macOS has an installer. Windows and Linux are a zip you copy into place. Either way, restart your DAW afterwards so it rescans plugins. When in doubt, install VST3 and the standalone app.
The installer is signed and notarised by Apple, so it opens without security warnings. To remove Cartridge later, run Applications › Stay Cool and Stay Cool › Uninstall Cartridge. It keeps your presets and licence unless you tell it otherwise.
Unzip the download and copy each format into place:
Quit the DAW fully and relaunch to trigger a rescan. Closing the project is not enough.
Your licence key arrives by email right after purchase, from [email protected]. Check spam if it hasn't landed within a few minutes.
One licence covers up to three machines. Activate each one the same way, with the same key.
The licence dialog shows a machine code with a copy button. Send us that code along with your key and we'll return a licence bound to that machine, which activates with no connection at all.
Retiring a computer, or hit the three-machine limit? Click the LICENCE badge on the machine you're leaving behind and choose Deactivate this machine. The seat frees up immediately and you can activate elsewhere.
If that machine is gone for good and can't deactivate itself, email support with your order number and we'll release the seat for you.