License

This page explains the license types that apply to each component of Instill Core Community Edition (CE) — the open-source version of our modular AI platform.

Instill Core CE is free to use, self-host, and customize. It includes key infrastructure components under either the Instill Community License or the MIT License.

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This page refers to Instill Core CE only. For commercial production use, managed deployments, or enterprise support, please contact us.

License Types

Instill AI uses a dual-licensing model for Instill Core CE. The table below outlines which components are licensed under:

Instill Community License – a permissive license for open-source use, with limitations on SaaS redistribution.
MIT License – a widely used open-source license with minimal restrictions.

	Pipeline	Model	Artifact	Console	Component	CLI	SDK
Instill Community License	✅	✅	✅	✅
MIT License					✅	✅	✅

About Instill Community License

The Instill Community License is a simple, non-copyleft license, allowing for the right to "use, copy, distribute, make available, and prepare derivative works of the software”. The license allows the free right to use, modify, create derivative works, and redistribute, with three simple limitations:

You may not provide the products to others as a managed service.
You may not circumvent the license key functionality or remove/obscure features protected by license keys.
You may not remove or obscure any licensing, copyright, or other notices.

If you want to use Instill Core CE without these limitations, or if you need it for a production environment with premium support and maintenance, please contact us at [email protected].

License FAQ

Why the Instill Community License?

Our goal is to democratize AI, making it accessible to all. To accomplish this, we've made the fundamental features of Instill Core CE freely available, with source code accessible to everyone. This approach ensures the sustainability of our business while promoting openness. Hence, we've introduced the Instill Community License, which is highly permissive. This license not only allows us to offer users free access to our source code and the ability to modify it, but also safeguards our project from being exploited by other companies for profit.

Why Are the Other Components Open Source?

We want Instill Core to be an open platform that integrates seamlessly with other tooling and services. Whether it's a data connector, application, or AI model, open source is the best way to foster ecosystem integration.

How Do I Contribute to Instill Core?

Anyone can contribute to any repositories of Instill Core (including features under the Instill Community License). We are introducing a Contributor License Agreement that you will have to sign with your first contribution.

My Company Has a Policy Against Using Code that Restricts Commercial Use - Can I Still Use Instill Core?

Yes — you can use any software under the Instill Community License for your commercial business, as long as you do not offer it as a hosted service.

I'm Building an Application on Top of Instill Core, How Does It Work for Me?

You can use Instill Core CE in commercial apps, as long as Instill Core CE itself is not the managed service you are offering.

Can You Provide Some Examples of What isn't Allowed Under the Instill Community License?

There aren't many things you can't do with Instill Core CE that are under the Instill Community License. Here are some examples:

Self-host Instill Core CE and charge people money to access it.
Sell a product that directly exposes the UI or API of Instill Core CE.
White-label Instill Core CE and sell it as a product.

If you are still not sure whether your use cases are permitted or not, please email us at [email protected].