Start here / v2.0.5

Installation

Install and activate the desktop app on Windows or Linux.

Choose your package

Download the current Windows or Linux package from Downloads. Install one package format for your machine. The desktop UI and Python processing engine are bundled together; you do not need a separate Python installation.

Install on Windows

Download CAN_DBC_Utility_2.0.5_windows-setup.zip.
Extract the ZIP to a local folder.
Run the included setup .exe and follow the installer.
Open DBC Utility from your applications.

Install on Linux

Run the matching command from the folder containing the downloaded package. Your package manager may request permission to install the app and its dependencies.

Debian or Ubuntu

sudo apt install ./CAN_DBC_Utility_2.0.5_amd64.deb

Fedora or RHEL with DNF

sudo dnf install ./CAN_DBC_Utility-2.0.5-1.x86_64.rpm

openSUSE

sudo zypper install ./CAN_DBC_Utility-2.0.5-1.x86_64.rpm

Open DBC Utility from your desktop applications after installation. A desktop credential store is also needed for license activation on Linux.

Activate your license

Open the app with an internet connection available.
Enter your license key when prompted and complete activation.
Open View and select your first DBC file.

The license covers up to two device activations. Use Manage License to check your license if a replaced device is using an activation. See license guidance for updates and connectivity requirements.

Optional: set up translation

Viewing, editing, comparison, layouts, and log analysis do not require translation language packs. If you want German–English translation, open a DBC and choose Translate > Models to install the pack for the language direction you need.

Packs are downloaded separately and stored in the app data directory. Follow the translation guide for the full workflow.

Common setup problems

Problem	What to check
The app asks for a license or activation fails	Check the key, internet connectivity, and the device activations listed in Manage License.
Linux activation cannot access credentials	Check that a Secret Service or desktop keyring, such as GNOME Keyring or KWallet, is available and unlocked in your desktop session.
A Linux package dependency cannot be resolved	Confirm the package matches your distribution. Read the package manager's error before retrying.
Translate cannot start	Open a DBC first, select a translation option, and check the Models menu for the pack matching the selected direction.
An edited DBC cannot be saved	Read the validation error, check the changed definitions, or use Save As to select a writable folder.

For support, email DBC Utility with the app version, operating system, exact error, and steps that reproduce it. Keep proprietary files and license keys out of the initial report.

Continue with the quick start.