Everything in the GPL Store library is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) or a compatible license. This page explains in plain language what that means for you.
The four freedoms
The GPL gives everyone who receives the software the freedom to:
- Run it for any purpose.
- Study how it works and change it.
- Share copies with others.
- Share your modified versions with others.
Why WordPress plugins and themes are GPL
WordPress itself is licensed under the GPL. Plugins and themes build on WordPress code, so their PHP code is covered by the same license. This is the position of the WordPress project.
What this means in practice
- You may install an item on as many sites as you like, your own and your clients'.
- You may change the code to fit your project.
- You may pass the files on to others under the same license.
- There is no warranty. The software is provided as is.
What the GPL does not give you
A license key, access to the developer's update servers and developer support are services, not software. They are not part of the GPL and are not included with downloads from GPL Store.
Names and logos are protected by trademark law, which is separate from the GPL. The license lets you use the code; it does not let you present yourself as the original developer.
Read the license
The full text of the license is available from the Free Software Foundation: GNU General Public License.