Open Source License Explorer
Browse our collection of open source licenses to find the perfect match for your project. Compare features, compatibility, and legal requirements.
Understanding License Types
Permissive
Few restrictions, allows commercial use and modification
Copyleft
Requires derivative works to maintain the same license
Strongest Copyleft Licenses
Strong Copyleft Licenses
GNU General Public License v3.0
OSIA copyleft license that requires derived works to be distributed under the same license and provides strong user freedoms and protections.
GNU General Public License v2.0
OSIAn older copyleft license that requires modifications to be open-source but allows linking with proprietary software under certain conditions.
Weak Copyleft Licenses
GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1
OSIA weaker copyleft license that allows linking with proprietary software while still requiring modifications to the licensed code to remain open-source.
Mozilla Public License 2.0
OSIA hybrid license that allows open-source and proprietary use while requiring changes to be shared under the same license if distributed.
Eclipse Public License 2.0
OSIA copyleft license requiring modified versions of the software to be shared under the same license but allowing linking with proprietary code.
Permissive Licenses
Apache License 2.0
OSIA permissive license that allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software, with a requirement to state changes and include the original license.
MIT License
OSIA simple and permissive license that allows users to do almost anything with the software, as long as they include the original license and copyright notice.
BSD 2-Clause 'Simplified' License
OSIA permissive license with minimal restrictions, requiring only attribution and no warranty liability.
BSD 3-Clause 'New' or 'Revised' License
OSIA permissive license similar to BSD-2 but includes a clause preventing the use of contributors' names for promotion without permission.
Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal
A public domain dedication license that allows unrestricted use, modification, and distribution without any conditions.
The Unlicense
A public domain license that explicitly allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute software without restrictions.
Boost Software License 1.0
OSIA permissive license that allows software to be used, modified, and distributed without many restrictions.
ISC License
OSIA permissive license similar to the MIT License, with simple terms that allow free use, modification, and distribution.
Need Help Choosing?
Selecting the right license is crucial for your project's success. Consider factors like:
Project Goals
Consider how you want others to use and contribute to your work.
Community Impact
Different licenses attract different types of contributors.
Legal Requirements
Ensure compatibility with dependencies and your business model.