License Generator

What is a Software License?

A software license is a legal document that defines how software can be used, modified, and distributed. Licenses protect both developers and users by establishing rights and responsibilities. Open source licenses make source code available while defining terms of use, modification, and distribution.

Our free License Generator creates license files for common open source licenses. Simply select a license type, enter your name and year, and generate a ready-to-use LICENSE file for your project.

Common Licenses

• MIT: Permissive, allows commercial use, very popular
• Apache 2.0: Permissive with patent grant, corporate-friendly
• GPL v3: Copyleft, requires source code sharing
• BSD 3-Clause: Permissive, minimal restrictions
• ISC: Similar to MIT, very permissive
• Unlicense: Public domain dedication

License Comparison

• Permissive: MIT, Apache, BSD - Allow commercial use
• Copyleft: GPL - Requires source code sharing
• Public Domain: Unlicense - No restrictions

Best Practices

• Choose Appropriate License: Select license that matches your goals
• Include LICENSE File: Add LICENSE file to project root
• Update Copyright: Keep copyright year current
• Document License: Reference license in README

FAQs

Which license should I choose?

MIT is popular for permissive open source. GPL for copyleft. Apache for corporate-friendly. Choose based on your goals.

Can I change the license later?

Changing licenses can be complex, especially if others have contributed. Choose carefully from the start.

Do I need a license for my project?

Without a license, others cannot legally use your code. Always include a license for open source projects.

What is the difference between MIT and Apache?

Both are permissive. Apache includes explicit patent grant, making it more corporate-friendly.