tl;drLegal
tl;drLegal summarizes popular software licenses in plain English for quick reference.
About tl;drLegal
tl;drLegal is a web reference that summarizes popular software licenses in plain English so developers can look up key terms at a glance instead of reading full license texts. Its library includes licenses such as GPL-2.0, Apache-2.0, MPL-1.1, EPL-1.0, CPL-1.0, and the OpenSSL License, and some entries are labeled as verified content.
The site is operated by FOSSA, an open source management platform, and provides a message form where visitors can suggest a license for the library. The homepage does not state pricing or list the full set of licenses covered.
Key features
- Plain-English summaries of popular open source software licenses
- At-a-glance lookup for licenses such as GPL-2.0, Apache-2.0 and MPL-1.1
- Verified content labels on some license entries
- Message form for suggesting a license to add
- Operated by FOSSA, an open source management platform
Best for: Developers and teams who need a quick plain-English reference to common open source license terms.
Good for
- Summaries are written in plain English for quick reference
- Covers widely used licenses including GPL-2.0, Apache-2.0 and MPL-1.1
- Some license entries are marked as verified content
Watch out for
- Content is presented as at-a-glance summaries rather than full license text
- Coverage is limited to the licenses in the library, with additions requested through a message form
tl;drLegal at a glance
- Website
- tldrlegal.com
- Category
- Development › Developer Tools
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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tl;drLegal FAQ
What is tl;drLegal?
It is a website that summarizes popular software licenses in plain English so they can be looked up at a glance.
Who operates tl;drLegal?
The site states it is brought to you by FOSSA, described as an open source management platform.
Can I ask for a license to be added?
Yes. The site provides a message form for suggesting licenses and says it will reach out in response.
Is something wrong or out of date?
Tell us and an editor will check it.
Own this website?
Claim this listing
Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.