n8n is [fair-code](http://faircode.io) licensed under [Apache 2.0 with Commons Clause](https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/blob/master/packages/cli/LICENSE.md)
No, according to the definition of the [Open Source Initiative (OSI)](https://opensource.org/osd),
n8n is not open-source. The reason is that the [Commons Clause](https://commonsclause.com) which takes away some rights got attached to the Apache 2.0 license.
The source code is however open and people and companies can use it for free.
What is however not allowed is to make money directly with n8n. So you can, for example, not charge
The support part is mainly there because it was already in the license and I am not a lawyer. So to make it simpler, I hereby grant anybody the right to do consulting/support without prior permission as long as it is less than 30,000 USD ($30k) per year.
And even though people can theoretically contribute to a project are the main drivers which push a project
forward the most time very few and normally the creators or the company behind the project. So to make sure that the project improves and stays alive long term did the Commons Clause get attached. That makes sure that no other person/company can make money directly with n8n. Especially not in the way it is planned
to finance further development. For 99.99% of the people it will not make any difference at all but at
Started already with the first very small monthly contributions via [Open Collective](https://opencollective.com/n8n). It is not much yet as revenue is zero and profit in minus but it is at least a start. I hope to be able to ramp that up substantially over time.