We want to make Qt available to as many developers as possible while
helping it to evolve and grow. The three Qt licensing options directly
or indirectly help you to use it for your needs, while also supporting
all of us to continue to evolve Qt.
Unsure Which License to Choose? Visit the Qt Blog for more guidance on factors you should consider when making the licensing decision.
Qt Licenses
We offer Qt under the following licenses:
Qt Commercial Developer License
The Qt Commercial Developer License is the appropriate version to use for the
development of proprietary and/or commercial software. This version is
for developers who do not want to share the source code with others or
otherwise comply with the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public
License version 2.1 or GNU GPL version 3.0.
This version of Qt is appropriate for the development of Qt
applications (proprietary or open source) provided you can comply with
the terms and conditions contained in the GNU LGPL version 2.1.
This version of Qt is appropriate for the development of Qt
applications where you wish to use such applications in combination
with software subject to the terms of the GNU General Public License
version 3.0 or where you are otherwise willing to comply with the terms
of the GNU General Public License version 3.0.
No, applications are subject to the GPL and source code must be made available
Updates provided
Yes, immediate notice sent to those with a valid support and update agreement
Yes, made available
Yes, made available
Support
Yes, to those with a valid support and update agreement
Not included but available separately for purchase
Not included but available separately for purchase
Charge for Runtimes
Yes, for some embedded uses
No
No
Qt Commercial Developer License
The Qt Commercial Developer License is the correct license to use for the development of proprietary and/or commercial software with Qt where you do not want to share any source code.
You must purchase a Qt Commercial Developer License from us or from one of our authorized resellers before you start developing commercial software. The Qt Commercial Developer License does not allow the incorporation of code developed with the Qt GNU LGPL v. 2.1 or GNU GPL v. 3.0 license versions into a commercial product.
Royalties and Runtimes For regular desktop applications, there are no royalties, runtime licenses, or other additional costs. For fixed systems or devices where the main functionality relies on Qt, a runtime distribution license may apply.
Purchase and Transfer of Qt Commercial Developer License The license is sold on a per-developer basis and assigned to an individual. To order one or more Qt Commercial Developer Licenses please contact us. Qt licenses may be transferred, but only every six months and within the same organization. To transfer a license, or to discuss a more flexible licensing agreement, please contact us.
Benefit to Qt The benefit to Qt is that license fees help pay for further Qt development.
Qt GNU LGPL v. 2.1 Version
This version is available for development of proprietary and commercial applications in accordance with the terms and conditions of the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1.
Support services are available separately for purchase.
Benefit to Qt The benefit to Qt is that any changes made to Qt must be made available under the terms of this license.
Qt GNU GPL v. 3.0 Version
This version is freely available for the development of open source software governed by the GNU General Public License version 3.0 (“GPL”).
Support services are available separately for purchase.
Benefit to Qt The benefit to Qt is that any changes made to Qt must be made available under the terms of this license.
