ClassicEditor .create(document.querySelector('#editor'), licenseKey: 'YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE' ) .catch(error => console.error(error));

The GPL license applies to the entire editor, including the core. Even basic features (like bold, italic, lists) fall under GPL unless you purchase a commercial license and use the license key.

To understand the license key, you first must understand the software license itself.

Roughly 5,000 editor loads per month, with options for additional loads (~$45 per 1,000 extra).

You configured premium plugins in your build but forgot to provide the commercial license key.

Once you have your key, adding it is straightforward.

Navigate to the or "License Keys" tab to copy your unique production or development key.

You can start with a 30-day free trial that provides a temporary license key to test premium features.

| Myth | Reality | |------|---------| | “I need a license key to use CKEditor 5 at all.” | False — the GPL version requires no key. | | “The license key is just a formality.” | False — it’s a legal and technical requirement for commercial use and premium features. | | “My key works across multiple domains.” | Depends on your license tier. Some keys are domain-locked, others are developer licenses. Check your agreement. | | “I can hide the license warning and be fine.” | No — the missing key is logged, and CKSource actively checks for compliance. |