If you’ve ever browsed CodeCanyon or any other Envato Market site, you’ve probably been faced with that infamous dropdown: Regular License or Extended License. At first glance, it’s not always clear what the difference is — and let’s be honest, the brief definitions on the site don’t do much to clear up the confusion. So, which one should you pick? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. Whether you're a solo developer working on client projects, a startup building a SaaS product, or even just someone experimenting with scripts for fun, understanding the licensing terms is absolutely crucial. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a legal tangle or have to pay for another license later just because you clicked the wrong option. In this guide, I’ll break everything down in plain English — no legal jargon, no vague definitions. Just real-life use cases, examples, and a clear roadmap to help you decide when the Regular License is enough, and when you need to spring for the Extended License.

Before we get into the specifics of the Regular vs Extended License, it’s important to understand the broader concept of what CodeCanyon licenses actually are. When you purchase a digital product from CodeCanyon—whether it’s a WordPress plugin, a PHP script, a JavaScript tool, or even an app template—you’re not buying the product outright in the traditional sense. Instead, you're purchasing a license that grants you the legal right to use that product under specific terms and conditions. CodeCanyon is part of the larger Envato Market, which is a global marketplace for creative assets, and every single product listed there comes with a license agreement that governs its use.

These licenses serve as legally binding agreements between the product creator (also known as the “author”) and you, the buyer. They outline what you're allowed to do with the product, where and how you can use it, and under what circumstances. The key thing to understand here is that buying a product doesn’t mean you own it outright—it means you’re being granted permission to use it within clearly defined boundaries. For example, some licenses only allow you to use the product in a personal or client project, while others allow commercial use, reselling, or integration into a paid platform.

Understanding this framework is essential because using a script or template beyond what the license allows isn’t just a technical or ethical misstep—it can be a serious legal issue. You could find yourself liable for copyright infringement, forced to take your product offline, or worse, end up in a legal dispute. That’s why CodeCanyon offers different types of licenses, such as the Regular and Extended License, to suit various use cases—from hobbyist developers to commercial product owners. So, while the concept of licensing may seem like small print or something to gloss over, it’s actually a critical part of working with digital assets in a professional or monetized setting.

When it comes to choosing between the Regular and Extended License on CodeCanyon, most buyers default to the Regular License—and for good reason. It’s the more affordable, more widely applicable, and generally sufficient for the majority of non-commercial or client-based use cases. But what exactly does a Regular License allow you to do?

In simple terms, the Regular License is meant for personal use, non-commercial projects, or client work that doesn’t involve reselling or charging users for access. It gives you permission to use the product—whether it's a script, plugin, theme, or app template—in a single end product. You can modify it, customize it, and even launch it as a live project, but the final product must be free to access for your users. You’re also allowed to use it in internal tools (like a dashboard for a company), or for a website that provides content or services at no cost.

A helpful way to think about it is like this: a Regular License is your pass to build something cool, functional, and professional, but not something you plan to monetize. It’s kind of like a “for-your-eyes-only” or “for-free-use-only” deal. You can build impressive tools, websites, or platforms using a CodeCanyon product, but as long as you’re not charging users to access, subscribe, or engage with your finished product, you’re still operating within the Regular License boundaries.

This license is perfect for:

1. 1. Developers building a website or app for a client, where the site is free to use.
2. 2. Hobbyists or learners creating side projects, portfolios, or demos.
3. 3. Businesses creating internal tools that are not publicly available or monetized.
4. 4. Creators launching free mobile or web apps that include no monetization features.

However, it’s crucial to remember:

if at any point your product begins to generate revenue directly through access—whether through subscriptions, memberships, downloads, or in-app purchases—then the Regular License no longer applies. You’ll need to upgrade to an Extended License to stay compliant.

So while the Regular License covers a wide range of use cases and is the go-to for many developers and creators, it does come with very clear limitations. And knowing where those boundaries lie is essential to avoiding license violations down the road.

Now that we’ve covered the Regular License, let’s talk about the other side of the coin: the Extended License. This is where the concept of Regular vs Extended License really starts to make sense—because the Extended License is all about commercial use. If your end product is something you plan to sell, monetize, or charge users to access, then you’ll almost certainly need an Extended License. It’s designed specifically for products and services where money changes hands—either directly or indirectly.

With an Extended License, you're granted more flexibility and broader usage rights. For example, if you're building a SaaS platform (Software as a Service), a paid mobile app, a premium website theme, or any kind of tool or platform that people pay to use or access, the Extended License is what keeps you legally safe. It gives you the right to take that script or template, modify it, and turn it into a product that generates revenue, whether that’s through one-time sales, subscriptions, in-app purchases, or membership access.

This license is ideal for:

1. 1. A startup launching a paid tool or application.
2. 2. Developers creating a commercial WordPress theme or plugin for resale.
3. 3. Agencies offering a white-labeled product to multiple clients.
4. 4. Entrepreneurs building a mobile app with paid features or ad monetization.
5. 5. Anyone planning to resell or redistribute the final product for profit.

One important detail:

Just like the Regular License, the Extended License still limits you to a single end product—but that product can now be monetized. However, you can’t buy one license and sell multiple copies or versions of the product to multiple users (unless the product author allows this under special terms). You also can’t resell the original source files—only the end product you’ve built using it.

Yes, the Extended License usually costs significantly more—sometimes even 10 to 20 times the price of the Regular License—but it’s a necessary investment if your project is part of a business model. Not only does it protect you legally, but it also respects the work of the original developers and content creators who make these resources available in the first place.

In short, if your end product is tied to any form of revenue, the Extended License isn’t optional—it’s essential.

The difference between a Regular License and an Extended License goes far beyond just the price tag—though that’s often the first thing people notice. The real distinction lies in a whole set of usage rules, resale rights, and restrictions on user access. This is precisely where most confusion arises for buyers, and why understanding these differences is absolutely crucial before making a purchase.

To put it simply, these two licenses define how, where, and under what circumstances you can use the product. The Regular License typically limits you to projects that are non-commercial or free to users, whereas the Extended License opens the door for commercial use, including charging end users or reselling the product. But beyond that, there are subtle and important differences in things like the number of allowed end users, whether you can redistribute the product as part of a package, and even how the product can be integrated into other systems.

Whether you’re a freelance developer working on a client’s site, a startup launching a paid app, or a company building a SaaS platform, knowing these differences up front can save you from accidentally violating license terms—which can lead to serious legal consequences, costly fines, or forced shutdowns of your project.

To make things clearer, here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown of the key differences between Regular and Extended Licenses.

By understanding these points, you can make a more informed decision about which license fits your needs—saving you money, headaches, and potential legal troubles down the line. This clarity also helps you respect the developers’ rights while using their work responsibly.

Deciding between the Regular and Extended License on CodeCanyon becomes much easier once you clearly understand your project’s goals and how you plan to use the product. The choice boils down to one core question: Are you building something just for yourself, your team, or a client where you won’t be charging users directly? If the answer is yes, then the Regular License is almost always the right fit. This license covers personal projects, internal tools, free websites, or client sites where no direct monetization happens.

However, if you’re planning to charge users for access, whether through subscriptions, one-time purchases, in-app payments, or memberships, then the Extended License is the necessary step. This license is designed for commercial projects—think startups launching a paid SaaS tool, developers building premium plugins or themes for resale, or entrepreneurs creating mobile apps with paid features. The extended license protects you legally and ensures you’re compliant with Envato’s policies while making money from the product.

Choosing the wrong license isn’t just a minor slip-up; it can lead to serious consequences. Envato’s licensing rules are enforced strictly, and if they find you’ve used a Regular License product commercially without upgrading, you could face warnings, removal of your product, or even legal action. Beyond that, misusing licenses disrespects the work of the developers who created these digital assets, which is something the marketplace and its community take seriously.

To make this clearer, here are some common real-world scenarios and which license fits each:

1. 1. You’re building a personal blog, portfolio, or hobby project — Regular License.
2. 2. You’re creating a website or app for a client who won’t charge users — Regular License.
3. 3. You’re launching a SaaS platform where users subscribe monthly — Extended License.
4. 4. You’re developing a mobile app with in-app purchases or paid downloads — Extended License.
5. 5. You plan to resell a customized theme or plugin to multiple clients — Extended License.

Understanding your project’s end goal is key. Once you know whether money will be exchanged for access or use, you’ll be able to confidently pick the right license, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your project on the right side of the law.

When weighing Regular vs Extended License options on CodeCanyon, one of the most striking differences you’ll notice is the cost. The price gap between the two licenses can sometimes be surprisingly large, and that often causes confusion or hesitation for buyers. For example, a script or plugin might cost around $30 with a Regular License, but if you need the Extended License for commercial use, the price can soar to $800 or more. That’s more than a 25x increase in price!

At first glance, this jump might seem intimidating or even unfair, but there’s a solid reason behind it. The Extended License reflects the added value and risk involved in commercial usage. When you’re charging users, selling products, or running a business based on a CodeCanyon asset, you’re benefiting financially from the creator’s work. The higher price is a way to compensate the original developer for this commercial use, while also ensuring you’re legally covered.

Let’s break down what this price difference means practically:

1. 1. Regular License ($30-$60 typical range): Perfect for personal or client projects without direct monetization. Affordable and accessible, it lets you legally use and customize products for free user access.
2. 2. Extended License ($300-$1,000+ typical range): Required for commercial projects, paid apps, SaaS platforms, or anything that generates revenue. The higher cost covers licensing fees, ongoing support rights, and legal protections for commercial use.

Here are some real-world examples to put it in perspective:

The key takeaway? The Extended License is more than just a price—it’s a business investment. If you’re planning to monetize your project, paying that extra cost upfront can save you from legal troubles and ensure you’re respecting the creators’ rights. Always factor this into your project budget early on to avoid surprises down the road.