Transfer the package to the offline machine.
Close Altium Designer completely on the offline machine.
Place the extension file in a known folder (e.g., C:\AltiumExtensions) and note the path.
Install using Altium’s Extensions & Updates dialog:
If your Altium version lacks a GUI install for local packages:
Apply license or activation if required.
Restart Altium Designer.
Altium provides a standalone utility called ExtensionDownloader.exe (located in the \Extras\OfflineInstallation folder of the Altium installation media).
Step-by-step for IT admins:
Get offline-ready: download the right package, move it over, install from file, and restart — you’ll be back to routing and layout without needing online access. Need a tailored command or exact folder path for your Altium version? Tell me which Altium release you’re using and I’ll give precise steps.
Offline Installation Feature
To enable offline installation of Altium extensions, the following steps can be taken:
Benefits
The offline installation feature offers several advantages:
Possible Scenarios
Here are some possible scenarios where the offline installation feature can be useful:
Implementation Roadmap
To implement the offline installation feature, the following steps can be taken:
Conclusion
The offline installation feature for Altium extensions can provide users with more flexibility, control, and convenience when managing their extensions. By creating a self-contained package and developing an offline installation tool, users can easily install and manage extensions without an internet connection.
How to Perform an Altium Extension Offline Installation In many professional environments—especially those involving high-security government contracts, aerospace, or defense—workstations are kept strictly offline (air-gapped) to prevent data leaks. This poses a challenge when you need to install essential Altium Designer extensions like the MCAD Co-Designer, Manufacturer Part Search, or various simulation tools. altium extension offline install
If you can’t simply hit "update" within the software, here is the step-by-step guide to managing an Altium extension offline installation. Phase 1: Preparing the Offline Installation Files
Since your target machine has no internet access, you must first use a computer with an active connection to gather the necessary files.
The Altium Offline Installer: Ensure you have the main offline installer for your specific version of Altium Designer. Extensions are often version-specific.
Download the Extension Pack: Log in to the Altium Downloads page. Instead of the standard web installer, look for the Offline Installation Solution.
Local Storage: Copy the entire installation package (which includes the extensions folder) onto a secure USB drive or a dedicated internal network share that the air-gapped machine can reach. Phase 2: Configuring the Local Installation Service
Altium uses a "Local Installation Service" to mimic the cloud repository. You need to point your software to your local files instead of Altium’s servers. Launch Altium Designer.
Go to DXP > Admin > Extensions & Updates (or click the user icon at the top right and select Extensions & Updates).
Click the Configure button (the gear icon) in the top right corner.
Under the System Settings section, locate the Offline Installation option. Check the box for Use a local installation service.
In the path field, browse to the folder on your USB or network drive where you stored the offline repository files. Phase 3: Installing the Extension
Once the path is set, Altium will "see" the extensions available in that folder as if they were live on the web. Stay in the Extensions & Updates tab. Click on the Purchased or Installed sub-tab.
You should now see a list of extensions available from your local source.
Click the Install (download icon) next to the specific extension you need (e.g., Draftsman or KiCad Importer).
Restart Altium: A progress bar will appear. Once finished, Altium will prompt you to restart the application to finalize the integration. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Version Mismatch: If the extension doesn't appear, verify that the offline package version matches your installed Altium Designer build (e.g., AD24 files won't work with AD23).
Missing Core Files: Extensions often have dependencies. If you manually copied only one folder, the installation might fail. Always copy the full "Repository" structure provided in the offline installer download.
License Validation: Even with extensions installed, remember that your Altium License must also be handled offline using a .alf license file, as the software cannot "phone home" to the Altium On-Demand license server. Why Install Offline?
Beyond security, offline installation ensures environment stability. By using a local repository, every designer on your team installs the exact same extension version, preventing compatibility issues during complex PCB hand-offs.
Installing Altium Designer extensions in an offline environment requires using the Offline Installation Package, which serves as a local repository for both the core software and its optional extensions. 1. Obtain the Offline Installer Package
Because Altium Designer typically retrieves extensions from the Altium Cloud, you must first download a complete offline set from a computer with internet access. Transfer the package to the offline machine
Log in: Visit the Altium Downloads page and sign in with your AltiumLive account.
Request the Installer: Look for the link titled "Need Offline Installer?".
Download: After submitting a brief request, the link will eventually change to a ZIP file download link (you may need to sign out and back in to see the update).
Transfer: Transfer this ZIP file (typically ~3GB) to your offline machine via a USB drive or local network and unzip it to a known directory. 2. Configure Altium Designer for Offline Use
Once the package is on your target machine, you must redirect Altium Designer to use this local folder instead of the internet.
Open Preferences: Navigate to DXP > Preferences (or the gear icon). Installation Settings: Go to System > Installation.
Set Source: Select the radio button for "Offline installation".
Browse to Source: Use the browse button to select the root folder where you unzipped the Offline Installer package. Apply: Click OK to save these settings. 3. Install Extensions Offline
With the local path set, you can now manage extensions without an active internet connection.
Access Extensions Management: Go to your user profile icon (top right) and select Extensions and Updates. Select Extensions:
Purchased Tab: Browse here to find available extensions. Since you are pointed to the offline source, Altium will list what is included in that local package.
Available Tab: This tab will now list extensions found in your local repository.
Install: Click the download/install icon on the specific extension you need (e.g., specialized importers/exporters or simulation tools).
Restart: After the installation completes, restart Altium Designer to activate the new functionality. 4. Important Considerations
Updates: The "Offline installation" setting prevents Altium from checking for new online updates. To update extensions later, you must download a newer version of the entire Offline Installer package.
Licenses: Ensure you have already added your Standalone License file (*.alf) or are connected to a local Private License Service, as the software still requires valid licensing to run these extensions. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Stuck without internet but need that Altium extension now? No panic. Here’s a crisp, hands-on guide that gets you from “download” to “designing” with minimal fuss — plus a few tips to avoid hiccups.
Offline installation of Altium extensions is fully achievable by pre-downloading packages on an internet-connected machine and deploying them to a local repository. This approach ensures consistent, secure, and repeatable extension management in restricted environments without compromising Altium Designer’s capabilities.
Guide to Offline Extension Installation in Altium Designer Installing extensions in Altium Designer typically relies on an active internet connection to reach Altium’s cloud repositories. However, for systems in high-security environments, behind strict firewalls, or without internet access, you can perform an Altium extension offline install using a dedicated offline installer package. 1. Acquire the Offline Installer Package
Because Altium does not provide a public direct link for full offline packages, you must request one through your account. Close Altium Designer completely on the offline machine
Sign In: Go to the Altium Downloads page and sign into your Altium account.
Request the Link: Click the "Need Offline Installer?" link. You will follow prompts to send a request to Altium.
Download: Once confirmed, the link on the Downloads page will change to a ZIP file download link (you may need to sign out and back in to see the update).
Transfer: Download the ZIP file (approx. 3GB) on an internet-connected machine and transfer it to the target offline computer via a flash drive or other media. 2. Configure Altium for Offline Installation
After unzipping the package on your local machine, you must point Altium Designer to this local folder instead of the cloud. Open Altium Designer and go to Preferences (Shortcut: TP). Navigate to System > Installation. Select the "Offline installation" radio button.
Use the browse button to select the path to your unzipped offline installation package folder. Click OK to save the changes. 3. Install Extensions from the Local Source
With the path set, the software will now treat your local folder as the primary repository.
Access Management: Go to the Extensions & Updates page (accessible from the user icon at the top right or the DXP menu).
Select Extensions: Switch to the Purchased tab. You should now see the extensions included in your offline package.
Execute Installation: Click the download/install icon on the desired extension. The installer will retrieve the files from your local drive rather than the cloud.
Restart: Altium Designer must be restarted for the new functionality to take effect. Important Considerations
Updates: The "Offline installation" setting does not automatically check for updates. To update an extension or the core platform, you must obtain a newer version of the Offline Installation package.
Licensing: Offline machines can be licensed using a Standalone license file (.alf) or through a Private License Service provided by an Altium On-Prem Enterprise Server.
Storage: Do not delete the unzipped folder after installation; Altium may need to access it again if you decide to add more features or extensions later.
The air in the electronics lab is crisp, the hum of the HVAC providing a white-noise backdrop to the frantic clicking of a mouse. You are in the zone. The schematic is done, the PCB outline is defined, and you are ready to lay down the traces. You need that specific component—a niche microcontroller or a specialized connector—so you open the Manufacturer Part Search panel in Altium Designer.
And then, the spinning wheel of doom appears. Or worse, the dreaded "Cannot connect to server."
You have just hit the modern reality of EDA software: the assumption of perpetual, high-speed internet. But what happens when you are in a secure facility, on an airplane, or simply suffering from a service outage? This is where the art of the Altium Extension Offline Install transforms from a mere technical procedure into a necessary survival skill for the modern PCB designer.
If the above method is unavailable, you can manually place the extensions.
Altium Designer relies on extensions to provide core functionality (e.g., PCB layout, routing, simulation, version control integration). While the default installation method requires an active internet connection to fetch extensions from Altium’s cloud repository, many enterprise or secure environments restrict internet access. This guide covers the offline installation of Altium extensions using local package sources.