License Picker
Compare common open source licenses and copy a starter summary.
Choose an open-source license
Picking a license matters — it decides how others may use your code — but the differences between MIT, Apache, GPL, and the rest are easy to blur. This picker compares the common licenses and gives you a starter summary to copy.
Understanding the trade-offs (permissive versus copyleft, patent grants, attribution) helps you choose deliberately rather than defaulting blindly. Compare the options, pick the one that fits your goals, and copy a summary to include with your project.
Choosing a license
The main split is permissive licenses like MIT and Apache versus copyleft ones like GPL that keep derivatives open. The guidance runs entirely in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Which licenses can I compare?
MIT, Apache 2.0, GPL 3.0, and BSD 3-Clause, the most common open source choices.
What is the difference between permissive and copyleft?
Permissive licenses like MIT let others reuse your code in closed-source work. Copyleft licenses like GPL require distributed changes to stay under compatible terms.
Is this legal advice?
No. It summarizes the basics. For commercial or company projects, check the full license text or ask a lawyer.
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