A Complete Guide to the 2025 Aras Community Edition

If you're new to Aras Innovator® or just curious about the latest Community Edition, here’s some good news: the 2025 release is available and packed with the latest features to explore. Whether you're a developer, low-code builder, or systems thinker, this edition is your invitation to dive into a powerful, composable PLM platform at no cost.

Why choose the Community Edition?

The 2025 Community Edition gives you access to a full-featured PLM platform without any licensing fees. It’s ideal for:

• Exploring Aras architecture and tooling

• Prototyping digital thread strategies

• Learning low-code app development on an enterprise-grade platform

• Demonstrating value to stakeholders

• Bootstrapping PLM processes for small organizations

You'll get access to core applications like Product Engineering right out of the box, with optional modules including Variant Management, Requirements Engineering, Simulation Management, and more - all designed to help you build traceable, connected solutions.

Wondering how the Community Edition compares to a full subscription? This side-by-side breakdown can help you decide if you'll need additional support or features as your project grows.

 

How to try Aras Innovator without installing

Want to see Aras in action before installing? Try one of these:

• Take the interactive product tour to explore digital thread use cases in your browser
• Request a demo to see how Aras Innovator fits your team’s goals
• Watch an on-demand webinar to dive deeper into use cases, platform capabilities, and best practices

Ready to install? Here's how to get started

Here's what you need to know if you're ready to install the Aras Innovator 2025 Community Edition.

1. Check your system requirements

The first step is to ensure that your systems are up to the task of running Aras Innovator. Don't worry if that sounds intimidating. While it's important to carefully consider production system specs, an average Windows 10/11 laptop or Windows Server VM should be sufficient to help you evaluate the platform or start building solutions.

Check out the Installation Guide (PDF) for more details.

2. Install prerequisites

Before running the installer, make sure these components are installed and configured:

• .NET Framework 4.7.2: Download from Microsoft's .NET site
• ASP.NET Core Runtime & Hosting Bundle 8.0.1: Available at dotnet.microsoft.com
• SQL Server: Use SQL Server 2016 or newer. You can install SQL Server Express for development purposes if you don't have a full SQL Server license. Enable mixed-mode authentication and remember your admin credentials
• IIS (Internet Information Services): Enable via "Turn Windows features on or off" on the server. Ensure that Application Development Features (e.g., .NET Extensibility, ASP.NET, CGI) are also enabled
• Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable: Install versions for 2015, 2017, and 2019. These are often bundled together in the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable

Tip: After installing all prerequisites, restarting your machine can help ensure everything is properly registered and ready before launching the Aras Innovator installer.

 

3. Download the installer

Visit the Download page to download the installation files. Be sure to save the .msi file—you'll need it for reinstallation or repair.

4. Obtain your license key

You'll need your server's MAC address to generate a Framework License key:

1. Run ipconfig /all in Command Prompt to find your MAC address.
2. Visit the license request page and request a key using that address.

5. Run the installer

Double-click the InnovatorSetup.msi file to launch the installation wizard. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Welcome Screen: Click Next to begin
2. License Agreement: Read the agreement, accept the terms, and click Next
3. System Prerequisites: Confirm you have:
   1. Admin access to the server
   2. SQL Server installed and accessible
   3. A valid Aras license key. Select all checkboxes to enable the Next button
4. Destination Folder: Choose the install path (default is C:Program Files (x86)ArasInnovator) and click NextAdmin access to the serverSQL Server installed and accessible
5. Setup Type:
   1. Choose Complete for a full install
   2. Choose Custom to configure features like Vault Server, OAuth, and more
6. Custom Setup (if selected): Select or deselect optional components
7. License Configuration: Enter your license key
8. Server Web Alias: Define the alias used in the URL (e.g., http://localhost/InnovatorServer)
9. SMTP and Language Settings: Configure as needed or use defaults
10. Database Configuration:
    1. Specify your SQL Server instance
    2. Set admin credentials
    3. Choose to create a new database or connect to an existing one
11. Begin Installation: Review your settings and click Install
12. Installation Progress: Wait for the wizard to complete the process
13. Finish: Click Finish to exit the installer

A detailed guide with screenshots is also available in the Installation Guide.

6. Log in and explore

Once installation is complete, open a browser and go to http://localhost/<your_web_alias>;. Log in with the default admin credentials and start exploring.

Need help or inspiration?

If you have trouble getting started with the Community Edition, you can check out the documentation or visit the Aras Community Forums with your questions. They're a great resource for troubleshooting issues, learning how companies are using Aras to solve problems, and connecting with fellow community members. I hope we'll see you there!