Is Blender Really Free and Open Source, and Can I Use It Commercially?
Yes. Blender is free and open source software, and you can use it commercially. According to blender.org, Blender is "a public project hosted on blender.org, licensed as GNU GPL, owned by its contributors," and for that reason it is "Free and Open Source software, forever." The GNU GPL permits commercial use of the software, so selling work you create in Blender — models, animations, renders, games, client projects — is allowed. The conditions below explain what "free" covers and where the GPL's obligations actually apply.
What "free and open source" means here
Two separate ideas are often mixed together:
- Free as in cost: You can download and use Blender without paying a license fee. The site presents it as free software, not a trial or a limited tier.
- Free as in freedom: The source code is publicly available under the GNU GPL, and the project is owned by its contributors rather than a single company.
The blender.org page states the project is "hosted on blender.org" and licensed as GNU GPL, which is the basis for both points.
Can you use Blender commercially?
Yes. The GPL is a free software license that permits commercial use. In practice this means:
| Activity | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Using Blender to create paid client work | Yes | Renders, models, animations, etc. are your output |
| Selling assets or products made in Blender | Yes | The license covers the software, not your artwork |
| Using Blender at a company or studio | Yes | No per-seat license fee is described |
| Redistributing Blender itself | Yes, with conditions | Must comply with GPL terms (see below) |
| Redistributing a modified Blender build | Yes, with conditions | Modified versions must also follow the GPL |
The key distinction: the GPL governs the software and its source code, not the files you produce with it. Your own creations are not automatically placed under the GPL just because you used Blender.
Where the GPL conditions matter
The GPL's obligations apply mainly when you distribute Blender or a modified version of it, not when you simply use it. If you only use Blender to make and sell content, you generally don't need to do anything special.
If you do redistribute the software or a modified build, the GPL requires that you:
- Provide the source code (or a written offer to provide it)
- Keep the same license for derivative versions
- Preserve copyright and license notices
For your own distribution needs, check the GPL terms directly rather than relying on a summary.
Common points of confusion
- "Free" doesn't mean "no rules." The software is free to use, but redistributing it carries license obligations.
- Your artwork isn't forced open source. Using a GPL tool does not make your output GPL-licensed.
- Commercial use isn't restricted. Nothing on the page suggests a paid commercial tier or a restriction on earning money with Blender.
Bottom line
Blender is free and open source under the GNU GPL, hosted on blender.org and owned by its contributors. You can use it commercially, and you can sell what you make with it. The GPL's requirements become relevant mainly if you redistribute Blender itself or a modified version — so if you're just creating and selling work, you're clear.