What is Network Activation?

In a WordPress Multisite network, "network activate" is the super-admin action that enables a plugin across every site simultaneously, with configuration stored at both the network level (shared settings) and the site level (per-site customization). The alternative is per-site activation, where the super-admin installs the plugin network-wide but each site admin activates it individually when they want it.

Network activation is appropriate for plugins that should be mandatory across the network (security, monitoring). Per-site activation is appropriate for plugins where individual sites may or may not need them (specialized integrations, seasonal campaigns).

SheetLink Forms supports both network and per-site activation. When network-activated, license validation happens once at the network level, but Apps Script webhooks, field mappings, and routing rules are per-site. Agencies typically network-activate so every client site has the plugin available, then configure each client site individually with its own Sheet destination.