I bought the Laser Module, so why are the laser toolpaths missing?

Why it happens

The Laser Module is a paid add-on. Its features are not part of the standard install and stay hidden until the module's own license is added on top of your main license. Buying it does not switch it on. Activating a module is a licensing step, and it only takes effect after a restart.

Usual causes, most likely first:

1. The module license was never added in the program.
2. It was added, but the program has not been restarted.
3. The toolpaths are there, but no laser-capable post-processor is available, so the laser output list is empty.

How to fix it

1. Open Help > Enter License Code.
2. Go through your main license details to the final summary screen.
3. Click Add Module.
4. When asked how to add it, choose Manual.
5. Paste the module's Registered User Name and License Code from your V&Co account, then click Next.
6. The next screen lists the module you added. Restart the software from that screen (there is a restart checkbox).

If you prefer the online route, the same dialog's Online method lets you sign in, tick the license and any modules on your account, and activate them together.

After the restart, the laser toolpaths (Laser Cut and Fill, and Laser Picture) appear with the other toolpaths on the Toolpaths tab.

If they appear but you cannot choose an output: forum users report the laser post-processor list stays empty when none of your posts contain laser commands. Use a post written for laser output, or adapt yours (see the entry on adapting a post-processor for the Laser Module).

How to confirm it is fixed

The license summary lists the module, the laser toolpath icons are present after restart, and a laser post is selectable when saving.

Pro tips

• Module codes are separate from the main license. Keep both in your portal account, not just in an old email.
• License codes are specific to a version. After a version upgrade, use the new codes shown in the portal.
• For how the laser toolpaths themselves work, see the Laser Module entries.