What does this tool do?
License Generator helps you create a correctly formatted open-source license for your project, including MIT, Apache 2.0, GPL, BSD and more. Enter the year and copyright holder to get a ready-to-use LICENSE file you can drop into your repository. It is ideal for open-source developers, small teams and newcomers.
How to use it
- Enter your configuration details.
- Review the generated output.
- Copy the ready-to-use code or file.
How to choose the right license
The license you pick defines how others can use your code. MIT is extremely permissive and short, making it popular for simple libraries. Apache 2.0 adds explicit patent protection and is favored by enterprise projects. GPL is a copyleft license that requires derivative works to stay open source. Our tool produces the full text of each license with the correct year and name substitutions, so you can add it to your repository confidently without wrestling with an incorrect template.
Adding the LICENSE file to your project
Copy the generated text and save it as LICENSE or LICENSE.txt in your project root. GitHub automatically detects this file and displays a license badge on the repository page. It is also good practice to declare the license identifier (such as MIT) in metadata files like package.json. Everything runs in your browser; the name and year you enter are never sent to any server.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use more than one license at the same time?
Yes, some projects use dual licensing. You can generate each license separately and reference them in your repository, but be sure to explain in your README which terms apply under which conditions.
What year should I put as the copyright year?
Usually the year the project was first published; long-running projects often use a range such as 2021-2026. Our tool places whatever year you enter into the correct spot in the license text.
What is the main difference between GPL and MIT?
MIT lets others use your code freely, even in closed-source products. GPL is a copyleft license that requires derivative works to be released open source under the same terms.
Is License Generator free?
Yes. License Generator and all 300+ tools on MagmaNex are completely free with no signup or account required.
Is my data safe?
Yes. Everything runs locally in your browser. The data you enter is never sent to a server, stored, or shared.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. License Generator works on phones, tablets and desktops — no app download needed.
🔒 Privacy: everything runs in your browser, your data is never sent to a server.