Creating Your First Key

Overview

Learn how to manually create your first license key in Key Manager. This is useful when you have pre-generated keys (like game keys or gift cards) that you want to sell.

Before You Begin

  • Key Manager installed and activated
  • At least one WooCommerce product has been created
  • Administrator access

Step-by-Step Configuration

Step 1: Navigate to Keys List

  1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard
  2. In the left sidebar, find the Key Manager menu
  3. Click on Keys

Step 2: Add New key

Click the Add New button at the top of the page

Step 3: Enter the Key Code

Option A: Manual Entry

  • Type or paste your key code in the Key field
  • Example: GAME-KEY-1234-ABCD

Option B: Automatic

  • Click the gear icon next to the Key field
  • A random key will be generated based on your pattern

Step 4: Select the Product

  1. Click the Product dropdown
  2. Select the product this key belongs to

Step 5: Configure Key Settings (Optional)

Leave these as default for your first key, or customize:

Valid For (days): Number of days from purchase until expiry (blank = never expires)

  • Example: 365 for 1 year

Date Expires: Specific date when the key expires

Activation Limit: Number of times the key can be activated

  • Enter 1 for single-use
  • Leave blank for unlimited activations

Order: Assign to a specific order (use with “Assign to existing order” mode)

Step 6: Choose Creation Mode

This determines what happens when you save:

Mode 1: Create as a new key & set the status to available

  • Use when: You’re adding inventory to sell
  • What happens: Creates a new key with “Available” status

Mode 2: Create a new corresponding order for this key

  • Use when: Manually creating an order for a customer
  • What happens: Creates a new order and assigns the key to it
  • Additional field: Select a customer for the order

Mode 3: Assign this key to an existing order

  • Use when: Adding a key to an order that already exists
  • What happens: Assigns the key to the selected order
  • Additional field: Select the order

First key recommendation: Use Mode 1 to create inventory

Step 7: Save the Key

  1. Click the Add Key button
  2. Wait for the success message

Understanding Key Statuses

StatusMeaning
AvailableReady to be sold
SoldAssigned to an order
ActiveActivated by the customer
ExpiredPast expiration date
DisabledManually disabled

Common Issues & Solutions

ProblemSolution
Product doesn’t appear in the dropdownGo to the product edit page and enable “Keys” in the Product Data panel
Key shows as invalidCheck that the key format doesn’t contain special characters that might break validation
Can’t select orderUse “Create new order” mode instead, or ensure order exists
Key not delivered to the customerCheck that the order status is “Completed” and email settings are correct
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