Envato CodeCanyon Licenses Regular vs. Extended Which One Do You Need

When purchasing digital products like scripts, plugins, themes, and mobile app templates from Envato CodeCanyon, one of the most common questions buyers have is about licensing. Envato offers two types of licenses Regular License and Extended License. Understanding the difference between these two licenses is crucial for developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses to ensure they use the purchased items legally and effectively.

In this guide, we will break down the key differences between Regular License and Extended License, explore their use cases, and help you determine which one best suits your project.

What Is Envato CodeCanyon
Envato CodeCanyon is a popular marketplace where developers sell scripts, mobile app templates, plugins, and software solutions. Buyers can purchase these digital products to accelerate their project development without building everything from scratch. CodeCanyon provides high-quality software components for web and mobile applications, making it a go-to platform for startups, freelancers, and businesses looking for cost-effective solutions.

What Is a License
A license is a legal agreement that defines how a buyer can use a digital product. It outlines the rights and limitations of the purchased item. When you buy a script or software from Envato CodeCanyon, you are not purchasing ownership of the code you are buying the right to use it under specific conditions.

Envato’s Two Types of Licenses Regular vs. Extended

Regular License
The Regular License is the most commonly purchased license on Envato CodeCanyon. It is designed for projects where the end users do not have to pay to access the final product.

Allowed Uses of a Regular License
- Personal projects
- Business websites or applications that do not charge users
- Apps or websites that generate revenue through ads
- Internal company tools or applications

Limitations of a Regular License
- You cannot sell the final product to end users
- You cannot charge users for access or subscription-based services
- You cannot redistribute, resell, or modify the item for resale

Example of Regular License Usage
If you purchase a WordPress theme under a Regular License and use it to build a website for your own business, that is allowed. Similarly, if you use an eCommerce script to build a store that generates revenue through product sales not charging for access to the store itself, the Regular License is sufficient.

Extended License
The Extended License is designed for projects where the end users pay to access the final product. This includes apps, websites, or platforms that require a subscription fee, membership fee, or one-time purchase.

Allowed Uses of an Extended License
- SaaS Software as a Service applications
- Membership-based websites
- Paid apps on Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Websites or applications where users must pay to access content or services

Limitations of an Extended License
- The purchased script or product cannot be resold as-is
- You cannot distribute or sell the code to multiple clients

Example of Extended License Usage
If you buy a classified marketplace script and use it to build a paid membership site where users must pay to post ads, you will need an Extended License. Similarly, if you create a subscription-based mobile app, you must purchase the Extended License.

Key Differences Between Regular and Extended License
Regular License
- Can be used for free projects Yes
- Can be used for paid subscription-based platforms No
- Can be used in SaaS applications No
- Can generate revenue through ads Yes
- Can be resold as a SaaS product No
- Can modify and use for personal business Yes

Extended License
- Can be used for free projects Yes
- Can be used for paid subscription-based platforms Yes
- Can be used in SaaS applications Yes
- Can generate revenue through ads Yes
- Can be resold as a SaaS product Yes
- Can modify and use for personal business Yes

How to Choose the Right License for Your Project

Is Your Project Free for End Users
- If users do not have to pay to access your platform, the Regular License is enough.
- If users must pay for access, you need an Extended License.

Are You Selling Access to Your App or Website
- If your business model involves selling subscriptions, memberships, or direct access to an app, you must buy an Extended License.

Are You Building a Personal Project
- If you are using the script for a personal or business website that does not charge users, the Regular License is sufficient.

Do You Plan to Monetize Through Ads
- Both licenses allow monetization through ads, so a Regular License works if this is your only revenue model.

Are You Launching a SaaS Business
- If your software is being offered as a SaaS Software as a Service product, an Extended License is required.

Common Misconceptions About Envato Licenses

If I buy a Regular License, I can later upgrade to an Extended License
- No, Envato does not offer license upgrades. If your project changes, you will need to purchase a new Extended License.

I can use the same license for multiple clients
- No, each license applies to a single project. If you are developing for multiple clients, each project needs its own license.

A Regular License is enough if I modify the script
- No, modification does not change the licensing requirements. The way the script is used determines whether a Regular or Extended License is needed.

Why Buying the Right License Is Important
Purchasing the correct Envato CodeCanyon license is crucial to avoid legal issues, project disruptions, and platform bans. Using a Regular License when an Extended License is required can lead to
- Legal action from the script developer
- Revocation of the product license
- Loss of support and updates from the developer
By selecting the right license, you ensure compliance with Envato’s terms and protect your project from future risks.

Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Regular License and Extended License depends entirely on how you plan to use the product. If you are building a free-to-use website or app, the Regular License is sufficient. However, if your project involves paid access, memberships, or SaaS, the Extended License is the right choice.

Before purchasing any item from Envato CodeCanyon, carefully evaluate your business model and licensing needs. By doing so, you can avoid unnecessary expenses, legal issues, and ensure smooth project execution.

If you are unsure which license to choose, consulting Envato’s official documentation or reaching out to the product’s developer can help you make the right decision.

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