessed, start with a support request describing the failure and the license record.

Plan an offline hardware change

Discuss the exact repair, replacement or hardware upgrade with the dealer or DJI Support before changing the licensed workstation. Keep the request and original activation records ready.

Do not assume that copying an installed application or a returned authorization file to another computer completes an authorized transfer.

Ask for the procedure and eligibility that apply to your offline entitlement.

A second installation and an additional authorized device are separate planning questions. Confirm the device entitlement for the exact product rather than treating every license as interchangeable.

Reference: DJI license and device-binding FAQ.

Updates, reinstalls and edition upgrades

A reinstall should start with a clear record of the existing version and license. Preserve your data and confirm the appropriate activation route for the resulting setup.

Using an older Pro entitlement? Read our DJI Terra Pro guide to legacy licenses and current editions to prepare the right questions before updating the application or changing your licensed edition.

Update a working installation

Read the release notes for the version you plan to install. Preserve the source data, projects, required settings and the records needed to restore the working environment.

Choose a maintenance window and run the same reference project after the change. For a team, record who approved and completed the update.

Upgrade an edition or extend a term

Confirm the purchased operation and existing license details before redeeming another code. An application update, an edition upgrade and a license-term change should be recorded separately.

For a current offline Standard-to-Flagship exchange, the manual specifies Upgrade and requests the email, exchange code and master ID.

Use current guidance for Terra 5.x. DJI’s current FAQ states that version 5.0.0 and later do not require upgrade or maintenance fees. Older support pages may still describe historical permanent-license update periods. Confirm the exact entitlement and operation before purchasing an update-related product.

Reference: Current DJI Terra update-policy FAQ.

Installing and activating a trial

Select the trial computer deliberately. Plan a small evaluation that answers the questions you need to resolve before purchase.

Before requesting or activating an evaluation, read Is DJI Terra free? Free features, trial access and paid licenses. Use it to distinguish trial access from sensor-specific LiDAR processing conditions and identify which entitlement to check for your intended work.

Read the supplied trial conditions

The official website trial is described as one month, online only, with one computer, a 500-photo or 8 GB raw point-cloud limit per task, no unbinding and activation within three days of receiving the code. The latest Terra release is required.

A trial supplied with equipment can have different terms. Review the entitlement that was actually provided.

Choose a useful test

Use a sample that fits the evaluation limits and reflects your intended outputs. Record the data type, processing settings and computer specification.

After evaluation, identify the edition and deployment you need before purchasing. Keep the result and outstanding questions together for the commercial discussion.

Common installation and activation problems

Start with the observed symptom and preserve the evidence. An activation issue, a driver issue and a reconstruction-capacity issue can look similar to a first-time user.

If Terra opens and the required entitlement is active but processing fails, follow our DJI Terra reconstruction errors and troubleshooting guide. It provides checks for memory, GPU drivers, storage and project data to help you investigate the failing processing stage.

Installation and activation: where to begin
What you see Useful first checks
The ISO will not open Confirm the download completed. Review DJI’s mounting/extraction instructions.
The installer requests permission Arrange Windows administrator approval with IT.
The expected license is missing Compare the account used for activation with the account logged into Terra.
A paid tool is unavailable Record the license edition, term, binding status and exact message.
An offline authorization fails Check that the file belongs to this workstation and that hardware has not changed.
Offline “No permission to use” message Review the Windows and CodeMeter time checks in DJI’s dedicated support article.
“Starting 3D engine error” Check the dedicated GPU, official driver and GPU access in any remote session.

On smaller screens, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Reference: DJI offline permission and time troubleshooting.

Reference: DJI 3D engine and graphics-driver troubleshooting.

Keep diagnosis specific

Write down the exact message and the stage where it appears: installer, sign-in, license binding, project import or reconstruction. Note a recent hardware or software change.

Different stages call for different checks. Avoid repeatedly redeeming codes or changing the configuration without preserving the original error information.

Use the current error guidance

For a reconstruction error after successful setup, consult the current DJI exception guide. Match the message or code to its recommended checks.

For a managed workstation, ask IT to review a specific permission or connection problem according to the organization’s configuration.

Get help with an installation or activation issue

A complete, focused request helps identify the right procedure. Include the context so that the dealer or DJI team can distinguish account, entitlement and computer issues.

Prepare the support request

  • Order reference and exact license designation.
  • Online or offline authorization mode.
  • Computer specification and relevant hardware changes.
  • Terra version and the stage where the issue occurs.
  • Exact message, screenshot and time of occurrence.
  • Steps already attempted and their results.

Collect the relevant Terra logs

DJI documents Ctrl + Alt + L as the shortcut to open the log directory. Collect files for the relevant time period.

Offline, Agriculture and Education users should export logs for manual support analysis. Eligible online entitlements can use the in-app Bug Report workflow. Review the files you intend to submit before sending them.

For the first enquiry, a precise description and screenshot often help establish which evidence is needed next. Send activation codes or authorization files only through the support route agreed for your case, and keep your original copies.

DJI Terra installation and activation FAQ

Open a question for a quick explanation. Use the step-by-step sections above for the complete setup sequence.

Where should I download DJI Terra?

Use DJI’s official downloads page, linked in this guide. Choose the package and release for your planned installation, then keep its release notes with your setup record.

Reference: Supporting documentation.

Do I need Windows administrator permission?

The current installation instructions require administrator permission because files are written to the system disk. Arrange approval with IT before running the official installer.

Reference: Supporting documentation.

Does installing Terra activate my paid license?

Complete the activation route for your entitlement after installation. Online setup includes account activation and computer binding; offline setup uses the request and returned authorization files.

Can I activate an online license in Terra itself?

The User Center manual describes an in-app activation entry. The official browser portal is also available. Check the account and entitlement before redeeming the code.

Reference: Supporting documentation.

Why can I not see the license I expected?

Record the account shown in Terra and compare it with the activation record. Send the order reference, license name and what the interface displays if you need help identifying the issue.

Can the offline workstation stay disconnected?

Yes, using an offline entitlement. Complete the license exchange from another computer with internet access.

Reference: Supporting documentation.

Which offline file should I import after the exchange?

Import the returned .WibuCmRaU authorization on the computer that generated the request. Use the file-type table above when organizing the activation records.

Reference: Supporting documentation.

Can I use Offline Login with an online license?

Choose the login and activation route that matches the purchased authorization mode. If you need an isolated environment, confirm the appropriate offline entitlement before redemption.

Can I replace components on an offline workstation?

Discuss the exact hardware change with DJI Support or the dealer first. The offline authorization is tied to the request-generating workstation, and the documented hardware-change conditions apply.

Can I move a free trial to another computer?

The official website trial does not support unbinding. Select the evaluation computer before activation and review the supplied trial conditions.

Reference: Supporting documentation.

Does an update give me a different edition?

Check the resulting entitlement separately from the installed version. If you require additional tools, discuss the appropriate edition upgrade rather than relying on an application update.

How can I get installation assistance?

Use our contact page with the support checklist above. Include the order reference, exact issue and installed version so that we can help identify the next step.

For more software questions, visit our complete DJI Terra FAQ.

Continue with the right DJI Terra resources

Hardware and performance planning

Confirm Windows, graphics compatibility, RAM and project-storage capacity before preparing the final computer.

Entitlements and purchase options

Check the edition, license term, authorization mode and intended devices before ordering or upgrading.

Downloads and learning

Keep official documentation close to the installation record and use tutorials to prepare the first workflow.

Set up DJI Terra with a clear plan

Tell us which entitlement you have, where it will run and what you need to process. We can help clarify the installation route and prepare a focused support request.

Original guide prepared by Drone Emotions, with references to DJI documentation reviewed on 2 October 2026. Menu labels and licensing procedures may vary with the installed release and entitlement. Follow the current official instructions for your product. About Drone Emotions.