Licensing FAQ

Yarn Spinner is open source software. Here are answers to common questions about what that means for your projects.

What license is Yarn Spinner under

It depends on which part of Yarn Spinner you're using. Most of Yarn Spinner, including the core library and Yarn Spinner for Unity, is released under the MIT License, a permissive open source license. Yarn Spinner for Godot (GDScript) and Yarn Spinner for Unreal are released under the Yarn Spinner Public License (YSPL). Check the license file in the specific repository you're using if you're unsure.

Can I use Yarn Spinner in commercial projects

Yes! Both the MIT License and the Yarn Spinner Public License allow you to use Yarn Spinner in commercial projects, including games you sell. There are no royalties or fees required.

Do I need to credit Yarn Spinner

Both the MIT License and the YSPL require that the license text and copyright notice are included somewhere in your project (for example, in a licenses or credits screen). Beyond that, while not required, we always appreciate a mention if you'd like to give one!

Can I modify Yarn Spinner's source code

For MIT-licensed components (the core library, Yarn Spinner for Unity, and others), you're free to modify, extend, and adapt the source code and distribute your modified version, as long as the original license and copyright notice are retained. For YSPL-licensed components (Yarn Spinner for Godot GDScript and Yarn Spinner for Unreal), you can modify the source code for your own use, but check the YSPL terms for details on distributing modified versions.

Is Yarn Spinner free for educational use

Yes. Yarn Spinner is free for everyone, including students, teachers, and educational institutions. We love seeing Yarn Spinner used in classrooms and coursework.

Can I use Yarn Spinner in a game jam

Of course! Game jams are a great way to try out Yarn Spinner. There are no restrictions on using it in jams, whether they're competitive or just for fun.