Qt license

[RafaelFernandez1]

AppStudio for ArcGIS is based on Qt 5.6.0. However Qt itself is usually licensed under LGPL. It means if we publish our Android APP via Google Play store or Apple’s App Store, the final user must be able to replace the Qt Libraries. No one would do this for a mobile APP, but these are the rules which make sense if Qt is used for Device Creation in embedded market.

So I am wondering that in case of we would sell or distribute commercial apps using AppStudio for ArcGIS, if the license of Qt creator included in the AppStudio is totally proper according LGPL. Or if maybe the version of Qt included in AppStudio uses a commercial license instead the LGPL one. I don't know.

Anybody knows something about it?

Rafael

[ChrisLeSueur · Accepted solution]

Rafael,

The Qt Company has granted Esri the authority to embed the free version of Qt Creator in AppStudio. Although the free version is embedded, it is not subject to the LGPL due to the license rights that Esri negotiated with The Qt Company. For users that want to create fee bearing apps, The Qt Company requires that the Qt SDK be purchased. This requirement is not a function of LGPL terms, but is rather a requirement of The Qt Company.

The Qt Company has several Commercial licensing options https://www.qt.io/buy-product-step-2/ , including a plan for smaller startups https://www.qt.io/start-up-plan/ .

Also, see the diagram on this page for when you need an AppStudio, ArcGIS Runtime, and/or Qt Commercial license. https://doc.arcgis.com/en/appstudio/create-apps/licenseappstudio.htm

-Chris

[RafaelFernandez1]

Thanks Chris, it exactly is what I was looking for.

Rafael