Navigate to the official CKEditor pricing or registration page.
Because CKEditor 5 runs on the client side (in the user's browser), your license key will inherently be visible in your compiled JavaScript source code. CKEditor's licensing system accounts for this reality.
ClassicEditor .create( document.querySelector( '#editor' ), plugins: [ /* your core and premium plugins */ ], toolbar: [ /* your toolbar items */ ], // Highlight-start licenseKey: 'YOUR_UNIQUE_COMMERCIAL_LICENSE_KEY_HERE' // Highlight-end ) .then( editor => console.log( 'Commercial Editor initialized successfully.' ); ) .catch( error => console.error( error ); ); Use code with caution. Best Practice: Using Environment Variables ckeditor 5 license key
Implementing your license key is straightforward. You must pass the licenseKey property into the initialization configuration object of your CKEditor 5 instance. Here are examples for common deployment methods. JavaScript / TypeScript (Vanilla) javascript
The Ultimate Guide to CKEditor 5 License Keys: Commercial, Open Source, and Activation Explained Navigate to the official CKEditor pricing or registration
Yes, for any installation using premium features, a license key is required. The good news is that the on-premises version does not require a constant internet connection for the editor to function, though periodic online validation may be needed for premium services, depending on your plan.
The tells the editor, "This user has paid for/is authorized to use these advanced features," allowing them to run in a production environment. Open Source vs. Premium License ClassicEditor
Activating advanced plugins like Real-Time Collaboration, Track Changes, Export to PDF/Word, and AI Assistant requires a valid commercial key.
The CKEditor 5 Builder can help you generate a preset with the plugins you need enabled.
Your entire application must also be open-source under a GPL-compatible license.
Before you hunt for a key, you must understand the licensing landscape. CKEditor 5 is a single product. It is distributed under two different licenses: