Step-by-Step Guide

Installation & Activation

Get started with PointCloudSolutions for AutoCAD in just a few minutes. Download, install, and activate — then start working with your point clouds right away.

⚠️ Windows SmartScreen Warning

When downloading or running the installer for the first time, Windows may show a security warning. This is normal for new software that hasn’t yet built up a reputation with Microsoft.

How to proceed:
  1. When you see “Windows protected your PC”, click “More info”
  2. Then click “Run anyway”
  3. The installation will continue normally

Our software is safe and does not contain any malware. The warning appears because the software is relatively new.

System Requirements

Make sure your system meets these minimum requirements

AutoCAD

Version 2025 or 2026

Windows

Windows 11 (64-bit)

Memory

16 GB RAM min.
32 GB recommended

Graphics Card

Dedicated GPU
for analysis tools

Disk Space

Less than 10 MB

Installation

Download and install the plugin in under a minute

STEP 1
  1. Download the Installer

    Click the button below to download the latest version of PointCloudSolutions directly from our website.

    Download Installer
  2. Run the Installer

    Double-click the downloaded file. If Windows SmartScreen appears, click “More info” → “Run anyway”. Follow the installation wizard and accept the default settings.

  3. Restart AutoCAD

    Make sure AutoCAD is closed during installation. After installation, start AutoCAD and the PointCloudSolutions toolbar will appear automatically in the ribbon.

Activation

Enter your license key and email to unlock your purchased modules

Your License Key
XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
Your Registered Email
your@email.com
STEP 2
  1. Open Activation Dialog

    Click on “3DS Activate” in the toolbar, or type 3DS_ACTIVATE in the AutoCAD command line.

  2. Enter Credentials

    Enter your License Key and Email address exactly as shown in your order confirmation email. Both fields are required.

  3. Click “Activate”

    The software connects to our server to validate your license. Once activated, your licensed modules are unlocked and ready to use. You can verify your status in the “About” dialog.

Free 30-Day Trial

Explore all modules at full functionality — no credit card required

TRIAL
  1. Download & Install

    Follow the installation steps above. The installer is the same for trial and licensed users.

  2. Start Your Trial

    Open AutoCAD and click “Start Trial” when prompted. Enter your email address to activate the 30-day trial period.

  3. Explore All Modules

    Every module is fully functional during the trial — Piping, Construct, Floor Analysis, and Volume. After 30 days, purchase a license to continue.

Troubleshooting

Common issues and how to resolve them

The plugin doesn’t appear in AutoCAD

Make sure you’ve restarted AutoCAD after installation. If the toolbar still doesn’t appear, type NETLOAD in the command line and manually load the DLL from the installation folder.

Activation fails with “Invalid license key”

Double-check that you’ve entered the license key exactly as shown in your email, including any dashes. Make sure you’re using the email address associated with your purchase.

Activation fails with “Max activations reached”

Your license is already activated on the maximum number of computers. Contact support to deactivate an old installation or upgrade your license.

“Connection failed” during activation

Check your internet connection and firewall settings. Our activation server uses HTTPS on port 443. If you’re behind a corporate firewall, you may need to whitelist 3d-solution.nl.

Windows Defender blocks download or installation

Windows Defender may quarantine or block the installer or DLL files because the plugin is relatively new and not yet widely recognized by Microsoft. You can safely allow the file — our plugin is regularly scanned for malware and does not contain any harmful code. If blocked, add an exception in Windows Defender for the downloaded file or the plugin folder.

Need Help Getting Started?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our support team is ready to help you get up and running.