Licensing
CH-UI dual-license model - open source core and commercial Pro modules
CH-UI uses a dual-license model: open source core + commercial Pro modules.
CH-UI Core (Community Edition)
License: Apache License 2.0
The core of CH-UI is free and open source. This includes:
- SQL Editor
- Data Explorer
- Saved Queries
- Single ClickHouse connection
- Tunnel connector (
ch-ui connect) - Embedded web frontend
- All CLI commands
You can use, modify, and distribute CH-UI Core freely under the Apache 2.0 license.
CH-UI Pro
License: Commercial (proprietary)
Pro modules extend CH-UI with advanced features:
- Dashboards and panel builder
- Scheduled query jobs
- Brain AI assistant
- Governance, access, and policy controls
- Admin panel
- Multi-connection management
- Alerts (SMTP, Resend, Brevo)
Pro features require a valid license file. Licenses are per-deployment and include a customer name, expiration date, and feature set.
How to Activate
- Open CH-UI in your browser
- Go to Settings > License
- Paste or upload your license file
- Pro features unlock immediately
How to Get a License
Visit the pricing page or contact c.ricciuti@ch-ui.com.
License Boundary
The licensing boundary is clear and scope-separated:
- Core files (Apache 2.0): everything in the repository except Pro module handlers
- Pro module handlers:
internal/server/handlers/for dashboards, schedules, brain, admin, governance — these are proprietary - Frontend Pro components: UI components gated behind the Pro license check
The Pro license check is enforced both server-side (HTTP 402 middleware) and client-side (UI gate).
FAQ
Can I use CH-UI Core in production? Yes, freely. Apache 2.0 allows commercial use.
Can I modify CH-UI Core? Yes. You must retain the copyright notice and license.
Do I need Pro for a single ClickHouse connection? No. Core supports one connection out of the box.
What happens when a Pro license expires? Pro features become locked. Core features continue working. Your data is never lost.