Use of the SixLabors.ImageSharp library in a non-open-source but free-to-use project

[GarryPatchett]

I would like to use the SixLabors.ImageSharp library in a project of mine but I’m unsure of the licencing situation.

My project, QuickVectors.FSharp, can be found here https://github.com/GarryPatchett/QuickVectors.FSharp and, while it’s not an open-source project (and probably never will be), people can use it for free, commercially or otherwise.

I’m unsure as to what type of licence I would need, or how I would go about using the licence and keeping it up-to-date.

I can’t pay for a licence as I’m maintaining the software as a sole (hobbyist) developer and am not having any monetary gain from doing so.

I read the information here https://sixlabors.com/posts/licence-enforcement-changes/ but I don’t seem to fit into any of the categories as stated – I’m not an organisation of any kind but the software will also not be open-source.

I also read (what I could understand of) the discussion here #2151 and as an independent developer it would seem like I could get a community licence but I don’t want to get into trouble later by making an incorrect assumption now.

If you can advise and help me further with this issue then I would be grateful.

Thanks in advance.

[JimBobSquarePants]

Hi @GarryPatchett,

You're absolutely fine to use ImageSharp for this.

The wording on the Community License application is perhaps a little too focused on organisations, but the Six Labors Split License explicitly covers individuals as well. As an independent developer maintaining a free, non-commercial project, you do not need to purchase a commercial license.

Just apply for a Community License at https://licensing.sixlabors.com/ using QuickVectors.FSharp as the project and include what you've explained here in the application. You'll receive a 90-day key automatically while the application is reviewed, followed by the Community License once approved.

The license key is only required when building the project that directly references ImageSharp. Users consuming QuickVectors.FSharp do not need their own Six Labors license or key, as ImageSharp is a transitive dependency for them.

So there's no issue with QuickVectors.FSharp itself remaining closed source or with people using it commercially.

Cheers

James

[GarryPatchett]

Hi @JimBobSquarePants

That’s great news, thanks.

Once I’m convinced that I can do what I need to do – beyond the basic checks that I’ve already done – I’ll apply for a licence as you suggest.

Also, unless you tell me otherwise, I’ll add a link in my project and package documentation to the SixLabors website, for attribution etc.

Cheers.