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ArmDot
What ArmDot is
ArmDot is a paid, cross-platform obfuscator for .NET class libraries, console applications, WinForms, and WPF. It supports .NET, .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Protection methods include name obfuscation, control-flow obfuscation, code virtualization, embedded-resource protection, file embedding, string encryption, and anti-tamper controls. A cross-platform command-line tool integrates with CI, while a NuGet package adds an obfuscation task to MSBuild and dotnet build. ArmDot can bundle unmanaged DLLs and other files into a protected assembly so embedded files remain in process memory instead of being extracted to disk. Its licensing API issues and checks license keys and reads stored information; keys use asymmetric encryption with project-specific constants in a project file. The Single Developer License costs $499, paid once for one user. The Site Developer License costs $1,799, paid once for all users in a company. Both include email support and one year of upgrades. A 14-day trial is offered, but protected applications stop working after seven days.
Who it suits
ArmDot suits .NET developers protecting desktop applications, libraries, and build pipelines across major desktop operating systems. Teams also needing license-key issuance and validation can use its licensing API.
What it does well
- Supports .NET, .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono
- Multiple obfuscation and encryption methods
- CI and MSBuild integration
- License-key API
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
What to know first
- No free plan
- Single Developer License costs $499, paid once
- Trial-protected applications stop after seven days
- Each developer needs a separate license unless site-covered
Limits
The demo is fully functional with the protection techniques, but applications protected by it stop working after seven days. A Single Developer License covers one user, while each additional developer requires a separate license unless the company uses a Site Developer License.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Site Developer License | All users in a company · Email support · Free 1-year upgrades | $1,799, paid once |
| Single Developer License | One user · Email support · Free 1-year upgrades | $499, paid once |
| Source Code License | All users in a company · Email support · Free 1-year upgrades · Contact sales | On request |
As softanics.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Request the demo with a valid email address or choose a paid license
- Install ArmDot on Linux, macOS, or Windows
- Add the command-line tool to your CI workflow, or install the NuGet package
- Configure the obfuscation task in MSBuild or dotnet build
- Select protection methods for your .NET application
- Use the licensing API if your application issues or checks license keys
Verdict
ArmDot combines .NET obfuscation, embedded-file protection, build integration, and license-key management. Check the per-developer licensing terms and trial behavior before deployment.
Questions
How much does ArmDot cost?
The Single Developer License is $499, paid once for one user. The Site Developer License is $1,799, paid once for all users in a company.
Is there a free plan or trial?
There is no free plan. A 14-day trial is available by requesting a valid email address, but demo-protected applications stop working after seven days.
Which operating systems and frameworks are supported?
ArmDot runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports .NET, .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono.
Can ArmDot run in CI builds?
Yes. Its cross-platform command-line tool can integrate with CI, and a NuGet package adds tasks to MSBuild and dotnet build.
What do paid licenses include?
The listed paid licenses include email support and one year of upgrades. Renewal costs 50% of the standard price for the next one-year upgrade period.
Facts from ArmDot's own pages
- Build integration
- A cross-platform command-line tool can be integrated into CI, and a NuGet package adds an obfuscation task to MSBuild and dotnet build. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Company history
- Softanics says it was founded in 2004 and launched ArmDot in 2014. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Embedded files
- ArmDot can bundle unmanaged DLLs and other files into a protected assembly so embedded files reside in process memory instead of being extracted to disk. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2014 · softanics.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Frameworks
- The documentation lists support for .NET, .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Mono. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- License-key API
- The licensing API can issue and check license keys and extract information stored in them. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- License-key security
- ArmDot uses asymmetric encryption to generate license keys, with project-specific constants stored in a project file. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Licensing limit
- The Single Developer License is named for one developer, and the maker says each developer using ArmDot needs a separate license unless covered by a Site Developer License. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- ArmDot is a cross-platform obfuscator for .NET applications, including class libraries, console apps, WinForms, and WPF. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Protection methods
- It offers name obfuscation, control-flow obfuscation, code virtualization, embedded-resource protection, file embedding, and string encryption. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The listed paid licenses include email support, and the download page directs users to contact Softanics if the demo email does not arrive. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The demo is described as fully functional with all protection techniques, but applications protected with it stop working after 7 days. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Trial access
- The maker provides the demo by requesting a valid email address on its download page. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Upgrade term
- A license includes one year of upgrades; renewal costs 50% of the standard price and covers updates for the next one-year period. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- The EULA says ArmDot is distributed as is and disclaims express or implied warranties. · softanics.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where ArmDot stands on Freedom251
- Code Obfuscation Software#13 of 34