Do I have to open-source my code if I use BSD-3-Clause?

No. BSD-3-Clause never requires you to disclose your source.

Does running BSD-3-Clause software as a SaaS require source disclosure?

No. Hosting is not distribution under BSD-3-Clause; running it as a service does not trigger source disclosure.

Is BSD-3-Clause compatible with the GPL?

Yes — compatible with the GPL.

BSD 3-Clause (BSD-3-Clause) — obligations and compatibility

Key facts

SPDX id: BSD-3-Clause
Category: Permissive
Copyleft scope: none
Express patent grant: No
SaaS triggers disclosure: No
GPL-compatible: Yes — compatible with the GPL.

Obligations

When redistributing as open source.

BSD-3-Clause: retain the copyright notice and license text.
BSD-3-Clause: do not use the names of contributors to endorse derived products.

Commercial use

Yes. Commercial use is permitted; retain the copyright notice and license text.

BSD-3-Clause: retain the copyright notice and license text.
BSD-3-Clause: do not use the names of contributors to endorse derived products.

Permissive: include notices (Apache also needs NOTICE + change statements). Weak copyleft: disclose only the modified library/files and, for LGPL static linking, provide a relink path. Strong copyleft (GPL): NOT possible to keep proprietary if GPL code is in the derivative work. AGPL: same as GPL plus network rules.

FAQ

Can I use BSD-3-Clause in a commercial product?: Yes. Commercial use is permitted; retain the copyright notice and license text.
Do I have to open-source my code if I use BSD-3-Clause?: No. BSD-3-Clause never requires you to disclose your source.
Does running BSD-3-Clause software as a SaaS require source disclosure?: No. Hosting is not distribution under BSD-3-Clause; running it as a service does not trigger source disclosure.
Is BSD-3-Clause compatible with the GPL?: Yes — compatible with the GPL.

Compatibility with other licenses

Open the checker with BSD-3-Clause selected