Which license should I choose for my project?

MIT and ISC are the most permissive and widely used — anyone can use, modify, and distribute your code with minimal restrictions. Apache 2.0 adds patent protection. GPL 3.0 requires derivatives to also be open source (copyleft). BSD licenses are similar to MIT. Choose based on how freely you want others to use your code.

Can I use multiple licenses?

Yes. Some projects use dual licensing, offering their code under two different licenses so users can choose. However, this adds complexity. For most projects, a single well-known license is the clearest choice.

What is the Unlicense?

The Unlicense is a way to release your work into the public domain. You waive all copyright and related rights worldwide, making it maximally permissive. It is useful when you want no restrictions whatsoever on how others use your code.

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FAQ

Which license should I choose for my project?: MIT and ISC are the most permissive and widely used — anyone can use, modify, and distribute your code with minimal restrictions. Apache 2.0 adds patent protection. GPL 3.0 requires derivatives to also be open source (copyleft). BSD licenses are similar to MIT. Choose based on how freely you want others to use your code.
Can I use multiple licenses?: Yes. Some projects use dual licensing, offering their code under two different licenses so users can choose. However, this adds complexity. For most projects, a single well-known license is the clearest choice.
What is the Unlicense?: The Unlicense is a way to release your work into the public domain. You waive all copyright and related rights worldwide, making it maximally permissive. It is useful when you want no restrictions whatsoever on how others use your code.

Compare popular open-source licenses side-by-side: MIT, Apache 2.0, GPL 3.0, BSD 2-Clause, BSD 3-Clause, ISC, MPL 2.0, Unlicense, and Creative Commons. Each license shows a plain-language summary of permissions, conditions, and limitations. Select a license, enter your name and year, and generate the complete license text ready to add to your project.