Ever wondered whether you can use WordPress freely for your next project, or if there are licensing rules you should know about? You’re not alone. Understanding WordPress’s license is crucial, whether you’re launching a blog, building a business site, or developing themes and plugins.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how the WordPress license works, what it means for you, and the key things you need to stay compliant—simply and clearly.
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Understanding the WordPress License: What You Need to Know
WordPress is loved worldwide for its flexibility, openness, and vibrant community. But one of the most common questions from beginners and professionals alike is: How does the WordPress license work? Understanding the WordPress license unlocks not just the power to use WordPress, but also your rights and responsibilities as a user, developer, or business.
Let’s break down what the WordPress license means, how it affects you, and practical insights so you can use WordPress confidently and legally.
The Clear Answer: How Does the WordPress License Work?
WordPress is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). This is a free, open-source software license. In simple terms, the GPL grants you the right to use, modify, study, and share WordPress software (and anything derived from it), for any purpose.
What this means:
- You are free to download and use WordPress.
- You can customize the code to fit your unique needs.
- You may redistribute (share, sell, or give away) copies of WordPress or your modified versions.
- When redistributing WordPress or derivative works, you must retain the same GPL license.
Understanding the practical aspects of this license is essential, whether you’re a blogger, business owner, or developer.
Key Aspects of the WordPress License
Let’s make sense of the major elements of the GPL as it applies to WordPress.
1. Freedom to Use
- You can use WordPress for any type of website—personal blogs, business sites, e-commerce stores, or large news portals.
- There are no restrictions based on your country, project size, or commercial goals.
2. Freedom to Study and Modify
- WordPress’s source code is open and accessible. This means you or your developers can examine “how it works.”
- You hold the right to tweak, adjust, or extend its features to perfectly suit your needs.
3. Freedom to Distribute
- If you’ve improved WordPress (or just downloaded it), you’re allowed to redistribute it.
- You can give away your modified version, or even sell it—there are no license fees required.
- However, the GPL requires that all distributed modified versions are also licensed under the GPL.
4. Freedom to Share Improvements
- GPL encourages sharing improvements for the benefit of the wider WordPress community.
- If you choose to distribute any modification, you should make the source code available under the same license.
Detailed Steps: What You Can Do (and Can’t Do) with WordPress Under the GPL
Let’s walk through how the license affects typical actions with WordPress.
What You Can Do
- Download and Install for Free
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Visit the official WordPress website and install it without any payment or registration.
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Change the Code
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Edit core files, write your own plugins or themes, and create completely custom experiences.
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Make Money
- Sell websites built with WordPress to clients.
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Sell or provide premium themes and plugins (with certain GPL requirements).
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Redistribute
- Offer your modified versions or copies to others, as long as you keep the code under the GPL.
What You Can’t Do
- Remove the GPL: If you distribute WordPress (original or modified), you CANNOT change or remove the GPL license.
- Restrict Others: GPL ensures everyone gets the same freedoms. You can’t take away those rights from someone else who receives your copy.
- Claim Ownership of the Whole: You can copyright your unique contributions (like custom designs or features), but you cannot claim ownership over WordPress itself.
How the GPL Applies to WordPress Themes and Plugins
A common area of confusion is how the GPL affects plugins and themes.
- Code is Under GPL
- Any theme or plugin (that uses WordPress’s core functions) is considered a “derivative work” and thus, should also be GPL-licensed, at least for the PHP code.
- Graphics and CSS
- Artistic elements (like images or custom stylesheets) don’t have to be GPL, but many creators choose to use open licenses for everything.
Key takeaway: If you download or purchase a plugin or theme, you have the same freedoms: use, modify, and redistribute (unless the plugin/theme’s images or scripts are under a different license, which the author should specify).
Choosing Between WordPress.org and WordPress.com: Does the License Apply?
- WordPress.org: This site provides free access to the WordPress software, covered by the GPL license as explained above.
- WordPress.com: This is a commercial platform built on WordPress. It offers both free and paid hosting services. While the underlying software remains GPL, the additional services, support, and premium features come with their own terms and pricing.
Practical Difference: On WordPress.org, you’re hosting the software yourself and have total control (in line with GPL freedoms). On WordPress.com, you’re buying a package of managed hosting and support—so you’re also agreeing to their service terms, not just GPL.
Benefits of the WordPress GPL License
Why is the GPL a big deal for users and developers?
- No Cost Barriers
- Anyone can access, use, and experiment with WordPress.
- Community-Driven Improvements
- Bugs get fixed and new features added quickly, thanks to thousands of contributors.
- Total Control
- You’re never “locked in.” You own your data and code modifications.
- Encourages Business
- Many successful businesses are built selling WordPress-related services, hosting, themes, and plugins.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While GPL is liberating, it comes with certain responsibilities.
- Respecting License Requirements
- If you distribute modified versions, you must keep them under GPL and provide source code if asked.
- Premium Offerings
- Many plugins and themes are sold as “premium” not because of the code itself, but the value-added services (support, updates) bundled with the purchase.
- Compatibility
- Make sure third-party plugins and themes are genuinely compatible with GPL, especially if you plan to redistribute or modify them for your clients.
Best Practices for Using WordPress Legally and Ethically
Here are some practical tips for making the most of WordPress while staying compliant:
- Download from Trusted Sources
- Always get WordPress, plugins, and themes from reputable marketplaces that honor the GPL.
- Check Licenses for Plugins and Themes
- If you buy or use third-party add-ons, review their licenses—particularly for non-code content like images or fonts.
- Contribute Back When Possible
- If you make improvements, consider sharing them with the community.
- Offer Support or Services
- If you run a business, focus on offering great support, customization, maintenance, or extra features (the GPL encourages this!).
- Clarify Licensing for Your Clients
- When building WordPress sites for others, explain the GPL freedoms so your clients understand what they own and can do.
- Don’t Ignore Commercial Terms on Hosting Platforms
- Sites like WordPress.com, while using GPL software, also have service agreements—be sure to read the fine print.
Cost-Related Tips: Free vs. Premium in the WordPress Ecosystem
While the WordPress software itself is always free, costs can arise:
- Hosting: Running WordPress requires web hosting. Prices vary from a few dollars a month to premium managed plans.
- Themes & Plugins: Many excellent themes and plugins are free, but premium (paid) versions often come with support, updates, and advanced features.
- Professional Help: Developers, designers, and agencies offer services around WordPress, which you’ll pay for like any other professional service.
- Free Alternatives: If budget is tight, explore the vast library of free GPL-compatible add-ons before investing in premium offerings.
Money-saving tip: Paying for themes or plugins usually supports their ongoing development and support, but you never have to pay just to use WordPress itself.
Summary
In essence, the WordPress license (GPL) gives you almost total freedom: to use, study, modify, and share the software. This spirit of openness has made WordPress the world’s most popular content management system.
Whether you’re tinkering with code, launching a business site, or creating digital products for sale, the GPL ensures you’re empowered and protected—but also asks that you pay that respect forward by sharing with others, if you redistribute or sell copies.
As you build and grow with WordPress, understanding the license helps you innovate confidently and responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is WordPress completely free to use?
Yes! WordPress software is 100% free to download, install, modify, and use. You may incur costs for web hosting, premium themes, plugins, or services, but the core software and updates are always free under the GPL license.
2. Can I sell WordPress themes or plugins I develop?
Absolutely. You can sell themes or plugins you create, as many businesses do. However, the GPL requires that the PHP code you distribute remains under the GPL—so your buyers also have the right to use, modify, and redistribute it.
3. If I modify WordPress, do I have to share my changes?
If you modify WordPress for your own use, you don’t have to share your changes with anyone. If you distribute your modified version (sell or give away), you must license your changes under the GPL and make the source code available.
4. What are the key differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
WordPress.org provides free, self-hosted WordPress software with total control and GPL freedoms. WordPress.com is a commercial platform that hosts your site for you, but still uses the same software. With WordPress.com, you’re subject to their additional service agreements and plan-specific limitations.
5. Do all plugins and themes have to be licensed GPL?
Technically, any plugin or theme that is a derivative work of WordPress’s code should be GPL-licensed at least for its PHP components. Some creators license non-code assets (like images or JavaScript) differently, so always check the license details before redistribution.
By understanding and respecting the WordPress GPL license, you’re joining a global movement that values digital freedom and innovation. Use this knowledge to harness the full potential of WordPress for your next website, project, or business!