CKEditor 5 requires a to activate the editor and its premium features. While the core editor is available under the GPL open-source license , a license key is mandatory for commercial use and to unlock specialized plugins like real-time collaboration or export-to-PDF. 🔑 Types of License Keys GPL License Key : Use the string 'GPL' in your configuration. For projects compliant with the GPL v2+ license. Includes basic editor features without premium plugins. Trial License Key : Valid for 14 days . Grants full access to premium features for testing. Obtained via the CKEditor Ecosystem Dashboard . Commercial/LTS License Key : Required for private or commercial software. Provided upon purchase or agreement with CKSource. Includes Long Term Support (LTS) and security updates. 🛠️ Where to Apply the Key
: Removes GPL restrictions and unlocks premium plugins. 2. CKEditor 5 Commercial License Tiers
Dedicated SLA technical support from the CKEditor engineering team.
Now, let's get to the practical part. The process for obtaining a license key is straightforward, whether you're starting a free trial or purchasing a commercial license.
import ClassicEditor from '@ckeditor/ckeditor5-editor-classic'; import Essentials from '@ckeditor/ckeditor5-essentials'; import Paragraph from '@ckeditor/ckeditor5-paragraph'; import Bold, Italic from '@ckeditor/ckeditor5-basic-styles'; ClassicEditor .create( document.querySelector( '#editor' ), plugins: [ Essentials, Paragraph, Bold, Italic ], toolbar: [ 'bold', 'italic' ], // Highlight-start licenseKey: 'gpl' // Highlight-end ) .then( editor => console.log( 'Editor initialized successfully under GPL license.', editor ); ) .catch( error => console.error( error ); ); Use code with caution. Example 2: Commercial Configuration ckeditor 5 license key
If you are eligible for the GPL version, you can use the generic key: 'GPL' . However, it is highly recommended to check the official CKEditor 5 License documentation for the most current specific string required for open-source activation.
A common concern among developers is exposing their paid commercial license key in the frontend source code, as anyone can view it via the browser's "Inspect Element" tool. Is Frontend Exposure Safe?
You can use CKEditor 5 for free without a license key under the GPL v2+ license.
: Check your usage in the Customer Portal. If you are on a free plan (1,000 loads per month), consider upgrading to a paid plan with higher limits, or monitor your usage to stay within the free tier. CKEditor 5 requires a to activate the editor
Your project is proprietary, commercial, or closed-source (you cannot or will not release your code under GPL).
Ensure your commercial account settings with CKSource restrict your license key so it only functions on your official production and staging domains. This prevents third parties from copying your key and using it on unauthorized websites. 6. Troubleshooting Common License Key Errors
Depending on your project's environment and needs, different keys are available: Production License Key
If you cannot or do not want to release your application's source code under the GPL, you must purchase a commercial license. For projects compliant with the GPL v2+ license
<CKEditor editor= ClassicEditor config= licenseKey: 'YOUR-LICENSE-KEY-HERE'
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const editorConfig = licenseKey: 'your-license-key-here', toolbar: ['bold', 'italic', ';