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What is the GPL license? Key principles GPL inheritance Costs associated Commercial use Why GPL matters for users Common myths FAQs Getting started

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WordPress Guide → Development → License

WordPress license: what is GPL?

WordPress is free to use, but what does “free” actually mean in this context? If you’ve come across terms like “GPL” or “open-source license,” you’re in the right place. Understanding the WordPress license helps clarify what you’re allowed to do with your site, your plugins, and even your custom code.

Let’s unpack what the GPL license means for WordPress users, developers, and business owners.

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What is the GPL license in WordPress?

WordPress is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), version 2 or later. This is a type of open-source software license that gives users the freedom to use, study, modify, and redistribute the code, whether for personal or commercial use.

When we say “free,” we mean free as in freedom, not necessarily free as in zero dollars. You’re free to use the WordPress software however you want, even for business, without asking permission or paying licensing fees.

The GPL also includes a key condition: if you distribute a modified version of WordPress (or any derivative work), you must also license it under the same GPL terms. This protects the open-source nature of the platform.

Key principles of the WordPress GPL

There are three foundational freedoms the GPL guarantees:

Freedom to use: You can use WordPress for any purpose, from a personal blog to an enterprise ecommerce store.
Freedom to modify: You can change the core code, fork your own version, or add new features.
Freedom to distribute: You’re allowed to share copies of WordPress or your modified version with others, as long as you include the GPL license.

There’s also no restriction on using WordPress commercially. You can build and sell websites, themes, or services without paying for a license.

GPL inheritance and plugin/theme licensing

Because themes and plugins rely on WordPress core functions to operate, they are considered derivative works. This means they also inherit the GPL license by default.

That’s why most WordPress themes and plugins, whether free or paid, are GPL-licensed. Some developers try to split-license their plugins (e.g., only licensing the PHP code as GPL), but this is a gray area in the community. The WordPress Foundation encourages full GPL compliance for compatibility and ethical distribution.

GPL doesn’t mean developers can’t earn money. Many paid plugins and themes charge for added features, customer support, or automatic updates—not for the software license itself.

Costs associated with using WordPress

Even though the WordPress software is free, launching a website does involve some typical expenses:

Web hosting: This is where your site lives. Hosting costs usually start around $5–$10/month for shared plans, or more for managed or VPS hosting.
Domain name: A custom domain (like yourwebsite.com) typically costs $10–$15/year.
Premium plugins and themes: While many are free, advanced options often have one-time or subscription fees.
Custom development: Hiring a developer or designer to build a custom theme or feature will also increase your costs.

None of these are license fees; you’re not paying to use WordPress itself.

Commercial use and trademark rules

You can use WordPress to make money in any way you choose. There’s no special commercial license, and no need to pay Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com)

However, the WordPress trademark is a different story. “WordPress” is a registered trademark owned by the WordPress Foundation. That means:

You can’t use “WordPress” in a domain name like wordpressstore.com.
You can’t brand a business, product, or service as “WordPress-something” without permission.

If you want to use the WordPress name or logo commercially, you’ll need to follow the WordPress trademark policy.

Why GPL matters for users and developers

The GPL is one of the biggest reasons WordPress became the most popular CMS in the world. Here’s why it matters:

For users: You’re not locked into a vendor or platform. You own your site and can move, copy, or customize it however you want.
For developers: You can build on top of WordPress, reuse open-source code, and contribute back to the ecosystem.
For the community: The GPL fosters transparency, innovation, and a level playing field.

It’s the license that makes WordPress powerful, portable, and accessible—especially for small businesses and nonprofits.

Common myths about the WordPress license

Let’s clear up a few popular misunderstandings:

Myth: You have to pay to use WordPress. False. The software is free. You only pay for add-ons like hosting or premium tools.
Myth: You can’t sell anything if you use GPL software. False. Many developers and agencies build profitable businesses selling GPL products or services.
Myth: GPL means no support or quality. Not true. Many premium GPL products come with excellent support and frequent updates. You’re paying for the service, not the license.
Myth: You’re allowed to remove all attributions from GPL themes/plugins. Not necessarily. The GPL protects freedom of use, not freedom from attribution. Check each theme/plugin’s terms before removing credits.

WordPress licensing FAQs

Yes. WordPress is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), version 2 or later. This license governs how you can use, share, and modify the software.

It costs $0. WordPress is open-source and free to use under the GPL. You never have to pay for the license.

WordPress software is free. But building and running a WordPress site may include paid elements like hosting, domain registration, and optional plugins or themes.

WordPress uses the GNU General Public License, version 2 (or any later version). It’s a free software license that protects user freedoms.

Next steps for understanding the WordPress license

The WordPress GPL license ensures you have the freedom to build, customize, and share without limits. Whether you’re a developer, blogger, or business owner, understanding these rules helps you use WordPress with confidence.

If you’re just starting out, take a moment to review the plugins and themes you use. Make sure they align with GPL principles so you can build your site freely and legally.

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