Open Source License Generator

Free online open source license generator. Create MIT License, Apache License 2.0, GPL v3, BSD 3-Clause, ISC, MPL 2.0, and The Unlicense instantly. Fill in your name and year, copy to clipboard, or download as a LICENSE file. Pure client-side.

License Configuration

Generated License

Select a license type, fill in your details, and click Generate License.

About Open Source License Generator

Choosing the right open source license is crucial for any software project. This tool generates standard open source licenses including MIT, Apache 2.0, GPL v3, BSD 3-Clause, ISC, MPL 2.0, and The Unlicense. Simply fill in your copyright details and generate a ready-to-use LICENSE file for your project. All processing happens in your browser — no data is sent to any server.

Features

  • Generate 8 popular open source licenses instantly
  • Auto-fill year, copyright holder, and project name
  • Live preview with exact license text
  • One-click copy or download as LICENSE file
  • Compare permissive vs copyleft license characteristics
  • Pure client-side — no server, no data storage

How to Use

  1. Select the license type from the dropdown (MIT, Apache, GPL, etc.)
  2. Enter the year for the copyright notice
  3. Enter your name or organization as the copyright holder
  4. Optionally enter your project name
  5. Click "Generate License" to create the full license text
  6. Copy to clipboard or download the LICENSE file for your repository

Common Use Cases

  • Open source developers choosing a license for a new GitHub repository
  • Companies releasing internal tools as open source software
  • Students and educators learning about software licensing
  • Freelancers adding proper licensing to client projects
  • Non-profits and community projects protecting their work legally
  • Developers switching from one license to another for existing projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Which open source license should I choose?

MIT is the most popular for its simplicity and permissiveness. Apache 2.0 adds patent protection. GPL v3 is copyleft — requires derivative works to also be open source. BSD 3-Clause is similar to MIT but with a non-endorsement clause. Choose based on your goals for the project.

What is the MIT License?

The MIT License is a permissive free software license originating at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It puts only very limited restrictions on reuse and has high license compatibility. It is the most popular open source license on GitHub.

What is the Apache License 2.0?

The Apache License 2.0 is a permissive license written by the Apache Software Foundation. It allows users to use the software for any purpose, to distribute it, to modify it, and to distribute modified versions. It also includes an express grant of patent rights from contributors to users.

What is GPL v3?

The GNU General Public License version 3 (GPL v3) is a copyleft free software license. It requires anyone who distributes the code or a derivative work to make the source available under the same terms. It is ideal if you want to ensure your software and its derivatives remain open source.

Do I need to include a LICENSE file?

Yes, it is best practice to include a LICENSE file in the root of your repository. This makes it clear to users what they can and cannot do with your code. GitHub also detects LICENSE files and displays the license type on the repository page.

Can I change the license text?

No, you should not modify the standard license text. The licenses are legally vetted and recognized. The only parts you customize are the copyright year, holder name, and project name — which this tool handles automatically.

What is the difference between permissive and copyleft licenses?

Permissive licenses (MIT, Apache, BSD) allow others to use, modify, and distribute your code with minimal restrictions — even in proprietary software. Copyleft licenses (GPL) require that derivative works also be distributed under the same license terms, ensuring the software remains open source.

Is my data private?

Absolutely. All license text is generated locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server or stored anywhere.