---
aliases:
- /doc/license/
- /license/
- /meta/license/
date: 2013-07-01
menu:
  main:
    parent: about
title: License
weight: 50
---

Hugo is released under the Simple Public License.

> *Note: There is a plan to switch to [Apache License, Version 2.0](http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0), for future Hugo releases.  This change would only apply forward.  Existing versions of Hugo will remain released under the SimPL-2.0 license.  For more information, see [the "Switching to Apache 2 license" thread in the public forum](http://discuss.gohugo.io/t/switching-to-apache-2-license/173).*

## Simple Public License (SimPL-2.0)

### Preamble

This Simple Public License 2.0 (SimPL-2.0 for short) is a plain language
implementation of GPL 2.0.  The words are different, but the goal is the
same - to guarantee for all users the freedom to share and change
software.  If anyone wonders about the meaning of the SimPL, they should
interpret it as consistent with GPL 2.0.


## Simple Public License (SimPL) 2.0

The SimPL applies to the software's source and object code and comes
with any rights that I have in it (other than trademarks). You agree to
the SimPL by copying, distributing, or making a derivative work of the
software.

 You get the royalty free right to:

-   Use the software for any purpose;
-   Make derivative works of it (this is called a "Derived Work");
-   Copy and distribute it and any Derived Work.

If you distribute the software or a Derived Work, you must give back to
the community by:

-   Prominently noting the date of any changes you make;
-   Leaving other people's copyright notices, warranty disclaimers, and
    license terms in place;
-   Providing the source code, build scripts, installation scripts, and
    interface definitions in a form that is easy to get and best to
    modify;
-   Licensing it to everyone under SimPL, or substantially similar terms
    (such as GPL 2.0), without adding further restrictions to the rights
    provided;
-   Conspicuously announcing that it is available under that license.

There are some things that you must shoulder:

-   You get NO WARRANTIES. None of any kind;
-   If the software damages you in any way, you may only recover direct
    damages up to the amount you paid for it (that is zero if you did
    not pay anything). You may not recover any other damages, including
    those called "consequential damages." (The state or country where
    you live may not allow you to limit your liability in this way, so
    this may not apply to you);

The SimPL continues perpetually, except that your license rights end
automatically if:

-   You do not abide by the "give back to the community" terms (your
    licensees get to keep their rights if they abide);
-   Anyone prevents you from distributing the software under the terms
    of the SimPL.

## License for the License

You may do anything that you want with the SimPL text; it's a license
form to use in any way that you find helpful.  To avoid confusion,
however, if you change the terms in any way then you may not call your
license the Simple Public License or the SimPL (but feel free to
acknowledge that your license is "based on the Simple Public License").
