Altium Extension Offline Install - [verified]

Installing Altium Designer extensions in an offline environment—such as on a secure machine or one behind a strict firewall—requires the use of an Offline Installation Package. This package is a standalone ZIP archive that contains the core software and all necessary extension files, allowing you to bypass the standard cloud-based installation. Step 1: Obtain the Offline Installer

You cannot download the offline installer directly without a specific request.

Sign In: Log into your AltiumLive account on the Downloads page.

Request Access: Look for the "Need Offline Installer?" link below the main download button. You will be prompted to provide a reason for the request (e.g., security restrictions).

Download: Once approved, the link 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 on an internet-connected machine and transfer it to the target offline computer via a USB drive. Step 2: Configure Altium for Offline Installation

After unzipping the package on your offline PC, you must tell Altium Designer to look at the local folder instead of the cloud. Go to DXP > Preferences (or click the gear icon). Navigate to System > Installation. Select the radio button for Offline installation.

Use the browse button to select the folder where you unzipped the offline installation package. Step 3: Install Extensions

With the source set to the local folder, you can manage extensions through the standard interface.

Extensions & Updates: Go to the Extensions & Updates page (from the home page or the DXP/System menu).

Purchased Tab: Click the Purchased tab to see a list of available extensions. Because you are pointed to the offline folder, the software will "see" these as available for install.

Install: Click the download icon on the desired extension. Once complete, you must restart Altium Designer to register the new functionality. Alternative: Altium Infrastructure Server

Managing Licenses with Offline Extensions

A critical note: Some premium extensions (e.g., PDN Analyzer, Signal Integrity) require separate license activation. An offline extension install does not automatically activate the license.

You must also perform an offline license activation via the Altium License Management tool. Download a .alf license file from the Altium Licensing Portal (using a connected machine), transfer it via USB, and manually add it in Extensions & Updates > License Management > Add Standalone License File.

The Repository Downloader Tool

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:

On the connected machine, locate ExtensionDownloader.exe.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run the tool to mirror the repository:
```
ExtensionDownloader.exe -mirror "D:\Local_Altium_Mirror" -includeAll
```
This downloads EVERY available extension for your version. Expect 5-15GB.
Transfer the Local_Altium_Mirror folder to the offline network.
On each offline workstation, configure Altium to point to the local mirror:
- Go to Extensions & Updates > Settings.
- Change the "Repository URL" from https://live.altium.com to file:///X:/Local_Altium_Mirror (where X: is the network share path).
Now, users can use the standard "Install" button, but Altium fetches data locally.

Final Thoughts

The offline installation of Altium extensions is a classic case of "it works, but you have to know the trick." For a single user installing a niche translator, the process is manageable. For an IT administrator trying to deploy a standardized installation across an air-gapped company, the process is unnecessarily arduous due to the difficulty of obtaining the installation files and the fragility of the local installation pointers.

Rating: 5/10 It gets the job done, but it requires significant user intervention and knowledge that should be documented better by the vendor.

Altium Extension Offline Install Report

Introduction

Altium Designer is a popular electronic design automation (EDA) software used for designing and manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs). The software offers a range of extensions that enhance its functionality and provide additional features. However, in some cases, users may need to install these extensions offline, without an active internet connection. This report provides a step-by-step guide on how to install Altium extensions offline.

Prerequisites

Altium Designer software installed on the computer
The extension file (.apk or .zip) downloaded and saved on the computer
A valid license for the extension

Offline Installation Steps

Download the extension file: Download the Altium extension file from the Altium website or other sources. The file is usually in .apk or .zip format.
Extract the extension file: If the file is in .zip format, extract its contents to a folder on the computer.
Open Altium Designer: Launch Altium Designer on the computer.
Access the Extension Manager: Click on Extensions > Manage Extensions in the top menu bar.
Install from file: In the Extension Manager window, click on the Install from file button.
Select the extension file: Browse to the location where the extension file was saved and select it.
Install the extension: Click Open to install the extension.

Offline Installation using the Altium XML File

In some cases, the extension file may be provided as an XML file. To install the extension offline using the XML file: altium extension offline install

Create a new folder: Create a new folder on the computer and copy the XML file into it.
Create a manifest file: Create a new text file named manifest.xml in the same folder. The contents of this file should be:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<AltiumExtensions>
  <Extension>
    <Name>Extension Name</Name>
    <Version>1.0</Version>
    <File>extension.apk</File>
  </Extension>
</AltiumExtensions>

Replace Extension Name and extension.apk with the actual name and file name of the extension.

Zip the folder contents: Select both the XML and manifest files and create a zip archive.
Install the extension: Follow steps 4-7 from the previous section to install the extension.

Troubleshooting

If the extension is not installed correctly, ensure that the file is not corrupted and that the correct file format is used.
If the extension is not visible in the Extension Manager, restart Altium Designer and try again.

Conclusion

Installing Altium extensions offline requires some additional steps compared to online installation. By following the steps outlined in this report, users can successfully install Altium extensions offline using the extension file or an XML file. If issues arise during installation, troubleshooting steps can help resolve common problems.

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.

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.

Review: The Offline Installation Process for Altium Extensions

Verdict: Functional but Unintuitive Altium Designer’s offline extension installation process is a necessary workaround for users in secure environments, but it is burdened by a file structure that feels outdated and an interface that prioritizes the online "Vault" experience to the detriment of offline users. On the connected machine, locate ExtensionDownloader

Method 3: Offline Installation Using Altium Infrastructure Server (AIS)

For large teams, this is the most scalable method.

Install Altium Infrastructure Server on a machine accessible by the offline network.
On the internet-connected machine, download all required extensions into the AIS package repository.
Transfer the entire repository folder to the AIS machine (offline).
Configure each Altium Designer client to point to that AIS server for extensions (Preferences → System → Extensions → Remote Server URL).

Quick Command Line (Advanced)

For scripted deployment, Altium supports silent offline extension install via command line:

X2.exe /InstallExtension "C:\OfflineExtensions\Simulation.alf_ext" /Silent

Installing extensions in Altium Designer typically requires an internet connection to reach the Altium cloud repository. However, for machines in secure environments or with restricted access,

you can perform an offline installation by using a pre-downloaded Offline Installation Package Step 1: Obtain the Offline Installation Package

Before you can install anything on the offline machine, you must download the necessary files from a computer with internet access. : Log into your account on the Altium Downloads page Request the Installer : Look for the "Need Offline Installer?" link under the main download button. Download the ZIP

: After submitting a brief request, the link will change to a download for a

(this may require you to sign out and back in to refresh the page).

This ZIP contains the full software and a collection of extensions. Transfer Files

: Copy the unzipped folder to the offline machine using a flash drive or external storage. Step 2: Configure Altium Designer for Offline Install

Once the files are on your target machine, you must tell Altium Designer to look at the local folder instead of the cloud. Open Preferences DXP > Preferences (or the gear icon). Set Source : Navigate to System > Installation Enable Offline Mode : Select the "Offline installation" radio button. Path to Folder : Click the browse button and select the unzipped Offline Installation Package folder to save the changes. Step 3: Install the Extension

With the local source configured, you can now manage your extensions as if you were online.

To install Altium Designer extensions offline, you generally need to acquire the Offline Installation Package (often referred to as the Offline Installer) and configure your software to look for updates locally rather than through the Altium cloud. 1. Obtain the Offline Installer

Since the standard installer requires an active internet connection, you must download a standalone package first:

Request the Link: Log in to your Altium Live Account on the Altium Downloads page. Look for the link that says "Need offline installer?" beneath the primary download button.

Submit Request: You may need to provide a reason for the request (e.g., network security or firewall restrictions). Once approved, a download link for a large ZIP file (approx. 3GB for newer versions) will be provided.

Alternative Contact: If the link isn't immediately visible, you can contact your local Altium sales office or value-added reseller to request the offline installation files. 2. Configure Altium for Offline Installation

Once you have the offline package unzipped on your target machine:

Open Altium Designer and go to DXP (or the user icon) > Preferences. Navigate to System > Installation. Select the radio button for Offline installation.

In the text field provided, use the browse button to select the path to the folder containing the unzipped offline installer (this folder should contain the "Extensions" subfolder). Click OK to save changes. 3. Install the Extension

Go to the Extensions and Updates page (usually found via the user icon or the Home screen). Click the Purchased or Updates tab.

Because you pointed the installation source to your local folder, Altium will now list the extensions available within that offline package.

Click the download/install icon next to the desired extension (e.g., Altium DXP Developer or MCAD CoDesigner). Restart Altium Designer to finalize the integration. Key Notes:

Updates: Offline installation does not automatically check for newer versions. You must download a new Offline Installation Package to perform updates.

Permissions: Ensure the folder containing your extensions is not set to "Read-only," as this can sometimes prevent the installer from accessing files correctly. This downloads EVERY available extension for your version

Offline Installation of Altium Extensions: A Comprehensive Guide

Altium Designer is a popular printed circuit board (PCB) design software used by engineers and designers to create and manufacture PCBs. One of the key features of Altium Designer is its ability to extend its functionality through various extensions, which can be easily installed from the Altium Vault. However, what if you don't have an internet connection or need to install extensions on multiple machines without internet access? In this article, we will explore the process of offline installation of Altium extensions and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

What are Altium Extensions?

Altium extensions are add-on modules that enhance the functionality of Altium Designer. These extensions can be used to add new features, improve existing ones, or integrate Altium Designer with other tools and systems. Extensions can be found in the Altium Vault, a centralized repository of Altium software, libraries, and tools. Some popular extensions include:

Altium Database Library: a comprehensive database of component information
Altium Simulation: a simulation tool for analyzing circuit behavior
Altium 3D Body: a tool for creating 3D models of PCBs

Why Offline Installation of Altium Extensions?

There are several scenarios where offline installation of Altium extensions is necessary:

No internet connection: In some organizations, internet access may be restricted or not available on all machines.
Multiple installations: If you need to install Altium extensions on multiple machines, downloading and installing each extension individually can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Security restrictions: In some cases, security policies may prevent direct downloads from the internet.

Preparing for Offline Installation

Before you start the offline installation process, make sure you have:

Altium Designer: You need to have Altium Designer installed on your machine.
Altium Vault account: Create an account on the Altium Vault website to access the extensions.
Extension files: Download the extension files from the Altium Vault website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Offline Installation of Altium Extensions

Here's a step-by-step guide to offline installation of Altium extensions:

Step 1: Download Extension Files

Log in to your Altium Vault account.
Navigate to the Extensions page.
Find the extension you want to install and click on the Download button.
Select the Offline installation option.
Choose the version of the extension you want to download (e.g., latest version or a specific version).
Click Download to save the extension file to your local machine.

Step 2: Create an Offline Installation Package

Create a new folder on your local machine to store the offline installation package.
Copy the downloaded extension file to this folder.
Create a new text file (e.g., extensions.txt) in the same folder.
Add the following line to the text file: ExtensionName Version BuildNumber
- Replace ExtensionName with the name of the extension.
- Replace Version with the version of the extension.
- Replace BuildNumber with the build number of the extension.

Example:

Altium.Database.Library 1.2.0.0

Step 3: Create an Altium Extension Package

Open Altium Designer.
Navigate to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
Click on Import Extension Package.
Select the folder containing the offline installation package.
Choose the extensions.txt file.

Step 4: Install the Extension

In the Manage Extensions dialog, select the extension you want to install.
Click Install.
Follow the installation prompts.

Step 5: Verify the Installation

After installation, restart Altium Designer.
Navigate to Extensions > Manage Extensions.
Verify that the extension is listed and enabled.

Tips and Best Practices

Keep your extensions up-to-date: Regularly check for updates to ensure you have the latest version of the extension.
Use a centralized repository: Store your extension files in a centralized repository to make it easier to manage and distribute extensions across multiple machines.
Document your extensions: Keep a record of the extensions installed on each machine, including the version and build number.

Conclusion

Offline installation of Altium extensions is a straightforward process that requires some preparation and planning. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily install Altium extensions on machines without internet access. Remember to keep your extensions up-to-date, use a centralized repository, and document your extensions to ensure efficient management of your Altium Designer environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I install multiple extensions at once using offline installation? A: Yes, you can create a single offline installation package with multiple extensions.

Q: How do I update an already installed extension using offline installation? A: Download the latest version of the extension and follow the offline installation process.

Q: Can I use offline installation on a different machine? A: Yes, you can use the same offline installation package on multiple machines.

By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to successfully install Altium extensions offline and take full advantage of the software's capabilities.